Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Upland, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SolarMax is a major, well-established regional installer with a strong presence in Southern California. They are known for their in-house expertise, comprehensive service from design to maintenance, and strong manufacturer partnerships. They offer a wide range of financing options and are particularly adept at navigating California's specific incentives and net metering policies.
Semper Solaris is a veteran-owned company with a sterling reputation for high-quality residential installations and exceptional customer service. They have a significant local marketing presence and are frequently highlighted in regional "best of" lists. Their services extend beyond solar to include roofing and battery storage, providing a holistic home energy solution.
NRG Clean Power is a highly-rated, premium local installer that focuses on custom-designed systems and white-glove customer service. While slightly smaller in volume than the first two, they excel in personalized consultation, system design, and post-installation support, including maintenance and repair.
** The home solar market in Upland, California, is **highly competitive and mature**. As a city within the sun-rich Inland Empire, Upland residents are prime candidates for solar due to high electricity rates from local utilities and abundant sunshine. The market is characterized by a mix of large national players, strong regional installers (like those listed above), and smaller local contractors. * **Average Quality:** The average quality of installers serving the area is high, driven by strict California licensing (CSLB) and electrical codes. The top-tier companies distinguish themselves with better warranties, more robust customer service, and higher-quality equipment (e.g., SunPower, Panasonic, or REC panels paired with Enphase or SolarEdge microinverters). * **Competition Level:** Intense. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing, a wide array of financing options (PPAs, leases, loans), and more comprehensive service offerings. It is crucial for homeowners to get multiple quotes. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is variable based on system size, equipment quality, and roof complexity. However, as a general benchmark, a typical 6 kW system in Upland might range from **$18,000 to $28,000 before the 30% federal tax credit**. The shift to California's NEM 3.0 policy has made battery storage a more critical and common component of new installations, which can increase the overall project cost but also maximizes energy independence and savings.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Upland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Upland, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Upland, 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, California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid, and you pay no sales tax on solar equipment, making the long-term net cost much lower.
Upland's abundant sunshine, with over 280 clear days per year, is ideal for solar production. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours result in peak summer generation that can offset higher air conditioning costs. The dry climate also means less frequent cleaning is needed compared to dustier inland areas, maintaining optimal output.
Installation requires a permit from the City of Upland's Building & Safety Division and interconnection approval from Southern California Edison (SCE). Under California's Solar Rights Act, homeowner associations (HOAs) cannot unreasonably deny solar installations. A typical project timeline from contract to activation is 2 to 4 months, with local permit review taking several weeks.
Prioritize local, licensed contractors (C-10 or C-46) with extensive experience navigating Upland's specific permit process and SCE's requirements. Look for providers who offer detailed production estimates using Upland's solar irradiance data and who provide robust warranties. Always check their reviews and verify they handle the entire permit and interconnection paperwork.
While not essential, adding battery storage is highly advantageous under NEM 3.0. This policy reduces the credit value for excess solar energy exported to the grid. A battery allows you to store your surplus daytime energy and use it during expensive peak evening hours (4-9 pm), maximizing your savings and providing backup power during SCE's Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.