Choosing a solar installer in Orange County involves more than comparing prices. Installation quality, post-installation support, equipment warranties, and licensing credentials all affect whether your system delivers the savings it promises over a 25-plus year lifespan. To build this list, we evaluated companies on verified customer review scores across Google, Yelp, SolarReviews, and EnergySage, along with published pricing transparency, years in operation, certifications, and documented service area coverage in Orange County. Where data was unavailable or unconfirmed, we have flagged it for verification before publication.
| Company | Best For | Starting Price | Rating | Website |
| Infinity Solar | Long Tenured OC Specialist | $2.40–2.65/W | 4.8 Yelp | infinitysolar.net |
| OC Solar | Transparent Pricing / OC Local | $12,000+* | 4.9 Google | ocsolar.com |
| NRG Clean Power | Best Price Guarantee | Quote only | 4.43 SolarReviews | nrgcleanpower.com |
| Stellar Solar | Pressure-Free Sales Process | Quote only | 4.8 SolarReviews | stellarsolar.net |
| LA Solar Group | Multi-State / ISO Certified | $2.91/W avg | 4.3 EnergySage | la-solargroup.com |
| AMECO Solar | Solar + Roofing Combined | Quote only | 4.53 SolarReviews | amecosolar.com |
| Solar Optimum | Award-Winning / USA-Made Panels | Quote only | 4.7 Yelp | solaroptimum.com |
| Tesla Energy | Integrated Solar + Powerwall | Quote only | 2.85 SolarReviews | tesla.com/energy |
| Sunrun | Zero-Down Lease / PPA Plans | $0 down (lease) | 2.95 SolarReviews | sunrun.com |
*Post-30% federal tax credit. All prices are subject to change. Request current quotes directly from each company.
Location: 2478 N. Glassell St., Suite A, Orange, CA 92865
Service Area: Southern California, with a core focus on Orange County
Phone: (714) 880-8089
Rating: 4.8/5 Yelp (293 reviews) 4.8/5 Google (137)
Pricing: $2.40–$2.65 per watt, depending on roof type and system configuration
Website: infinitysolar.net
Infinity Solar has operated continuously in Orange County since 1999, making it one of the longest-tenured local solar specialists in the region. As a direct installer (no broker or third-party markup), they control quality from design through installation. Their Tesla Powerwall Certified status is a specific credential that not every local company holds.
Location: 240 Progress, Suite #100, Irvine, CA 92618
Service Area: Orange County, Greater Los Angeles, Fresno, Temecula, Bakersfield, Cathedral City, Ontario, La Jolla
Phone: 949-427-8817
Rating: 4.9/5 Google (380 reviews) | 4.7/5 Yelp (450 reviews) | 5.0/5 ConsumerAffairs (62 votes)
Pricing: $12,000–$24,500 (small); $24,500–$32,000 (medium); $32,000+ (large), after 30% federal tax credit
Website: ocsolar.com
Founded in 2016, OC Solar is a fully licensed Irvine-based installer that covers Orange County and much of Southern California. They are one of the only local companies to publish system price ranges publicly on their website, which gives homeowners a realistic cost baseline before the first sales call. Their equipment partnerships with Tesla, Enphase, QCells, and REC place them firmly in the premium tier.
Location: 75 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
Service Area: Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, Orange County, Riverside, Fresno, San Francisco
Phone: 888.650.4750
Rating: 4.43/5 SolarReviews (231 reviews) | 4/5 Yelp (233 reviews)
Pricing: Quote only, promotes a 'best price guarantee' with no hidden fees
Website: nrgcleanpower.com
NRG Clean Power has operated for over 38 years and serves Orange County as part of a broad statewide California footprint. Their recognition as SolarReviews Top Rated Installer designation offers credible third-party validation. For homeowners who prioritize a price guarantee and BBB accreditation, they are a strong contender.
Location: Headquarters: Oceanside, CA
Service Area: Primary market is San Diego County and Southern California
Phone: 866-787-6527
Rating: 4.7/5 Yelp (685 reviews) | 4.8/5 SolarReviews (216 reviews)
Pricing: Quote only, promotes Energy Service Agreements and Lightreach PPAs with 35%-60% discounts on solar and battery storage
Website: stellarsolar.net
Stellar Solar has been operating since 1998 and has built its reputation primarily in San Diego County, where it has won the San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll for best solar company multiple times. Their Certified Premier Tesla Powerwall 3 installer status is a top-tier Tesla designation. Note: Orange County is within Southern California, but Stellar Solar's primary market is San Diego; confirm service availability for OC customers before reaching out
Location: 8484 San Fernando Rd, Sun Valley, CA 91352
Service Area: Southern California (including Orange County), Las Vegas, Dallas, and other U.S. markets
Phone: (818) 373 0077
Rating: 4.3/5 EnergySage (370 reviews) | 4.2/5 Yelp (1,100+ reviews) | 3.42/5 SolarReviews (77 reviews)
Pricing: Average: $2.91/W. 5 kW system approx. $12,368–$16,732 gross; 10 kW system approx. $27,300, before incentives
Website: la-solargroup.com
Founded in 2010, LA Solar Group is a multi-state contractor with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications, covering quality, environmental, and occupational health management under one CSLB license. Their ranking in the Top 20 Tesla Installers nationally and their 2025 Platinum Solar Award are meaningful third-party indicators of operational scale.
