7 Best Solar Companies in California

In California, choosing the right solar company is the first step of installing solar panels on your home. You want to ensure you get the best solar installers, home products, fair prices, and excellent customer service. 

In this thorough roundup, we compare and contrast the pros and cons of each solar company, as well as their products and warranties, customer feedback, and other factors. 

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SunPower

SunPower is one of the biggest solar companies in the US market. This energy company was one of the first in its field. It started in 1985 in California's Silicon Valley, and over 1,000 patents protect its cutting-edge solar innovations. SunPower helps its customers find the best energy solution for their needs by giving them hands-on help.

All solar systems are made of long-lasting materials and come with a 25-year warranty, one of the best in the business. Additionally, finding the ideal energy system is made simple and streamlined with the SunPower's mySunPower™ app and educational videos.

Bottom Line:

‍As one of the biggest solar companies in the US, SunPower's systems are made with high-quality and durable materials, and their process is highly streamlined. 

Cost, Warranty & Services

SunPower has many flexible payment plans with no down payment needed to fit different budgets and financial needs. A 25-year warranty is included with every device, which is one of the best deals on the market.

Average Cost

A SunPower consultant will come to your house to determine how much energy it needs. During this visit, you will be given a quote for the new system's parts and installation costs.

If cost is a problem, the trained staff at SunPower's customer service department can also go over the various financing options, federal incentives, and the best California solar incentives. You won't be hit with unforeseen expenses, fees, or payment schedules that aren't specified in your contract because all payments are fixed.

Warranty

The Complete Confidence Warranty from SunPower is one of the most comprehensive. The SunPower crew is knowledgeable of additional California tax breaks that reduce the price of solar electricity coverage plans on the market. The warranty covers the roof components for 25 years, and the rest of the system is covered for ten years.

Solar Services

• Solar panel installation
• Battery backup installation
• Solar and storage platforms
• EV chargers

Financing Options

There are numerous flexible financing alternatives to fit different budgets. 

Specials or Incentives Offered

SunPower customers can save money on installation and power costs by taking advantage of local and state incentives. Some of these incentives include the federal solar tax credit, net metering, and other local rebate programs. 

In-House or Contracted Installations

SunPower works with local solar installers who are great at offering competitive prices and who cover the whole state of California. Contract installations frequently have lower costs since they use local installers. The company's staff of solar professionals completes in-house installations.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

SunPower sells the SunPower Equinox® System. This advanced device is aesthetic and produces more energy than other solar gear. SunPower's systems use small inverters, called "microinverters," to generate power quickly without using big inverters from the outside. Only 8% of SunPower's systems have lost power over the 25 years of their warranty because they use cutting-edge technology.

Customer Reviews

Customers have given SunPower 4.28 stars in reviews, and the company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customers praise SunPower for having helpful customer support agents available at all times. Negative reviews, however, criticize the company's inconsistent communication.

Partnerships

SunPower works with businesses, shops, groups, and schools to ensure everyone in California can access clean energy.

ADT Solar

This renowned home security business now provides solar installation services after purchasing SunPro. This company, called ADT Solar, works with local solar dealers and installers all over California to offer affordable, environmentally friendly energy options.

ADT Solar is more valuable than many other solar service providers for customers who already have ADT security systems or for homeowners who want to add solar and security procedures to their homes simultaneously.

The company provides adaptable financing alternatives to fit a variety of budgets. The ADT customer service team is also ready to help homeowners choose the right equipment for their homes, plan and schedule the installation, and answer any questions about how the system works.

Bottom Line:

‍ADT Solar works with local solar dealers and installers all over California to offer affordable, environmentally friendly energy options.

Cost, Warranty & Services

Prospective clients can get free quotes from ADT Solar. Solar costs vary from house to house and depend on your chosen equipment.

Customers can also use the company's other warranties, such as the 25-Year Power Production Guarantee. If your ADT Solar system does not produce the energy promised at the installation, ADT will cover the difference between your home's actual annual energy output and the annual production guaranteed.

Customers of ADT Solar also get a 25-year limited warranty on the work, ensuring that the system was installed correctly. If the microinverters or other parts malfunction or break, they are covered by the 25-year manufacturer's guarantee for the panel and the 25-year Enphase microinverter warranty.

