Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in East Irvine, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, family-owned solar and roofing company in Southern California with a stellar reputation for high-quality installations and exceptional customer service. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and robust warranties. Their in-house teams handle everything from design to installation and maintenance.
A reputable provider known for its strong veteran-friendly ethos and broad service offerings. They are a certified partner for both Tesla Powerwall and SunPower, giving customers flexibility in system design. They emphasize energy efficiency and offer financing options tailored to homeowners.
REC Solar has a long history in the California solar industry and is known for professional, commercial-grade residential installations. They provide custom design services for both grid-tied and off-grid solutions and have extensive experience with complex roof types and energy needs.
The home solar market in East Irvine is highly competitive and mature, characterized by a high density of well-established, reputable providers. As part of the broader Orange County region, East Irvine residents have access to a wide array of top-tier installers, many of which are headquartered in the adjacent city of Irvine itself. The average quality of service is very high, with companies competing on technology (e.g., panel efficiency, battery storage), warranty terms, and customer service rather than just price. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this area is competitive with state averages, generally ranging from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, translating to a gross cost of $28,000 to $42,000 for a 10kW system. The high level of competition benefits consumers by driving innovation and ensuring that companies maintain high standards for licensing, insurance, and professional certifications.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with East Irvine regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in East Irvine, California.
For a typical 6kW system in East Irvine, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. Crucially, you remain eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. While the state-wide SGIP battery incentive is often depleted, East Irvine's abundant sunshine ensures a strong return on investment by maximizing your own energy production.
East Irvine's Mediterranean climate provides over 280 sunny days per year, making it excellent for solar. While the May/June marine layer can cause slightly lower morning production, your system will generate substantial power year-round. Systems are designed using historical weather data for the area to ensure they meet your annual energy needs, with peak production typically occurring in the sunnier late spring and summer months.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience, proper California CSLB licensing (C-10 or C-46), and strong knowledge of the City of Irvine's specific permitting process and architectural guidelines. Check reviews on platforms like Yelp and the BBB, and ensure they provide detailed production estimates using East Irvine's specific solar irradiance data. A reputable local provider will handle all paperwork with Southern California Edison (SCE).
The timeline is typically 2 to 4 months. This includes system design, securing permits from the City of Irvine (which can be efficient but requires adherence to community standards), scheduling installation, and the final inspection and interconnection approval from Southern California Edison (SCE). A smooth process heavily depends on your chosen installer's familiarity with local procedures.
While not strictly essential, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall is now highly advantageous under NEM 3.0. The new policy significantly reduces the credit for exporting excess solar to the grid, making it more economical to store your surplus energy for use in the evening during SCE's high peak rates (4-9 pm). For East Irvine homeowners seeking energy independence and maximized savings, a solar-plus-storage system is strongly recommended.