Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Northridge, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar and battery installer known for high-volume installations and strong manufacturer partnerships, particularly with Panasonic and Tesla. They are a certified "Elite" installer for these brands, offering top-tier equipment and warranties. They provide a full suite of services from initial consultation to post-installation maintenance and are well-versed in all local incentives and financing options.
A well-established, local contractor with a strong presence in the San Fernando Valley. They are known for personalized service, custom system design, and expertise in both residential and commercial projects. Their team handles the entire process in-house, including permitting and interconnection with LADWP, which is crucial for Northridge homeowners.
A reputable, full-service solar provider that emphasizes customer education and high-quality craftsmanship. They offer a comprehensive range of services from design and installation to maintenance and repair. NRG Clean Power is recognized for its strong customer service and its ability to navigate complex roofing situations and custom energy storage solutions.
** The home solar market in Northridge is highly competitive and mature, driven by abundant sunshine, high electricity rates from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and strong state-level incentives like the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program and federal tax credits. The average quality of providers is high, with numerous established, licensed contractors competing on price, service, and technology. The competition level is **intense**, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Homeowners should expect to receive multiple quotes. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$3.00 to $4.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 6 kW system, the gross cost typically falls between **$18,000 and $27,000**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost is significantly lower. Financing options, including loans and leases, are ubiquitous, making solar accessible with little to no money down. A key differentiator for providers in this market is their expertise in working with LADWP's specific interconnection and rebate processes.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Northridge regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Northridge, California.
For a typical Northridge home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with California's specific programs, like the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 tariff, which affects long-term savings, and property tax exclusions for solar installations. LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) is the local utility, and they offer specific interconnection processes and potential rebates that can influence final net cost.
Northridge's abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, is excellent for solar energy production. While extreme summer heat (often over 95°F) can temporarily reduce panel efficiency, modern panels are designed to handle high temperatures. The clear, sunny winters mean your system will produce significant energy year-round, with peak production typically in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder but sunlight is still strong.
Your installation will require permits from the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), which includes structural and electrical reviews specific to the LA Building Code. A key local requirement is compliance with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) interconnection agreement under NEM 3.0. Your chosen installer should handle this entire process, ensuring your system meets all fire safety setbacks, especially important for Northridge homes in wildfire-prone areas.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in Northridge and a strong track record with LADWP interconnection and LADBS permitting. Check for a California C-46 Solar License, read verified reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google specific to Valley installations, and ask for references from recent projects in nearby neighborhoods like Reseda or Chatsworth. A reputable provider will offer a detailed site assessment that considers your roof's orientation to the Southern California sun and local shading factors.
Yes, under California's NEM 3.0, the credit you receive for exporting solar energy to LADWP is significantly lower, making it more economical to store excess energy for use in the evening. For Northridge homeowners, a battery like a Tesla Powerwall or similar is highly recommended to maximize self-consumption, provide backup power during PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events or grid outages, and insulate you from rising time-of-use electricity rates, especially during peak summer hours.