Average Cost

All of ADT Solar's clients get custom quotes to ensure that the prices suit their homes' energy needs. Visit ADT Solar's website or contact their customer service department to request an estimate.

Warranty

ADT Solar stands out from other solar companies thanks to its 25-Year Power Production Guarantee. ADT will cover the difference between your home's actual annual energy output and the annual production guaranteed if your ADT Solar system does not produce the energy promised at the installation time.

Your ADT Solar system also comes with additional warranties. With the Limited Workmanship Warranty, Panel Manufacturer Warranties, and Enphase Microinverter Warranty, ADT ensures that its systems are of good quality and work well. These warranties cover the microinverters and other equipment that goes with them if they break or stop working while being installed or used.

Solar Services

• Audits for energy efficiency
• EV charging system
• Consultation
• Mobile app
• Optional service package
• Solar panel installation
• Survey and design
• System monitoring

Financing Options

To accommodate various financial requirements, there are flexible financing solutions available. You can learn more about the state and federal incentives to help reduce the cost of adopting solar energy by chatting with a customer service professional. Additionally, they can give you more details about how converting to solar energy might help you save money in the long run.

Specials or Incentives Offered

California-wide and nationwide incentives help make solar installations more affordable. Some of these incentives include the federal solar tax credit, net metering, and other local rebate programs. 

In-House or Contracted Installations

ADT Solar has agreements with regional solar installers in California to provide high-quality, low-cost service. Compared to internal installations done by the company's solar staff, contracted installations often have better prices and better service in more remote areas.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

The equipment that ADT Solar sells is made by some of the most well-known manufacturers in the sector, including QCells, Silfab Solar, Tesla Powerwall, and Unirac.

Customer Reviews

ADT Solar has received approval from the Better Business Bureau and an A+ rating. But customers only give it 2 out of 5 stars because the service has problems and there are hidden costs.

Partnerships

ADT Solar works with well-known energy companies like Canadian Solar, QCells, Silfab Solar, Tesla Powerwall, and Unirac.

Solfinity

Solfinity Power provides options for homes throughout the nation. Customers can eventually cut their energy costs using the company's highly effective, low-profile mounting and integrated monitoring technologies.

Solfinity's rates are some of the most affordable in the country, starting as low as $49/hour. These relatively lower rates ensure that everyone can access renewable energy solutions. Solfinity wants to help customers understand the technical details of solar panels while still making them easy to use. A quick look at their website provides a thorough rundown of solar technology. You can ask a professional installer for a free consultation if you're interested in learning more about how solar panels will affect your particular home.

Bottom Line:

‍Solfinity's rates are some of the most affordable in the country. Customers can eventually cut their energy costs even more by using the company's highly effective, low-profile mounting and integrated monitoring technologies.

Cost, Warranty & Services

Rates with this solar company start at $49 per hour. Even though some customers say, there are extra fees, Solfinity's low price and 25-year warranty are great deals compared to the industry's more expensive competitors.

For the entire solar system, Solfinity provides four warranty plans. Manufacturer warranties are for 25 years, performance warranties are for 25 years, workmanship warranties are for 25 years, and roof penetration warranties are for 25 years.

Average Cost

The company offers free consultations even though prices are not disclosed on Solfinity's website. They will send a contracted solar installer to your house to determine the number of panels required and the best brand options for your home. Solfinity indeed advertises that its fees begin at $49 per hour. Customer feedback indicates that the actual cost is frequently far greater than this sum.

Warranty

Each Solfinity solar power system comes with four warranties. Manufacturer's performance, workmanship, and roof penetration warranties all come with a 25-year customer guarantee. Their reasonable warranty period covers more than the typical 10-year warranty in the industry.

Solar Services

• Installs complete system
• Wide selection of the most efficient solar panels on the market
• 60% fewer visible parts for a sleek design
• Eliminates unnecessary hardware

Financing Options

To find out more about financing your solar system, contact Solfinity. During your free consultation, their team of solar experts is the best person to talk to about possible financing options.

Specials or Incentives Offered

Solfinity advertises no promotions or incentives. Customers can, however, benefit from the California state and federal government benefits that are offered.

