Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ontario, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading residential solar and battery storage installer known for its strong marketing and reputation. They emphasize being veteran-owned and offer a full suite of services including solar, battery backup, roofing, and HVAC. They are a certified Tesla Powerwall installer and have strong manufacturer partnerships.
A highly-rated, locally-owned company serving the Inland Empire. They are known for personalized service, expert system design, and high-quality installations. Many of their technicians are NABCEP certified, and they offer both grid-tied and off-grid solutions with a focus on energy independence.
A dedicated solar installation company with a focus on the Inland Empire and Los Angeles areas. They are praised for transparent pricing, clean installations, and excellent customer communication. They provide a full range of services from consultation and design to maintenance and repair.
** The home solar market in Ontario, California, is highly competitive and mature, driven by the region's abundant sunshine and high electricity rates from local utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE). The average quality of installers is high, with numerous established, licensed, and insured companies vying for business. Competition has led to aggressive marketing and a wide variety of financing options, including PPAs, leases, and loans, making solar accessible. Homeowners in Ontario are generally well-informed about state and federal incentives, such as the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Net Energy Metering (NEM) programs. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, meaning an average 6 kW system can cost between $16,800 and $21,000, though this varies significantly based on system complexity, equipment quality, and roof type.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ontario regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ontario, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Ontario, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $24,000 before incentives. The key financial benefit is the combination of the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and California's net metering program with Southern California Edison (SCE). Additionally, property tax exemptions for solar installations and potentially local rebates can significantly reduce the net cost, often leading to a payback period of 5-8 years given Ontario's high electricity rates.
Ontario's hot, sunny climate with over 280 sunny days per year is excellent for solar production, especially during peak summer months when air conditioning use spikes. However, extreme heat can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. The real advantage is offsetting high SCE rates during these peak usage periods. The so-called "sunshine tax" (lower overall electric rates due to solar saturation) is managed through California's current Net Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) policy, which makes adding a solar battery storage system highly advisable to maximize savings by storing excess daytime energy for use in the evening.
Prioritize installers licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) with a C-46 Solar classification and strong local experience in Ontario and San Bernardino County. They should be familiar with SCE's interconnection process, Ontario's specific permitting requirements, and the region's roof styles (common for stucco homes with tile or composite shingle roofs). Always check for verified reviews, multiple detailed quotes, and ensure they handle the entire permit and inspection process.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 6 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Ontario's Development Services Department, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and the final inspections by the city and SCE. The most variable factor is SCE's approval for interconnection under NEM 3.0, which can take several weeks. A reputable local installer will manage this timeline and keep you informed.
Yes, you will still receive a monthly bill from SCE, but it will be dramatically lower. Your bill will consist of minimal charges for grid connection (non-bypassable charges of roughly $10-$15/month) and any energy you use from the grid when your solar panels aren't producing enough, typically at night. Under NEM 3.0, the credit you receive for exporting excess solar energy is lower, making it crucial to size your system correctly for your usage and strongly consider a battery to further reduce grid dependence and maximize bill savings.