Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Skyforest, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, family-owned solar installer based in Upland, CA, with a strong reputation for serving the entire Inland Empire and mountain communities. They are known for comprehensive service from custom design to installation and maintenance, with a focus on customer education and high-quality equipment.
Formerly Baker Electric Solar, this established company is part of the legacy Baker organization. They offer a full suite of solar and storage services and are a certified installer for top-tier brands like SunPower. Their longevity and extensive experience make them a trusted choice for complex installations.
A reputable local installer based in the city of San Bernardino, giving them proximity and familiarity with the Skyforest area and its specific county permitting processes. They offer personalized design and consultation and are skilled in both residential and commercial systems.
** The home solar market for Skyforest, CA, is characterized by a reliance on regional and valley-based installers who specialize in serving mountain communities. The competition is moderate but specialized; not all companies are equipped or willing to handle the unique challenges of the area, such as heavy snowfall, forest shading, and the specific requirements of the San Bernardino County Building and Safety Department. The average quality of service providers willing to work in this region is high, as the technical demands naturally filter out less experienced contractors. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Skyforest is generally 10-20% higher than the state average due to increased complexity, potential for specialized racking for snow loads, and longer travel times for crews. Homeowners can expect to pay between $3.00 and $3.80 per watt before incentives, making an average 6kW system cost between $18,000 and $22,800. However, the excellent solar insolation and high electricity costs from traditional utilities in the mountains contribute to a strong return on investment. Expertise in navigating California's net metering policies and available federal/state incentives is a key differentiator among the top providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Skyforest regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Skyforest, California.
Skyforest's high elevation and clear skies offer excellent solar production, especially in summer. However, winter snow accumulation can temporarily reduce output, so systems are often installed at a steeper pitch (around 30-40 degrees) to help snow shed more easily. Installers must use robust racking and consider potential snow load in structural calculations, which is a standard part of local permitting with the San Bernardino County Building and Safety Department.
For a typical home in Skyforest, a system costs between $18,000 and $30,000 before incentives, depending on size and energy needs. The key incentive is the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently offers a 30% tax credit. Additionally, you remain eligible for California's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid, and you pay no sales tax on solar equipment per state law.
Permitting is handled by San Bernardino County, and while the process is standardized, it must account for local wildfire codes and snow loads. Many neighborhoods in Skyforest are within the Lake Arrowhead Communities HOA or similar associations; by California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714), HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict solar installations but can have guidelines for placement to preserve aesthetic considerations.
The timeline is typically 3 to 5 months. This includes system design, securing HOA approval (if applicable), submitting permits to the county, the physical installation (1-3 days), and finally inspections and permission to operate (PTO) from Southern California Edison (SCE). Seasonal weather can impact installation schedules, with winter delays possible due to snow.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a highly valuable addition in Skyforest, providing essential power during PSPS events and outages, and may qualify for additional incentive programs like the SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program).