Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Duarte, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company with a strong reputation for high-quality residential solar and battery installations. They are known for personalized customer service, expert system design, and deep knowledge of local permitting and incentives, including those specific to the Duarte area.
A reputable, veteran-owned company with a significant presence throughout Southern California. They are a certified Tesla Powerwall installer and offer strong financing options. Their business model emphasizes a full-service approach from consultation to maintenance.
A highly-awarded and reviewed solar installer based in Glendale, serving the entire Los Angeles basin, including Duarte. They are known for premium system design, high-efficiency panels, and competitive pricing. They have strong manufacturer partnerships and offer comprehensive warranties.
** The home solar market in Duarte, California, is competitive and mature, characterized by high-quality service providers. Due to Southern California's abundant sunshine and historically high electricity rates from SCE (Southern California Edison), solar adoption is very popular. The average quality of installers serving Duarte is high, as the market demands expertise with local building codes, SCE's interconnection process, and state incentives like the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program. Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Duarte ranges from **$3.00 to $4.00 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. For an average-sized 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$18,000 to $24,000**. Most reputable companies offer $0-down financing options, making solar accessible, though cash purchases yield the highest long-term savings. Consumers are advised to get multiple quotes and verify contractor licenses with the CSLB.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Duarte regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Duarte, California.
For a typical Duarte home, a 6-8 kW solar system currently averages between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, California homeowners can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with state-specific benefits. While Duarte itself doesn't have a city-specific rebate, you are automatically enrolled in the state's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program with Southern California Edison (SCE), and you may qualify for income-based incentives like the California Solar Initiative's Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program.
Duarte's abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, makes it excellent for solar. Production peaks in the long, clear summer days. However, the "Sunset Season" (late fall and winter) brings shorter days, lower sun angles, and occasional Santa Ana winds that can deposit dust, temporarily reducing output. This seasonal variation is normal, and a well-designed system will over-produce in summer to build credits with SCE to offset your usage during these lower-production months.
Yes, all solar installations in Duarte require a permit from the City's Building and Safety Division. The process typically involves submitting plans for plan check. Key local considerations include compliance with the California Fire Code's required pathways for rooftop access (setbacks) and ensuring your system's design meets the aesthetic guidelines of any applicable HOA covenants. Reputable local installers will manage this entire permitting process for you.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in the San Gabriel Valley and a proven track record with SCE interconnection. They should be licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and familiar with Duarte's specific permitting workflow. Always get multiple detailed quotes, check reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Contractors State License Board website, and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities like Monrovia or Azusa.
Adding a battery, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar, is a growing consideration for Duarte homeowners. While SCE's grid is generally reliable, batteries provide critical backup during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) or unexpected outages, which can occur during high-wind or extreme fire danger days in the surrounding foothills. Financially, batteries also allow you to store excess solar energy to use during peak evening hours when SCE's rates are highest, maximizing your savings.