Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in West Hills, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-based company that has served the San Fernando Valley for over two decades. They are known for personalized service, in-house installation crews, and expertise in both solar and battery storage systems. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
As one of the largest dedicated residential solar companies in the U.S., Sunrun has a significant presence in Southern California. They are a major player in solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. They also offer their own Brightbox battery storage solution.
An elite, award-winning solar installer known for high-end system design and customer service. They focus on custom solutions for homeowners seeking maximum energy independence and efficiency. They are certified installers for top-tier equipment like SunPower and Tesla.
** The home solar market in West Hills is mature and highly competitive, characteristic of the greater Los Angeles area. The combination of abundant sunshine, high electricity rates from Southern California Edison (SCE), and strong state incentives (like the Net Energy Metering program, despite recent changes) continues to drive robust demand. **Average Quality:** The quality of providers is generally high, but there is a clear distinction between large national companies that prioritize volume and local/regional specialists that focus on customized service and premium installations. **Competition Level:** Intense. Homeowners in West Hills are frequently solicited by a wide range of companies, from door-to-door sales teams from large corporations to boutique local installers. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** As a general guideline, a typical residential solar system in West Hills ranges from **$20,000 to $45,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit. The final cost is highly dependent on system size (kW), panel and inverter quality, and the complexity of the installation (e.g., composite shingle vs. tile roof, need for a main panel upgrade). Financing options, including loans and leases, are ubiquitous and have made solar systems financially accessible for a broad range of homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with West Hills regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in West Hills, California.
For a typical West Hills home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. While the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) does not serve West Hills, residents are under Southern California Edison (SCE), which administers these net metering credits, significantly improving long-term savings.
West Hills' abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, makes it ideal for high solar energy production. However, the high fire risk in the surrounding areas means your installation must comply with strict Los Angeles County fire department setbacks, requiring specific pathways on your roof for firefighter access. Opting for microinverters over a central inverter can also minimize production loss if part of your roof is shaded by smoke or soot during fire season.
The full process, from signing a contract to system activation, typically takes 3 to 5 months. After design, the key local steps involve securing permits from the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and an interconnection agreement from Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE's approval process can be a bottleneck, so working with an experienced local installer who knows how to navigate these specific jurisdictions is essential for a smoother timeline.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in Los Angeles County and a strong track record with SCE interconnection applications. Verify they are licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and check reviews on platforms like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references from recent installations in West Hills or nearby communities like Woodland Hills to see how they handled specific roof types and the local permitting process.
Yes, it is highly recommended. Under NEM 3.0, the credit rate for exporting solar power to SCE's grid is much lower, making it less economical to send excess daytime energy. Pairing your panels with a battery, like a Tesla Powerwall, allows you to store that energy for use in the evening during peak rate periods (4-9 pm). This maximizes your self-consumption, provides backup power during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) common in our fire-prone region, and offers the greatest financial savings under the new rules.