In 1998, before solar panels became a common sight on California rooftops, serial entrepreneur Kent Harle and founding partners Brian Grems and Michael Powers launched Stellar Solar from their Oceanside headquarters. They started with a straightforward vision: to make clean energy accessible to San Diego homeowners and businesses through honest, educational service and quality solar installation. Over the next 28 years, that vision would transform them into San Diego’s original and most awarded solar installer in California. Stellar Solar has completed more than 16,000 solar installations across Southern California, from compact urban roofs in San Diego to sprawling ground-mount systems throughout the region. The company’s commitment to excellence has earned them the San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll “Best Solar Company” award an unprecedented 11 times since 2011, including six consecutive wins from 2017 through 2023—a testament to genuine customer satisfaction determined by public vote, not marketing dollars. What sets this Carlsbad-based solar installer apart is their deep understanding of Southern California homeowners. Unlike national chains, Stellar’s team navigates regional permitting, HOA requirements, utility rate structures, and California’s evolving net metering policies with practiced expertise. Their energy consultants take an educational, no-pressure approach—providing detailed information, transparent pricing, and time to make informed decisions. Customer referrals consistently drive the majority of their new business, validation that their reputation is built on performance, not promises. Stellar Solar has evolved alongside solar technology. Recognized nationally with the Tesla Performance Excellence award, they’re certified as a Premier Tesla Powerwall 3 installer and have become Southern California’s go-to resource for solar and battery storage combinations. They design and install best-in-class photovoltaic energy systems using equipment from leading manufacturers, offering homeowners solutions that offset Time-of-Use charges, protect against blackouts, and support electric vehicle charging. Their commercial solar division has tackled high-profile projects for the Salk Institute, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, Loyola University, and multiple U.S. military installations—demonstrating the technical capability and scalability that residential customers benefit from daily. They were awarded SunPower Master Dealer status in 2016, recognizing their expertise installing premium American-made solar panels. Stellar Solar’s longevity in a fast-moving industry reflects financial stability and consistent execution. Many solar companies have come and gone since 1998, but Stellar remains locally owned and operated, employing in-house installation crews rather than subcontractors. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, hundreds of five-star reviews on Yelp and Google, and recognition on platforms like EnergySage and Angie’s List, their standing as a trusted solar installer in San Diego is backed by verifiable customer satisfaction. NBA legend and longtime San Diego resident Bill Walton joined the team as Solar Evangelist, helping educate California homeowners on the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy and battery storage.
Stellar Solar is a full-service solar installer serving residential and commercial customers throughout California, with primary operations based in Carlsbad and Oceanside. Since 1998, they have completed thousands of solar panel installations ranging from small urban rooftop systems to large ground-mount arrays and commercial projects. The company designs and installs photovoltaic energy systems, battery storage solutions including Tesla Powerwall and Enphase batteries, and EV charging infrastructure. They specialize in both grid-tied solar installations and solar-plus-storage combinations, managing every phase from design and permitting to installation, grid connection, and ongoing system support for California homeowners and businesses.
SAN DIEGO’S MOST AWARDED INSTALLER: Voted Best Solar Company in the San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll 11 times since 2011, including six consecutive years, reflecting genuine customer satisfaction and community trust earned through quality work and transparent service.
TESLA PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE WINNER: Nationally recognized as a Certified Premier Tesla Powerwall 3 installer with expertise in solar-plus-battery combinations, helping Southern California homeowners maximize energy independence and offset peak utility rates.
NEARLY THREE DECADES OF LOCAL EXPERTISE: Founded in 1998 as San Diego’s original solar installer with over 16,000 completed installations, locally owned and operated with in-house crews who understand California permitting, utility policies, and regional installation requirements.
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