In-House or Contracted Installations

Solfinity works with contract installers. Solfinity can offer reasonably priced and adequately done service, unlike some solar companies with their own staff for in-house installations. The contract method also lets Solfinity help put clean energy systems in the more rural parts of California.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

A variety of effective solar panel solutions are available from Solfinity. Most of the company's panels are basic in design to match the home. The website of the business does not contain any information on the equipment. Customers can learn more about what Solfinity's brand offers by setting up a free consultation.

Customer Reviews

Customers rate Solfinity with a 5-star rating and an "A-" from the Better Business Bureau. Solfinity's most significant flaws, though, are that it doesn't say how much it costs and will only include some of the necessary equipment in the initial price. Customers thinking about Solfinity should be prepared to request specific details about their quote. But further investigation indicates that the business is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Partnerships

California solar installers and Solfinity collaborate to offer cost-effective and high-quality service.

Momentum

If you’re anxious about the transition to a solar power system, Momentum Solar can help make the process easy and effortless. Momentum Solar is one of the US's most prominent independent solar energy providers. It was founded in 2009 in New Jersey. This company is growing quickly and now serves 10 states, including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, Texas, and California, to name a few. 

Momentum handles every aspect of solar panel installation in-house, from design to financing. This national service provider also has a wide range of solar panels from different companies. This lets Momentum tailor your system to your needs.

Bottom Line:

‍Momentum offers its customers high-quality solar equipment and cutting-edge technology, such as an app that makes it easy to keep track of each step of the installation process. That said, it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum, and no pricing or quotes are available online. 

Cost, Warranty & Services

Pricing information is not available on Momentum's website. That said, there are standard solar panel costs in California that can help you gauge what you might pay for a solar energy system installed by Momentum. Momentum Solar offers a lifetime warranty for its equipment and workmanship. 

Average Cost

While no pricing information is available on Momentum's site, on average, customers can expect to pay between $13,000 and $17,500 for a 6 kW solar panel system (this does not factor in the federal solar tax credit). When considering the cost of labor and equipment, customers should expect to pay around $12,000 for installation.

The price of a solar energy system depends on where you live, the quality of the product, and the size of your home. Pricing also depends on the size of your unit; you can pay as little as $5,000 for a smaller solar system and as much as $40,000 for a high-end, top-tier installation. Customers have said that Momentum's prices are a little higher than those of its competitors because it offers a full solar experience in-house. 

Warranty

Momentum Solar provides customers with a 25-year equipment and workmanship warranty. This warranty is meant to last for the life of your service contract. The company upholds this commitment, so clients won't be charged if there is a problem, whether it is with your solar panels, inverters, or installation.

Solar Services

• Audits for energy efficiency
• Consultation and design
• EV charging system
• Mobile app
• Service package
• Solar panel installation
• System monitoring

Financing Options

Momentum Solar allows customers to buy solar panels through a lump-sum payment or a solar loan. The solar loan option functions similarly to a home improvement or auto loan. Customers will pay a monthly fee to own the panels while also benefiting from other solar incentives. 

You can also work with the provider to lease your Momentum solar panels or sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). With a solar lease, you can use solar power without buying the solar panels and make fixed monthly payments instead. A power purchase agreement (PPA) works like an electric bill in that you pay a monthly fee based on how much energy your leased solar panels produce. Both options have low or no up-front costs, but if you choose to lease your solar panels, you won't be able to take advantage of cost-effective state and federal solar incentives because you won't own the system.

Specials or Incentives Offered

California customers can benefit when their solar panels generate more power than their house needs. Through a process called "net metering," any extra electricity your solar panels make is sent back to the electric grid. You will then receive a net metering credit from your utility company. Not every state participates in net metering, but California is one of the lucky few. 

In-House or Contracted Installations

Momentum takes care of every part of your solar installation, from consultation and design to installation, system activation, and net metering. One of the few downsides of working with in-house installers like Momentum is that they can't pull away from specific installers. Companies that use contracted services can do this, which sometimes results in better prices or better access to different regions. 

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

Momentum Solar only installs solar systems made up of monocrystalline panels. When comparing polycrystalline panels to monocrystalline panels, the monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and last the longest. According to reports, the lifespan of these panels is 25 to 40 years. 

Momentum provides a variety of solar panel brands, with one overarching criterion for every brand they work with: they must be Tier 1, solar manufacturers. For a company to get Tier 1 status, it must be evaluated based on a number of factors, such as its experience, financial stability, and technical performance. 

