Residential Solar Power Solutions in Southern California
Converting Sunshine to Savings since 1989
Throughout Southern California, the sun is more than just weather-it’s a resource. For over 30 years, Aztec Electric & Renewables has been the trusted electrical authority of the region, guiding thousands of homeowners throughout Corona, the Inland Empire, San Diego, and Los Angeles on how to harness that resource for the elimination of unpredictable utility bills.
We are not a “solar sales” company that disappears once the contract is signed. We are licensed electrical contractors, C-10, with deep roots within this community. Going solar is way more than just slapping panels on a roof; it’s about engineering a complete energy ecosystem through integrating solar, battery storage, and smart electrical panels that future-proof homes against rising rates and grid instability.
All of the above.
Why Southern California Chooses Aztec Electric
When it comes to the power in your home, experience counts.
Many solar companies were born yesterday, chasing the trends and tax credits. Aztec Electric has been serving this region since 1989. We’ve seen the growth of solar technology-from early off-grid systems through today’s advanced hybrid inverters and Tesla Powerwalls.
- Holistic Electrical Expertise: We don’t just look at your roof; we analyze your entire electrical system. Do you need a main panel upgrade? Are you planning on adding an EV charger next year? We design systems that handle your future load, not just your current bill.
- Locally Licensed & Bonded: We handle all permitting in-house, navigating the complex building codes of cities from San Bernardino to Chula Vista.
- Technology Agnostic: We are not committed to any one manufacturer. We install the best-in-class equipment for your specific micro-climate, whether that’s Enphase microinverters for shaded LA roofs or robust string inverters for the blazing Inland Empire sun.
The United Nations was created so as to bring peace to the world.
Residential Solar Power Solution Corona: Your Hometown Experts
Image Recommendation: Aztec Electric van parked in front of a residential home in Eagle Glen or Dos Lagos
As a Corona-based business, we treat every installation here as if we are working on a neighbor’s home—because so often we are. Residential solar power solutions in Corona need to take into mind a specific understanding of our local “micro-climate.”
The Corona Advantage:
Well, Corona’s in that unique transition zone-the place where you get the intense heat of the Inland Empire but often the afternoon winds coming through the Santa Ana Canyon.
- Heat Resistant Technology: Solar panels degrade somewhat in extreme heat. For our Corona clients, we make sure to select panels with a low “temperature coefficient” so that they can stay highly efficient when the summer temperatures hit 100°F+ in neighborhoods such as Sierra del Oro.
Wind Load Engineering: We engineer our racking systems to meet or exceed code requirements for safety in these canyon areas that are subjected to high wind gusts.
- SCE & “Charge Ready”: Many Corona homeowners are also adding EVs. We help you bundle your solar installation with Southern California Edison’s rebates for electrical panel upgrades, making sure that your home is ready for both solar and an electric vehicle.
Residential Solar Power Solution Inland Empire: Conquering the Heat
The Inland Empire is the solar capital of California. With abundant roof space, combined with very high demand for cooling, the ROI on residential solar power solutions in the Inland Empire is one of the best in the state.
Why Solar is needed in the IE:
For Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Fontana residents, the pain of running air conditioning from May through October is very real.
• Offsets Tiered Rates: Without solar, your heavy AC usage pushes you into the most expensive utility rate tiers. Solar generates maximum power exactly when you need it most: during those blazing hot afternoons.
Dust & Maintenance: The IE can be dusty. Aztec Electric designs systems with optimal tilt angles to encourage “self-cleaning” during rain, and we offer maintenance packages to keep your production high year-round.
- Battery storage necessity: With frequent Public Safety Power Shutoffs in high-fire-threat zones around the foothills, we highly recommend pairing your solar with a battery backup. Your AC stays on, even when the grid goes down.
Residential Solar Power Solution San Bernardino: Rugged & Reliable
The climate in San Bernardino is demanding, and so should your solar system be. For San Bernardino residential solar power solutions, the focus is on durability and industrial-grade components.
The Aztec Difference in San Bernardino:
- Old Home Retrofits: San Bernardino has plenty of historic homes with older electrical infrastructure in the form of knob-and-tube or 60-amp panels. Unlike “solar-only” installers, which might shy away from more difficult jobs, Aztec’s master electricians can upgrade your main service panel to safely accommodate a modern solar array.
- NEM 3.0 Optimization: The new tariff for Net Billing, dubbed NEM 3.0, makes selling power back into the grid an even less lucrative activity. We design “self-consumption” systems for San Bernardino families by sizing an array that will perfectly match your daytime usage so you use every kilowatt you generate instead of giving it away for pennies.
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Residential Solar Power Solution Orange County: Aesthetics Meets Efficiency
Throughout Orange County, curb appeal is king. Homeowners in Irvine, Newport Beach, and Mission Viejo want to lower their bills without ruining the look of their Spanish tile roofs.
Premium Installations for OC Homes:
- Invisible Conduit: Rather than bolting ugly metal pipes to the side of your house, we specialize in running electrical conduit through attics and walls, a process called fishing.
- HOA Whisperers: With decades of experience with even the most strict Orange County HOAs, we supply detailed architectural drawings and shade studies they’ll need for swift approval.
