Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Downey, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, long-standing company with deep roots in Southern California. They offer a comprehensive suite of services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, giving them access to some of the industry's most efficient solar panels and robust warranties.
A veteran-owned and operated company with a strong presence throughout California. They are known for their customer service and offer a wide range of products, including solar panels, battery backups, and roofing services. Their partnership with Tesla for Powerwall installation is a significant strength.
A large, nationally recognized company that brings the backing of the ADT brand. They focus on making solar accessible through various purchase, loan, and lease options. Their national scale allows for competitive pricing and a streamlined process.
** The home solar market in Downey, California, is robust and highly competitive. As a city within Los Angeles County with abundant sunshine and high electricity rates from Southern California Edison, Downey presents a prime market for solar adoption. The average quality of providers servicing the area is high, with numerous established, licensed, and well-reviewed contractors vying for business. **Competition Level:** High. Residents have a wide choice from large national companies (like ADT Solar) to strong regional leaders (like Baker Electric Home Energy and Semper Solaris). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Downey typically ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, highly dependent on system size (usually 5kW to 10kW for an average home), panel quality, and installation complexity. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Most reputable companies offer free consultations and detailed quotes, and are well-versed in all local and state incentives. **Key Consideration:** Downey homeowners should prioritize providers with strong local knowledge, specifically regarding the City of Downey's permit process and any specific utility interconnection requirements for Southern California Edison. The top providers identified have proven experience navigating this local landscape.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Downey regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Downey, California.
For a typical Downey home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, Downey homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0), which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. While there is no specific Downey city rebate, all residents are exempt from state sales tax on solar equipment and may qualify for property tax exclusions.
Downey's abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, makes it highly suitable for solar, with peak production in the spring and summer. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours more than compensate. Coastal influence means occasional morning June Gloom, but systems are designed to capture ample sun year-round, significantly offsetting high summer cooling costs from SCE.
All solar installations in Downey require an electrical permit and a building permit from the Downey Building & Safety Division. The process includes plan review to ensure compliance with the California Electrical Code and the California Residential Code. Crucially, Downey follows the state-mandated "Solar Rights Act," which generally prohibits homeowners associations (HOAs) from unreasonably denying solar installations.
Prioritize providers with a strong local presence, verified licenses (C-10 or C-46), and extensive experience with Downey's specific permit process and SCE interconnection. Check reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Contractors State License Board website. A trustworthy installer will provide a detailed production estimate specific to Downey's climate and a clear explanation of NEM 3.0 impacts on your savings.
Under NEM 3.0, SCE credits you for exported solar energy at a lower, time-of-use rate, making energy storage (batteries) more valuable. To maximize savings, a system designed for Downey should aim for high self-consumption—using your solar power directly during the day—and a battery can store excess for use during expensive evening peak hours. A good installer will model this specifically for SCE's rate plans.