Location: Valley Village, CA; Paramount, CA; Sacramento, CA
Service Area: Southern California and the Sacramento region
Phone: (888) 695-1205
Rating: 4.4/5 Google (68 reviews) | 4.53/5 SolarReviews (126 reviews) | 4.4/5 Yelp (138 reviews)
Pricing: Quote only
Website: amecosolar.com
Founded in 1974, AMECO is one of California's oldest solar and roofing contractors, with over 7,000 systems installed across five decades. Their Owens Corning Solar PROtect Certified Installer status means they are specifically trained to install solar mounts without compromising roofing integrity, and their systems are backed by an Owens Corning roofing warranty. For homeowners who need solar and a new or replaced roof handled at the same time, AMECO is a rare option with genuine specialty credentials.
Location: 1833 S. Victory Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201
Service Area: California, Nevada, Florida, and Arizona
Phone: (800) 552-9970
Rating: 4.7/5 Yelp (520 reviews)
Pricing: Quote only, promotes 30% instant savings referencing the federal ITC
Website: solaroptimum.com
Solar Optimum has been operating since 2008 and has won the National Solar Installer of the Year award five separate times, a credential that stands out in a market full of local operators. Their exclusive focus on American-made solar panels, inverters, racking, and battery storage is a meaningful differentiator for homeowners who prefer domestically manufactured equipment. They serve Orange County as part of their California footprint.
Location: 1 Tesla Road, Austin, TX 78725 (Corporate)
Service Area: Available in Orange County, CA; nationwide across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East
Phone: (877) 798-3752
Rating: 2.85/5 SolarReviews (1,167 reviews) | 1.3/5 Yelp (387 reviews), see editorial note below
Pricing: Quote via Tesla's online configurator. Powerwall 3 is widely reported at approx. $11,500 installed before incentives
Website: tesla.com/energy
Tesla Energy is the only company on this list that manufactures its own solar panels, battery storage, and inverters, creating a fully integrated ecosystem. The Powerwall 3 and Solar Roof are genuinely differentiated products with no direct equivalent from other local installers. However, Tesla's aggregate review scores are heavily influenced by customer service and post-installation support complaints, not product quality, and that distinction matters for buyers weighing brand vs. service.
Location: San Francisco, CA (Corporate)
Service Area: Nationwide, including Orange County, CA, the largest residential solar provider in the U.S. by installed capacity
Phone: (833) 324-5886
Rating: 2.95/5 SolarReviews (3,408 reviews) | BBB A+ Rating
Pricing: $0 upfront on lease and PPA plans; cash and loan options also available, contact for specifics
Website: sunrun.com
Sunrun is the largest residential solar company in the United States, with over one million homes served. Their primary value proposition is the lease and PPA model, which eliminates upfront system cost in exchange for predictable monthly payments, with all maintenance and monitoring covered under the Sunrun Guarantee. For renters or homeowners who do not want to own and manage a solar system, this model is a genuine and differentiated option.
The right solar company in Orange County depends entirely on what you prioritize. If transparent pricing and strong local communication matter most, Infinity Solar and OC Solar are logical starting points. If you want the longest local track record, Infinity Solar (27 years) and AMECO (52 years) stand apart. For homeowners who need zero upfront cost, Sunrun's lease model is hard to match. And for buyers set on a fully integrated Tesla ecosystem, Tesla Energy delivers that despite its well-documented service limitations.
Whichever company you contact, get at least three quotes, verify CSLB license numbers, and ask specifically about post-installation support procedures before signing.
What is the average cost of solar installation in Orange County?
Costs vary by system size and installer. Based on published data from companies on this list, per-watt pricing ranges from approximately $2.40 to $2.91 before incentives. A small residential system can run $12,000 to $16,000+ after the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit. Always get multiple quotes and ask whether the price includes permits, interconnection fees, and monitoring.
How long does a solar installation take in Orange County?
Most residential installations take one to three days of physical work, but the full timeline from contract to permission-to-operate typically runs six to twelve weeks due to permitting and utility interconnection. Several companies on this list have received complaints about delays in this phase, so asking your installer for a specific timeline with milestones is worthwhile before signing.
What incentives are available for solar in Orange County?
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently allows eligible homeowners to deduct 30% of system costs from their federal tax bill. California also offers Net Energy Metering (NEM), which credits homeowners for excess power sent to the grid, though the credit rates under NEM 3.0 are lower than under prior versions. Some battery storage systems also qualify for separate utility or state rebates. Consult with your installer and a tax professional for specifics applicable to your situation.
Is it better to buy, finance, or lease a solar system in Orange County?
Purchasing outright (cash or loan) typically delivers the greatest long-term savings and qualifies for the full 30% federal tax credit. Leases and PPAs, like those offered by Sunrun, require zero upfront investment and include maintenance, but the homeowner does not own the system, which can affect resale value and future incentive eligibility. The best option depends on your tax situation, budget, and long-term housing plans.
How do I verify a solar contractor is licensed in California?
All solar contractors in California must hold an active license through the Contractors' State License Board (CSLB). You can verify any company's license number at cslb.ca.gov. CSLB License numbers for companies with published data on this list include: Infinity Solar (#824287), LA Solar Group (#974115), and Solar Optimum (#972228). Ask any contractor for their CSLB number before signing a contract.
