Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in El Monte, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar and battery storage, known for its strong brand and extensive financing options, including popular lease and PPA agreements. They have a dedicated local team serving the El Monte area, providing comprehensive services from consultation and design to installation and maintenance. Their strong manufacturer partnerships ensure high-quality equipment.
A highly-rated, family-owned local provider with a stellar reputation for customer service and quality workmanship in the San Gabriel Valley. They specialize in custom-designed systems and have deep expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions, including advanced battery backup from brands like Tesla and Enphase. They are known for their personalized consultation and deep knowledge of local incentives.
A reputable, veteran-owned company with a strong presence throughout California, including the Los Angeles area and El Monte. They offer a broad range of services, bundling solar, battery storage, and roofing. They are recognized for their professional installation crews, transparent pricing, and expertise in navigating financing and state/federal incentives like the ITC.
** The home solar market in El Monte is **highly competitive and mature**, characterized by a mix of national powerhouses and exceptional local/regional specialists. The average quality of providers is high, as companies must maintain excellent reputations and proper state licensing to compete effectively in the discerning Southern California market. **Competition Level:** Intense. Homeowners in El Monte are frequently solicited by solar companies, making it crucial to vet providers based on longevity, local reviews, and certifications (like NABCEP) rather than just the lowest price. **Typical Pricing:** As a general guide, the average cost for a residential solar system in California before incentives is **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt**. A typical 6 kW system would thus range from **$16,800 to $21,000** gross cost. However, the net cost is significantly reduced by the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other state-specific incentives like the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program. The prevalence of solar leases and PPAs also provides low or no-upfront-cost options for many homeowners. It is essential to get multiple detailed quotes to compare cash, loan, and lease options specific to your home's energy needs.
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 Monte regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in El Monte, California.
For a typical El Monte home, a 6kW solar system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, El Monte homeowners are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit and California's net metering program (NEM 3.0). Additionally, you may qualify for specific rebates from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) if you are in their service area, which can further lower your upfront cost.
El Monte's abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, makes it excellent for solar. While the coastal "June Gloom" can slightly reduce morning production in late spring and early summer, your system will generate significant power year-round. Panels are most efficient in cooler, sunny weather, so our warm, dry summers and mild winters create a highly productive environment, with peak production typically in late spring before the hottest days.
All solar installations in El Monte require a building permit from the City's Community Development Department. Your installer will typically handle this process, which must comply with the California Electrical Code and the California Building Code. A key local consideration is ensuring your roof meets structural requirements, and if your home is in a historic district, there may be additional design review guidelines to follow.
Prioritize local, licensed California C-10 or C-46 solar contractors with strong experience in the San Gabriel Valley. Verify their license status on the CSLB website, ask for multiple references from recent El Monte installations, and ensure they provide detailed production estimates specific to our microclimate. It's also wise to choose a provider well-versed in navigating LADWP's interconnection process if applicable to your home.
While not strictly essential, adding battery storage is now highly advantageous under NEM 3.0. This policy significantly reduces the credit you get for sending excess power to the grid, making it more valuable to store that energy for use in the evening when rates are high. For El Monte homeowners, a battery increases energy independence, provides backup power during PSPS events or grid outages, and maximizes financial savings by avoiding peak utility charges.