Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Brea, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, locally-owned and operated solar and battery storage company serving Southern California, including Brea. They are known for high-quality custom designs, exceptional customer service, and being a Premier Installer for leading brands like SunPower and Tesla.
A well-regarded regional provider with a strong presence in Orange County. They offer a wide range of services, including solar, battery storage, and roofing, and are known for their military discounts and various financing options. They are a certified Tesla Powerwall installer.
As one of the nation's largest dedicated residential solar companies, Sunrun has a major operational footprint in Southern California. They are a top choice for homeowners seeking solar leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and have extensive knowledge of available incentives.
** The home solar market in Brea, California, is robust and highly competitive, characteristic of the greater Orange County area. The combination of abundant sunshine, high electricity rates from Southern California Edison, and state and federal incentives (like the federal ITC) creates a strong demand for residential solar. **Average Quality & Competition:** The market features a mix of large national players (like Sunrun) and highly respected local/regional specialists (like Baker Home Energy and Semper Solaris). This competition generally drives high service quality, but it necessitates thorough vetting by homeowners. Reputable providers in this market are typically well-licensed, insured, and hold certifications from manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, and Panasonic. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive. For a typical 6kW system, gross costs before incentives can range from **$18,000 to $28,000**, depending on the equipment tier, roof complexity, and installer. The prevalence of $0-down loan, lease, and PPA options makes solar accessible, but purchasing the system outright or with a loan generally provides the greatest long-term financial return. Most reputable companies offer free, no-obligation consultations and detailed quotes.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Brea regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Brea, California.
For a typical Brea home, a 6-8 kW solar system costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Beyond the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Brea homeowners benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) and the property tax exclusion for solar installations, meaning your system won't increase your property tax bill. Southern California Edison (SCE) is your utility provider, and they offer specific rebates and time-of-use rate plans that can optimize your savings.
Brea's abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, makes it excellent for solar. While the coastal "June Gloom" can bring morning marine layer clouds in late spring and early summer, production remains strong as panels still generate power in diffuse light and the afternoons are typically clear. The system is designed to account for seasonal variations, with peak production occurring in the sunnier, longer days of late summer and fall.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Brea and Orange County, as they will be familiar with SCE's interconnection process and Brea's specific permitting requirements. Ensure they are a licensed C-10 or C-46 California contractor, offer strong warranties (25 years on panels is standard), and can provide references from nearby installations. A reputable local installer will also handle all city permitting and inspections seamlessly.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months in Brea. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Brea's Community Development Department, the physical installation (1-3 days), and the final inspection and approval ("Permission to Operate") from Southern California Edison. Delays can occur during the permitting or SCE interconnection phases, which a seasoned local installer can help navigate efficiently.
Yes, fire safety is a critical local consideration. The City of Brea enforces the California Fire Code, which requires specific setbacks (clear access pathways) around the perimeter and ridge of your roof for firefighter access. A qualified Brea installer will design your system to comply with these mandatory setbacks. Furthermore, they will conduct a thorough roof inspection to ensure its integrity can support the system for decades.