Customer Reviews

Momentum Solar has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 3.7 customer review rating. Previous and existing customers have had many good things to say about Momentum's installation and general customer service. However, the company also has some negative reviews, particularly regarding its pushy sales tactics. Other customers have had issues with delayed installations and missed appointments. 

Partnerships

Momentum Solar partnered with Generac Power Systems in 2020. The PWRcell battery from Generac has been one of the most powerful energy storage systems available to homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills and have a backup power source. Generac PWRcell inverters can provide up to 11 kW of continuous backup power and up to 9 kW with just one battery.

Elevation Solar

Elevation Solar stands out from most other businesses because it offers a unique set of services that all work well together. Along with standard energy efficiency improvements like duct sealing and insulation services, it also provides grid-tied and off-grid solar power systems. These are offered alongside energy monitoring and energy management services.

Most of Elevation's customers are homeowners, but the company also sells virtual power plants to utility companies so they don't have to run as many gas- or oil-powered peaker plants to meet peak energy needs.

Bottom Line:

‍Elevation's whole product line complies with EPA regulations and has earned Energy Star certification. Elevation Solar does offer a guarantee that it will match a competitor's price, but it does not list prices on its website.

Cost, Warranty & Services

Elevation's website doesn't say anything about prices, but previous customers say its costs are lower than those of the average solar panel installer. Its warranties are also among the best on the market. 

Average Cost

Even though Elevation offers many different and unique services, its prices are much lower than those of the average installer. When the company is done making your home more energy efficient, you may need a smaller solar power system than you thought. This makes the prices even more appealing. Additionally, Elevation offers a price-match guarantee. Some services set this policy, stipulating that if you find the same service at a lower cost, they will either match or beat the price. 

Warranty

Elevation offers both an equipment warranty and a workmanship warranty. Its high-quality solar panels typically come with a 25- to 30-year warranty. The inverters come with a 25-year warranty, while the battery systems come with a 10-year warranty. 

Solar Services

• Elevated Home service
• Consultation and design
• Solar panel installation
• Solar battery installation
• Duct sealing
• Insulation
• Electric vehicle charger installation

Financing Options

Elevation customers have a choice between two different payment plans: they can either opt for an up-front payment or a solar loan. Because customers can't opt for a more affordable loan option such as solar leases or PPAs, opting for the full purchase is more cost-effective. Customers who purchase their solar panels can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. 

Specials or Incentives Offered

Aside from the state-wide and federal tax incentives, Elevation offers a few bonus benefits. Customers get a price-match guarantee on their solar panels, and when a friend sets up a consultation, they get a $100 bonus. If the consultation leads to a system installation, the person who sent the referral will get an extra $400. 

In-House or Contracted Installations

The company focuses on a whole-home approach for energy optimization. Every step of the process is done in-house, starting with the free consultation and proposal and ending with the installation, set-up, and final inspections. 

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

Elevation Solar installs solar panels from the most trusted brands, like Panasonic, Q Cells, and others, as well as batteries and inverters made by Tesla and Enphase. 

Customer Reviews

Elevation Solar has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Elevation has gotten a lot of good feedback from its clients, especially about its prices, equipment, and customer service. Most of its negative feedback refers to poor communication. 

Partnerships

Elevation Solar has partnered with local solar installers in the states it services, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Sunrun

Founded in 2007, Sunrun Solar has become an industry leader in residential solar installation. Based in San Francisco, this company has set up more than 285,000 solar and battery systems in 20 states.

Although Sunrun provides clients with the choice to buy solar panels, leasing them accounts for a large portion of their revenue. Sunrun is also known for its customized solar systems. Before installing solar panels in your home, Sunrun reviews your home's size, sunlight exposure, roof area, and slope and calculates your system's cost and energy usage. This service is especially helpful for people who don't know much about solar energy systems or the confusing language surrounding these systems.

Bottom Line:

‍People who want a solar lease and want to cut their energy costs quickly may want to think about Sunrun. But if you're a homeowner searching for careful support during and after installation, you should explore elsewhere. 

Cost, Warranty & Services

The price of a Sunrun solar system is hard to guess because it depends on your state, the size of your roof, and how much energy you use. Because Sunrun was one of the pioneering solar energy services, most other solar providers offer installations at a slightly lower cost to give them a competitive edge. Sunrun also offers several warranties. 