- Coastal Protection: Salt mist is the silent killer of electronics for homes near the coast. We use NEMA 4X rated disconnects and corrosion-resistant racking hardware to ensure your system survives the marine layer for 25+ years.
Residential Solar Power Solution San Diego: How to Maximize the Potential of the Sun at the Coast.
Places like SDG&E in San Diego have some of the highest electric rates in the nation. This means that the payback period for residential solar power solutions in San Diego is very fast and usually less than 5-6 years.
SDG&E Specific Strategies:
- Time-of-Use Arbitrage: The peak hours of SDG&E, which are 4 PM-9 PM, are very costly. We install smart battery systems that store your cheap solar power during the day and discharge it at peak hours. You essentially “sell high and buy low” day in and day out to maximize savings.
Eco-Conscious Integration: San Diegans are leading the way in green living. We can integrate your solar with Level 2 EV chargers and smart heat pump water heaters for a fully decarbonized home.
Residential Solar Power Solution Los Angeles: Navigating the Grid
Los Angeles is an animal unto itself. Unlike much of the rest of Southern California, many LA residents are served by LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) which has different rules than SCE or SDG&E.
The LADWP Advantage:
As of late 2025, LADWP customers often enjoy net metering terms distinct from the harsh NEM 3.0 rules facing the rest of the state.
- Retail Value Credits – In many configurations, LADWP still grants solar export credits at near-retail value, making solar a “no-brainer” investment for Angelenos.
- Permitting Prowess: The City of LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is notoriously strict. We know their codebook inside and out. Whether it’s a hillside home in the Hollywood Hills or a flat roof in the Valley, we get the permits approved faster because we submit them correctly the first time.
- Urban Shading: Advanced microinverters, like Enphase, independently control each panel to address the shading from tall buildings and trees in an LA home. When one panel is in shade, others keep producing at full power.
The “Secret Sauce”: Batteries & NEM 3.0
If you have heard of “NEM 3.0”, you likely feel quite concerned that solar is no longer worth it. That’s a myth. Solar is still super profitable, but the strategy has changed.
The Old Way (Solar Only): You used the grid as a free battery.
The New Way (Solar + Battery): You become your own utility. By adding a battery – such as a FranklinWH or Tesla Powerwall – to your system, you store the excess energy you produce at noon and use it yourself at night. This avoids buying expensive power from the utility and bypasses the low “export rates” of NEM 3.0.
Bonus: Your fridge, lights, and WiFi are protected against blackouts in case of storms or grid failures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions about Solar
Q: Is solar still worth it in California under NEM 3.0?
A: Absolutely. While the “export rates”-what they pay you-have fallen for SCE and SDG&E customers, the electricity price-what you pay them-has shot up. Solar is now about saving money by not buying from the utility, rather than earning money by selling to them. With a battery storage system, your ROI is locked in, and you are energy-independent.
Q: How long does the installation take?
A: Physical installation on the roof generally takes 1-3 days. The overall process, including design, city permitting and utility approval (Permission to Operate), takes 4-8 weeks. Aztec Electric manages this timeline for you and keeps you updated on a weekly basis.
Q: What if I need a new roof?
A: If your roof is old (15+ years), we often recommend replacing it or doing a “layover” before installing solar. We can coordinate with trusted roofers to bundle this into the project. If you need a reroof later, we offer a “remove and reinstall” service to take the panels down safely while work is done.
Q: Do you offer financing?
A: Yes, we have competitive financing options available, including plans that require $0 down. We can also help explain the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to you, which allows you to deduct 30% of the entire project cost, including batteries and main panel upgrades, from your federal taxes.
Regional & Technical FAQs
Q: I am an LADWP customer in Los Angeles. Do I need a battery?
A: While batteries are always great for backup power, LADWP’s net metering rules have been more generous, historically, than SCE or SDG&E. You may see a great financial return with a “solar-only” system, though we always recommend a consultation to check the absolute latest rate schedules for your specific zip code.
Q: Will solar panels work in the marine layer (fog) in San Diego/OC?
A: Yes, but production is slightly lower than in the Inland Empire. Solar panels work off of UV light, not just direct heat, so they still make power on cloudy days. We account for this “weather derating” in our production estimates so you get a realistic forecast of your savings.
Q: Can you install solar on my clay tile roof in Corona?
A: Yes, clay tile is beautiful but fragile. We use a specialized “double flashing” technique, and often employ a “picture frame” method (removing tiles under the array, and replacing them with shingles) or specialized tile hooks that do not require drilling through the tile itself. This keeps your roof waterproof and your warranty intact.
Q: What is the SGIP Rebate?
A: The Self-Generation Incentive Program offers cash rebates for installing battery storage. For 2025, there are specific funds allocated for “Equity Resiliency”—if you live in a High Fire Threat District (common in the IE and San Diego foothills) or rely on medical equipment, you could get a rebate that covers nearly the entire cost of your battery. Aztec Electric can check your eligibility instantly.
Seize control over your energy bill today! No longer rent your power from the utility company, own your energy thanks to a specially designed solar solution provided by Southern California’s most experienced electrical contractor.
Call Aztec Electric & Renewables today at 951-279-0424 for your FREE no-obligation solar analysis.
Serving Corona, Inland Empire, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles since 1989.
