Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Solar Partner in San Diego
Stellar Solar has been powering homes and businesses since 1998, establishing itself as a premier solar installer in San Diego with over 16,000 installations. Our reputation is built on consistent recognition as the Best Solar Company by the San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll and a 5-star rating from 1,000+ customer reviews. Customer referrals remain our primary growth driver, reflecting our commitment to transparency, quality, and long-term client relationships. We specialize in residential and commercial solar solutions, including battery storage and EV charging, with expertise in complex installations for institutions like the Salk Institute and Cedars-Sinai. Our team combines 27 years of industry experience with in-house financing and incentive specialists to maximize client savings.We maintain rigorous quality standards through proprietary ground-mount systems and a dedicated service department for ongoing support. Our commercial division has completed over 20MW of installations, serving diverse sectors from government facilities to warehouses. Stellar Solar's leadership in innovation is demonstrated through partnerships with top providers like Tesla and Franklin Whole Home Energy. We prioritize community impact by offering employee purchase programs and PR support for commercial clients to promote their sustainability efforts.
Services
Residential Solar Panels
Commercial Solar Solutions
EV Charging Stations
Solar Battery Storage
Ground Mount Solar
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 27 years of solar installation expertise since 1998
- 16,000+ successful solar installations completed
- Consistently voted Best Solar Company by SD Union-Tribune
- Dedicated in-house financing and incentive specialists
- Proprietary ground-mount systems for superior durability
Associations and certifications
- Tesla Performance Excellence
- Certified Premier Tesla Powerwall 3 Installer
What people say
Highly professional team
Quick and efficient process
Great pricing options
Excellent customer support
Superior product quality
Services
Residential Solar Panels
Custom solar installations for homes of all sizes, from urban rooftops to rural properties. Our systems reduce energy bills through 30% federal tax credits and 25-year warranties. With 16,000+ installations since 1998, we optimize energy production for unique property requirements.
Commercial Solar Solutions
Large-scale solar systems for institutions and businesses, including government buildings, hospitals, and warehouses. Our 20MW+ installations feature accelerated depreciation benefits and tailored financing options. Projects range from 7kW to 1MW with comprehensive permitting and PR support for commercial clients.
Solar Battery Storage
Battery solutions including Tesla PowerWall 3 and Franklin aPower 2 systems. These store excess solar energy to offset peak rates and provide blackout protection. Over 5,000 installations ensure energy independence while maximizing financial returns through time-of-use management.
EV Charging Stations
Integrated electric vehicle charging solutions compatible with all major EV models. Systems combine with solar and battery storage for complete energy independence. Expert installation supports both residential and commercial fleet requirements with seamless grid connectivity.
Ground Mount Solar
Specialized solar arrays for adjacent land areas, featuring proprietary 12-gauge steel structures. Ideal for estates, farms, and properties with space constraints. Custom designs ensure optimal energy production while maintaining property aesthetics and structural integrity.
People
Kent Harle
CEO + Founding Partner
Co-founded Stellar Solar in 1998 and leads strategic growth initiatives. With 25+ years in renewable energy, he drives innovation in solar technology partnerships and market expansion across California and Michigan.
Michael Powers
Founding Partner
Key architect of Stellar Solar's commercial division since 1998. Directed over 20MW of installations for major clients including Cedars-Sinai and US Foods. Focuses on scaling operations while maintaining quality standards for large-scale projects.
Brian Grems
VP Operations
Manages day-to-day operations across residential and commercial divisions. With 15+ years at Stellar, he oversees project timelines, quality control, and implementation of new technologies like Tesla PowerWall systems.
Kenny Rutherford
Energy Consultant
Award-winning solar advisor with 10+ years of experience. Specializes in complex system design and financial analysis, helping clients maximize tax credits and energy savings through personalized consultations and transparent pricing.
Erin Presley
Energy Consultant
Recognized for exceptional customer service in residential solar consultations. Provides detailed energy usage analysis and system optimization guidance, with a focus on long-term client satisfaction and system performance monitoring.
Questions
What solar incentives are currently available?
Homeowners qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. Commercial clients benefit from accelerated depreciation and state-specific incentives. Our specialists help maximize available programs during system design.
How long does a solar installation take?
Residential projects typically complete in 4-6 weeks from contract signing. Commercial installations vary by size but average 8-12 weeks, including permitting and inspections.
Do you offer solar maintenance services?
Yes, we provide monitoring, performance analysis, and repair services. Optional maintenance packages include annual inspections and priority service for system issues.
Can solar panels work with battery storage?
All our systems integrate with battery options like Tesla PowerWall 3. This combination optimizes energy savings by storing excess production for peak rate periods or outages.
What happens during a power outage?
Grid-tied systems automatically shut off for safety. With battery backup, essential circuits remain powered. Our storage solutions provide 24/7 energy security during outages.
Do you service existing solar systems?
Yes, we offer diagnostics, repairs, and performance optimization for all solar brands. Our service team handles warranty claims and system upgrades for maximum efficiency.
