Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Montclair, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, long-standing electrical contractor that has successfully expanded into a premier solar and battery storage provider. They are known for high-quality installations, strong manufacturer partnerships (like SunPower), and excellent customer service. They offer comprehensive in-house services from design to maintenance.
A veteran-owned company with a strong presence throughout California, known for its community involvement and reliable service. They provide a full suite of solar and battery services, with a particular focus on making the process straightforward for homeowners. They often run special offers for veterans and first responders.
A top-rated, locally-focused solar installer known for personalized service and high customer satisfaction. They specialize in custom-designed systems for residential properties and have deep expertise in navigating local permitting and incentives for the Montclair area.
** The home solar market in Montclair, California, is competitive and mature, characterized by high-quality service providers primarily based in the surrounding Inland Empire cities. Montclair's climate, with abundant sunshine, and high electricity rates from Southern California Edison create a strong economic incentive for homeowners to go solar. The competition level is high, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. The average quality of installers serving the area is very good, with many companies holding top-tier certifications from manufacturers like SunPower, Tesla, and LG. Typical pricing for a residential system in Montclair is competitive with the rest of Southern California, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a typical gross cost of **$20,000 to $35,000** for a 7kW system, which is common for the area. Most companies are exceptionally well-versed in local and state incentives, including Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0), and offer a full range of financing, lease, and PPA options to meet different homeowner 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 Montclair regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Montclair, California.
For a typical Montclair home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system ranges from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives, depending on your roof's specifics and equipment chosen. Beyond the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Montclair residents benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) and the property tax exclusion for solar installations, meaning your system won't increase your property tax assessment. Southern California Edison (SCE) is your utility, and their specific rates and time-of-use plans significantly impact your long-term savings calculation.
Montclair's abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, is ideal for solar, typically yielding high annual production. However, our inland location means summer temperatures can regularly exceed 90°F, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency (panels perform best in cooler, sunny conditions). The "sunshine tax" refers to the premium for living here, but for solar, it translates to a faster payback period due to high electricity rates and excellent solar resources, making your investment more valuable.
Yes, a permit from the Montclair Building and Safety Division is required, and your installer will typically handle this process. California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) significantly restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar installations but they can have reasonable rules for placement (e.g., frame color, setback requirements). It's crucial to review your HOA's architectural guidelines early and ensure your chosen installer is experienced in navigating these local and HOA requirements smoothly.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience, proper California contractor licensing (C-10 or C-46), and familiarity with Montclair's permit process and SCE's interconnection procedures. Check for verified reviews from nearby homeowners and ask for local references. Given the importance of NEM 3.0, choose a company that provides detailed, honest production estimates and battery storage options to maximize your self-consumption and savings under the new rules.
While not strictly essential, adding battery storage is highly recommended for new systems under NEM 3.0 to maximize financial returns. The new policy drastically reduces the credit you receive for exporting excess energy to SCE's grid. A battery allows you to store your surplus solar power for use in the evening during peak rate periods, increasing your energy independence and protecting you from rising time-of-use rates, making your solar investment much more resilient and valuable.