Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Costa Mesa, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar and battery storage installer known for high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and comprehensive warranties. They provide full-service consultations, design, installation, and maintenance.
A veteran-owned company with a strong presence in Southern California. They offer a wide range of solar, battery, and roofing services. Known for their straightforward consultation process and strong focus on both grid-tied and backup power solutions, particularly with Tesla Powerwall installations.
A highly-rated, customer-focused local installer specializing in custom residential solar and storage systems. They are known for their personalized service, attention to detail, and expertise in navigating local Costa Mesa permits and incentives. They work with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
The home solar market in Costa Mesa is highly competitive and mature, characterized by a high density of qualified installers vying for business in a city with favorable solar conditions and above-average electricity costs. The average quality of providers is high, necessitating strong reputations and certifications to compete. Due to Southern California's high energy rates from utilities like SCE, the financial return on investment for solar remains strong. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, meaning an average 6 kW system costs between $16,800 and $21,000. The market is currently dominated by companies offering integrated battery storage solutions due to growing consumer interest in energy resilience and time-of-use rate management. Homeowners in Costa Mesa benefit from a strong understanding of state and federal incentives (like the 30% Federal ITC) among top-tier installers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Costa Mesa regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Costa Mesa, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Costa Mesa, the gross cost before incentives is typically between $18,000 and $25,000. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, Costa Mesa homeowners benefit from California's net metering policies (NEM 3.0) and the property tax exclusion for solar installations, ensuring added system value doesn't increase your property taxes.
Costa Mesa's abundant sunshine (over 275 sunny days per year) is excellent for solar production, though coastal marine layer "May Gray" and "June Gloom" can cause slight seasonal dips in morning output. The salty, humid ocean air can accelerate corrosion, so it's crucial to choose a provider that uses high-quality, corrosion-resistant equipment and includes regular cleaning in maintenance plans to prevent salt buildup.
All solar installations in Costa Mesa require an electrical permit and a building permit from the Costa Mesa Building Division, which adheres to the 2022 California Electrical Code and the 2022 California Building Code. The process includes a plan review and inspections. For homes in historic districts or with homeowner associations (HOAs), additional design approvals may be needed, but California's Solar Rights Act significantly limits an HOA's ability to deny a system.
Prioritize local, licensed California C-10 or C-46 solar contractors with extensive experience installing under Costa Mesa's specific permitting and interconnection rules (with Southern California Edison). Check for strong reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Contractors State License Board website, and insist on multiple detailed quotes that clearly outline equipment brands, warranty terms (25-year is standard for panels), and projected production specific to your roof's orientation.
While not essential, adding battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall) is now highly advantageous under NEM 3.0. The new policy significantly reduces the credit you receive for exporting excess solar to the grid, making it more economical to store that energy for use in the evening during peak SCE rates (4-9 pm). A battery also provides crucial backup power during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) or grid outages, which can affect our region.