Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lomita, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the nation's leading residential solar, battery storage, and energy services companies. They are a dominant player in the California market, known for their strong manufacturer partnerships and comprehensive service plans. They excel at providing flexible financing, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and lease options, making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost.
Tesla is a globally recognized brand that offers a fully integrated solar and storage solution. Their strength lies in the seamless combination of Tesla Solar Panels (or Solar Roof) with the Tesla Powerwall battery. They focus on a streamlined, online ordering process and technologically advanced products. While customer service reviews can be mixed, their product innovation and brand power are significant draws.
Baker Home Energy is a premier, locally-owned and operated solar and HVAC company based in the South Bay. They have built an exceptional reputation for high-end, custom solar installations and unparalleled customer service. They are a certified installer for top-tier panel manufacturers and specialize in complex system designs, including extensive battery backup for whole-home power resilience.
** The home solar market in Lomita, CA, is mature and highly competitive, characteristic of the greater Los Angeles area. The quality of providers is generally high, driven by strict California licensing requirements and a knowledgeable consumer base. The market features a mix of large national corporations (like Sunrun and Tesla) and highly-rated local/regional specialists (like Baker Home Energy). **Competition Level:** High. Residents have a wide choice, from budget-friendly, standardized packages to premium, custom-designed systems. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** As a rough guide, the average cost for a residential solar panel system in California ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000+** before incentives. The final price is highly dependent on system size (kW), panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage (which can add $10,000 - $20,000+). The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Given Lomita's high electricity rates from SCE, the return on investment and payback period remain very attractive for most homeowners. **Key Market Trend:** The transition to California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) has made battery storage almost essential for maximizing financial returns. Consequently, top providers in the area are now heavily emphasizing integrated solar-plus-storage systems rather than solar-only installations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lomita regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lomita, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Lomita, the average gross cost ranges from $18,000 to $24,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. While there is no specific Lomita city rebate, all residents benefit from the state-wide property tax exclusion for solar installations, preventing your property taxes from increasing due to the added value.
Lomita's mild, sunny climate with over 280 sunny days per year is excellent for solar production, though the marine layer can cause morning fog, especially in "May Gray" and "June Gloom." This typically burns off by midday, and modern panels are highly efficient at capturing diffuse light. The cooler coastal temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hotter inland valleys, as solar panels produce less power when they overheat.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience who are familiar with Lomita's specific permitting process through the City's Building & Safety Division and the requirements of Southern California Edison (SCE). Ensure they are a licensed C-10 or C-46 contractor, check reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Contractors State License Board, and ask for references from recent installations in nearby South Bay cities to verify their work quality and customer service.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Lomita (which can vary), Southern California Edison's interconnection application review, the physical installation (1-3 days), and finally the city and utility inspections. Working with an experienced local installer who knows the specific timelines of Lomita and SCE can help streamline this process.
While not strictly essential, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall or similar is now highly recommended under NEM 3.0. The new policy significantly reduces the credit value for excess solar energy exported to the grid. A battery allows you to store your surplus daytime energy and use it during expensive evening peak hours (4-9 pm), maximizing self-consumption, providing backup power during SCE Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and greatly improving your overall system economics.