Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in San Clemente, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, long-standing Southern California company that expanded into solar. They are known for high-quality installations, excellent customer service, and robust financing options. They are a full-service provider from design to maintenance.
A veteran-owned business with a strong presence in Southern California, known for its community involvement and high customer satisfaction ratings. They offer complimentary energy assessments and have strong manufacturer partnerships, including with Tesla for Powerwall batteries.
A local, boutique solar installer with a focus on high-quality, custom solar solutions for Orange County residents. They receive exceptional marks for personalized service, design expertise, and attention to detail. They specialize in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems.
The home solar market in San Clemente is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a high density of qualified installers serving the affluent and environmentally conscious community. The quality of providers is generally high, driven by stringent California licensing requirements and consumer demand for premium products. Due to the city's coastal location, companies must be adept at dealing with specific permitting and corrosion considerations. Competition is fierce, which can benefit consumers through competitive pricing and strong service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $18,000 to $40,000+ before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 10kW for area homes), panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. The high number of sunshine days and state-level incentives like the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program make solar a particularly attractive investment in this region.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with San Clemente regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in San Clemente, California.
For a typical 6kW system in San Clemente, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, California's net metering policies (NEM 3.0) and the lack of local property tax increases on solar installations make the long-term financial return very strong for coastal homeowners.
San Clemente's abundant sunshine is excellent for solar production, but the marine layer ("June Gloom") can cause slightly lower output in morning hours during late spring and early summer. The salty, humid air requires that you choose corrosion-resistant equipment and may necessitate slightly more frequent rinsing of panels to prevent salt buildup, which can minimally reduce efficiency. Overall, the region's high number of sunny days still makes it one of the best places in the country for solar.
All installations require a building permit from the City of San Clemente's Development Services Department. If your home is in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you must obtain their architectural approval, but California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) significantly limits an HOA's ability to deny or unreasonably restrict installations. The city may also have specific design guidelines for visible roof-mounted systems, so working with a local installer familiar with these protocols is essential.
Prioritize providers who are licensed, insured, and have extensive local experience with San Clemente's permit process and coastal installation challenges. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read verified reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Contractors State License Board website. Always get multiple detailed quotes that include equipment specs, production estimates specific to your roof's sun exposure, and a clear explanation of NEM 3.0 impacts on your savings.
While not strictly necessary, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery is now highly recommended under California's NEM 3.0. This policy greatly reduces the credit you receive for exporting excess solar energy to the grid. A battery allows you to store your solar power for use in the evening during peak rate periods (4-9 pm with SDG&E), maximizing self-consumption, providing backup power during PSPS events, and improving your overall system economics and energy independence.