Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Sherman Oaks, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, family-owned company with deep roots in Southern California. They are known for exceptional customer service, high-quality installation, and expertise in both solar and battery storage systems. They handle the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
As one of the nation's largest dedicated residential solar companies, Sunrun offers strong brand recognition and a primary focus on solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). This makes them a popular choice for homeowners who want to go solar with little or no money down.
A veteran-owned company with a strong presence throughout California. They are known for their military-grade quality and excellent customer reviews. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including solar, battery storage, and roofing, which is a significant advantage for homes needing roof work alongside solar installation.
** The home solar market in Sherman Oaks is mature and highly competitive, characterized by high consumer awareness and favorable solar conditions (excellent sun exposure). The quality of providers is generally high, given the affluence of the area and the stringent state-level licensing requirements (C10 license for electrical work). Competition is fierce between large national players (like Sunrun) and established local/regional specialists (like Baker Home Energy and Semper Solaris). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and robust service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Sherman Oaks ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, heavily dependent on system size (typically 5kW to 10kW), panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. The transition to California's NEM 3.0 policy in 2023 has made battery storage almost essential for maximizing financial returns, a shift that all top providers in the area now emphasize. Financing options are ubiquitous, with loans, leases, and PPAs widely available.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Sherman Oaks regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Sherman Oaks, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Sherman Oaks, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, you benefit from California's net metering policies and the exemption of solar systems from property tax assessments, making the long-term net cost substantially lower.
Sherman Oaks enjoys over 280 sunny days per year, providing excellent solar energy production. South-facing roofs are ideal, but west-facing roofs are also highly effective in our region, as they capture the intense afternoon sun, helping to offset peak time-of-use electricity rates from LADWP. Shading from mature trees in older neighborhoods is a more critical local factor to assess for optimal placement.
From signing a contract to system activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), installation, and the final inspection and interconnection approval from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Working with a local installer familiar with LADBS and LADWP procedures can streamline this process.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience, proper California CSLB licensing (C-46 or C-10), and a strong track record with LADWP interconnection. Look for companies that handle the entire process, including permits and utility paperwork. It's also wise to check reviews from other San Fernando Valley homeowners and ask for local references to gauge their reliability and service quality.
Under LADWP's Net Metering Solar Program, your solar system's excess energy sent to the grid earns a credit at the full retail rate, which is applied to your future bills. You will still receive a monthly bill from LADWP, but it will be significantly reduced, often to just the basic service charge (around $30-$40). You "true-up" annually, where any remaining credit balance is paid to you at LADWP's avoided cost rate.