Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Crestline, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, long-standing regional company that has expanded from electrical work into a premier solar and battery storage provider. They are known for professional service, high-quality installation, and extensive manufacturer partnerships, including SunPower. They explicitly serve the Inland Empire and surrounding mountain communities.
A well-established solar provider based in Riverside, CA, with a strong presence throughout Southern California, including the Inland Empire and San Bernardino County. They are known for their in-house financing options and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions, which is relevant for mountain areas like Crestline.
A more localized contractor based in the nearby Lake Arrowhead area, giving them specific expertise in the unique challenges of solar installation in the San Bernardino Mountains (e.g., snow load, forest canopy, permitting). They offer a personal, community-focused approach.
** The home solar market in Crestline, CA, is a specialized niche. The demand is driven by high electricity costs, a desire for energy independence (especially given potential power outages in the mountains), and strong environmental values. However, the market is characterized by several unique factors: * **Average Quality:** The quality of providers is generally high, as the challenging environment (snow, wind, trees) necessitates robust system design and installation. Companies that succeed here tend to be experienced and technically proficient. * **Competition Level:** Competition is moderate. While there are not dozens of installers physically located in Crestline itself, several strong regional players from the Inland Empire and specialized local mountain contractors actively compete for projects. This gives homeowners a good range of choices from large, well-financed companies to smaller, highly-specialized local experts. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is typically 10-20% higher than in nearby flatland areas like San Bernardino or Riverside. This premium is due to increased complexity: more challenging site assessments, potential need for specialized racking for steep roofs, considerations for snow load, and sometimes longer travel times for crews. The average system cost before incentives can range from **$25,000 to $45,000** for a typical residential installation, heavily dependent on system size, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage, which is a very popular addition in this area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Crestline regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Crestline, California.
Crestline's high elevation and abundant sunshine are excellent for solar production, especially in summer. However, winter snowfall can temporarily reduce output and requires proper system design, including a steeper tilt angle to help shed snow and durable racking. Installers familiar with the area will ensure your system meets local snow load requirements (often 60+ PSF) and is positioned to maximize year-round sun exposure despite the forested terrain.
System costs in Crestline are typically in line with California averages, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000+ before incentives for a typical home. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal tax credit, California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) which credits you for excess power sent to the grid, and property tax exclusions for the added home value. Given the higher-than-average electricity rates from Southern California Edison, solar provides significant long-term savings against rising utility costs.
Yes, installations require permits from the County of San Bernardino's Building and Safety Division, which enforces the California Building Code, including specific wind and snow load calculations for our mountain community. If your home is in a designated California Fire Hazard Severity Zone (which much of Crestline is), you may need additional clearances or specific equipment for fire safety. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing in the San Bernardino Mountains. They should understand local weather challenges, permit processes, and forest shading issues. Verify they are licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and check reviews from local customers. Ask for specific examples of past installations in Crestline and how they addressed snow load, roof integrity, and grid interconnection with Southern California Edison.
No, a standard grid-tied system automatically shuts off during an outage for safety. To have backup power, you must pair your solar panels with a battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a critical consideration in Crestline. When designing your system, discuss adding battery storage to ensure power security during winter storms and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.