Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in El Cajon, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, long-standing local company (originally Baker Electric) that has evolved into a full-service home energy provider. They are known for high-quality installations, extensive manufacturer partnerships, and a wide array of services from solar to battery storage and energy efficiency upgrades. Their longevity and volume of positive reviews make them a top-tier choice.
A prominent regional provider with a strong focus on customer service and community engagement, notably offering discounts to military, veterans, and first responders. They are a certified partner for Tesla Powerwall and offer comprehensive services from design and installation to maintenance and repair.
A San Diego-based company that has built an exceptional reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, which means they offer some of the highest-efficiency solar panels on the market. They specialize in custom designs for both residential and commercial properties and are known for their expertise in the local permitting and incentive process.
The home solar market in El Cajon is robust and highly competitive, characterized by a high density of qualified and reputable installers. El Cajon's abundant sunshine (over 260 sunny days per year) makes it an ideal location for solar, driving strong consumer demand. The market quality is generally high, with numerous companies holding top-tier certifications (like NABCEP) and partnerships with premium manufacturers like SunPower, LG, and Tesla. Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and strong customer service. A typical residential solar system in El Cajon (6-8 kW) can range from **$15,000 to $25,000** before incentives. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Most local providers are well-versed in additional local incentives and net metering policies with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), helping homeowners maximize their return on investment. Financing options are ubiquitous, with most companies offering loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to suit various financial situations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with El Cajon regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in El Cajon, California.
For an average El Cajon home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system typically costs between $18,000 and $30,000 before incentives. The most significant savings come from the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, El Cajon homeowners benefit from California's net metering policies with SDG&E, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid, and there is no local sales tax on solar equipment, further lowering the net cost.
El Cajon's abundant sunshine, with over 260 clear days per year, makes it exceptionally efficient for solar energy production. While summer heat can temporarily reduce panel efficiency, the long, sunny days more than compensate, leading to very high annual output. This climate allows most properly sized systems to cover 90-100% of a household's electricity needs, maximizing savings against SDG&E's high utility rates.
Prioritize installers who are locally licensed, insured, and have extensive experience with El Cajon's specific permitting process through the City's Development Services Department. Look for certified, established companies with strong reviews on platforms like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate tailored to your roof's orientation and El Cajon's microclimates. Always get multiple detailed quotes for comparison.
Yes, you must obtain an electrical and building permit from the City of El Cajon. California's Solar Rights Act significantly limits HOAs from prohibiting solar installations, but they can have reasonable rules regarding placement for aesthetic purposes (e.g., panel placement visibility from the street). A reputable local installer will manage the entire permitting process and help navigate any HOA requirements.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and contract signing, your installer submits plans for permits to the City of El Cajon, which can take 2-6 weeks. Installation itself usually takes 1-3 days. The longest phase is often waiting for SDG&E to approve the interconnection agreement and install a new net meter, which can take several weeks. A good installer will manage this timeline for you.