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San Diego's Solar Pioneers.
Since 1996.
When we pulled the first commercial solar permit in the City of San Diego, most people didn't know what solar was. 30 years later, we're still installing it — with our own hands.
What's the San Diego Solar Story?
San Diego Solar was founded in 1996, back when solar energy was still a fringe idea. While others talked about the future of clean energy, we were already on rooftops making it happen. We pulled the first commercial solar permit in the City of San Diego at the OB People's Food Co-Op, and we never looked back.
From day one, we made a promise: every project would be designed, engineered, and installed by our own team. No subcontractors, no outsourced labor, no cutting corners. That commitment hasn't changed in 30 years, and it never will.
We believe that the people who design your system should be the same people who install it. That's how you get quality you can trust. That's how you build something that lasts.
Today, San Diego Solar remains an independent, owner-operated company. We've completed over 2,000 projects across San Diego County, and every single one was done with our own hands. We're proud of that. And we're just getting started.
30 Years
In Business
2,000+
Projects
100%
In-House
1st
Commercial Permit in SD
Who Owns San Diego Solar?
CW
Curtis Williamson
Owner
Curtis brings a wealth of expertise to San Diego Solar, backed by 16 years of experience in the electrical industry as a supplier and distributor for solar and electrical contractors worldwide. His career has included involvement in high-profile U.S. defense projects in Guam, Cuba, and various installations across San Diego’s military bases, showcasing his ability to manage complex and demanding projects with precision.
Curtis has leveraged his extensive knowledge of electrical systems to enhance the company’s operations. His contributions have been instrumental in making San Diego Solar one of the most efficient and safest contractors in the San Diego area. Curtis’s focus on safety, system optimization, and operational excellence has elevated the team’s capabilities, reinforcing San Diego Solar’s reputation as a leader in the solar industry.
How Did San Diego Solar Get Started?
1996
Founded
San Diego Solar is established with a simple mission: install solar with our own hands, the right way, every time.
2001
First Commercial Permit
We pull the first commercial solar permit in the City of San Diego at the OB People's Food Co-Op, putting us on the map as pioneers.
2005
500th Installation
In just five years, we complete our 500th solar project across San Diego County — all with our in-house crews.
2010
Solar + Roofing Division
We launch our integrated solar and roofing division, becoming one of the first companies to offer both under one roof.
2018
1,500th Project
We celebrate our 1,500th completed project and introduce the Neighbor Discount program to give back to the communities we serve.
2026
Still Owner-Operated
30 years in, San Diego Solar remains an independent, owner-operated company. Over 2,000 projects completed. Same values. Same commitment. Same hands.
Who Works on Your Solar Project?
Leadership
Our founders and senior leadership bring decades of experience in solar energy, construction, and business management. They set the standard for quality and integrity that runs through everything we do.
Design & Engineering
Our in-house design and engineering team creates custom solar solutions for every project. They use advanced modeling software and site analysis to maximize your system's performance and savings.
Installation Crews
Our NABCEP-certified installation crews are the backbone of San Diego Solar. Every technician is a full-time employee trained to our exacting standards. No subcontractors, no shortcuts.
Customer Success
From your first phone call to your final inspection and beyond, our customer success team ensures a seamless experience. They coordinate every step and are always just a call away.
Common Questions About San Diego Solar
San Diego Solar is owned and operated by Curtis Williamson. Founded in 1996, the company has remained an independent, locally operated solar installer for 30 years. Unlike many solar companies that have been acquired by national chains or private equity firms, San Diego Solar continues to be run by a hands-on owner committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
San Diego Solar has been in business for 30 years, founded in 1996. We are the longest continuously operating solar installer in San Diego. We pulled the first commercial solar permit in the City of San Diego at the OB People’s Food Co-Op before the modern solar industry even existed here.
No. San Diego Solar has never used subcontractors in 30 years of operation. Every project is designed, engineered, and installed by our own full-time employees. The person who designs your system is the person who installs it. This policy ensures quality control, direct accountability, and warranty integrity.
Yes. San Diego Solar holds a valid California State License Board (CSLB) contractor’s license and carries full workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. We are fully bonded and have maintained our license in good standing for over two decades.
Five things set us apart: 30 years in business (longest-operating in SD), 100% in-house crews (no subcontractors ever), we pulled the first commercial solar permit in San Diego, our prepaid lease saves 30-40% on upfront costs, and our Neighbor Discount referral program gives savings to the person being referred rather than the referrer.
Our installations are backed by a 25-year manufacturer panel warranty, a 10–25 year inverter warranty (depending on brand), and a 10-year workmanship warranty on the installation itself — including roof penetrations. Combined solar + roofing projects also include a 10-year roofing workmanship warranty. Because we’ve been continuously operating since 1996, we’ll still be here when your warranty needs to be honored.
For active warranty customers, we target a same-day or next-business-day response on diagnostic calls and a 1–3 day on-site appointment for non-emergency issues. For monitoring outages or production drops, most issues are diagnosed remotely within 24 hours. Outage / no-power emergencies on backup-battery systems are prioritized for same-day response.
We install across all of San Diego County — from Oceanside and Carlsbad in the north, through coastal cities (Del Mar, La Jolla, Point Loma), inland communities (Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, Escondido, Scripps Ranch), to South County (Chula Vista, National City). After 30 years, we know every city building department, HOA, and SDG&E inspector personally.
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