Average Cost

Most of the time, installing solar panels costs $15,000 upfront, and most installations should be at most $25,000. Customers who have used Sunrun before say that the average cost of a solar installation is about $12,000. 

As part of its leasing program, Sunrun says that customers can pay as little as $0 down and only pay for their lease each month. However, it's essential to look over the fine print of any lease you sign and ensure you are clear on the terms of your agreement. 

Warranty

Sunrun offers a 25-year warranty on its products. It also provides a 10-year warranty on any roof damage caused by the installation. 

Solar Services

• Consultation
• EV charging system
• Mobile app
• Optional ongoing service package
• Solar panel installation
• Survey and design
• System monitoring

Financing Options

Sunrun Solar gives customers four ways to pay: a monthly lease, a full lease, a monthly loan, or a full purchase. The monthly installment has the lowest upfront cost among the four different payment plans. Under the monthly lease, Sunrun owns your solar panels, and customers will make monthly payments to the company. While this payment plan is the most popular, it is also the least financially beneficial. If customers select the full lease option, they pay the rental costs upfront while Sunrun maintains ownership of the equipment. 

With the monthly loan, customers purchase a solar energy system through a third-party loan. Customers are responsible for paying back the loan within five to ten years. But if you choose the monthly loan, you won't get the same benefits as if you bought the solar system outright, like the 25-year warranty. Lastly, customers can choose to purchase their solar system from Sunrun fully. 

Specials or Incentives Offered

Sunrun will give you a free quote if you give them some basic information, like your address, how much your energy costs each month, and your credit score. After you get your quote, if you're interested, Sunrun's team will write up a proposal that includes any local or state incentives. 

In-House or Contracted Installations

Sunrun does in-house installations. The advantage of in-house installations is that the sales team has complete control over the entire project. The downside is that sometimes contracted services offer better prices. 

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

Sunrun does not produce solar panels and batteries; instead, it sources them from companies like LG, LONGi, and Tesla. It's in your best interest to ask about the type of solar panels installed in your home before hiring an installation company. 

Customer Reviews

Sunrun's poor customer reviews are one of the company's most significant red flags. Customers have reported poor customer service, slow responses to maintenance issues, and system failures. 

Sunrun received an astonishing 1430 complaints in 2021 alone on the Better Business Bureau website. Sunrun's Better Business Bureau score was a B+ for a long time, but it has recently risen to an A-. 

Partnerships

Sunrun is partnered with Costco, so Costco members get a special deal on its solar services.

Key Considerations When Looking for Solar Panel Installation in California

Before hiring a solar energy company to install your new system, it's worthwhile to think through these factors carefully. 

Cost of Services & Installations

Spend some time looking for the solar company that offers the finest service at the lowest cost. Even though the industry is known for not posting their prices online, if you research and talk to a few different companies, you may find the best one for your needs.

The upfront costs associated with solar installation can be daunting. But consider the long-term savings the panels generate. California residents pay approximately $272 for electricity every month, which is much higher than the national average. The average monthly cost of solar energy is $77.70, meaning people can save about $2,340 a year by switching to solar. Customers can also save money by taking advantage of local incentives and the 30% tax credit from the US government. Solar panel installation in California can help you save thousands of dollars over time through lower energy costs and tax incentives.

Check out the best solar companies in Los Angeles and San Diego. 

Strong Warranty Coverage

Look for companies offering warranties for the products and installation process. Regardless of the business you choose, equipment warranties typically last 25 years. But installation warranties, often called guarantees for the work itself, vary from company to company. Make sure the installer you choose has enough coverage for installation to protect your home from roof leaks and other problems.

Company Years of Experience

Investigate the history of each company. Some installers have been in business for some time and are skilled at fixing typical issues and responding to inquiries. That is not to argue that newer businesses are unreliable. But it's essential to ensure that a young business team has enough experience and well-established systems to do good work that will last. To find out how long a company has been recognized for its services, consult the Better Business Bureau.

Solar Services Offered

While some homes only need a basic set of panels installed, others might also need an energy storage system, a specific design, or other features. If you need help choosing the best solar panel system for your home, the first thing you should do is call a few companies. Most of the time, customer service representatives are happy to answer any questions you have about your project and give you suggestions on what services you might need. If you're searching for a wide variety of home services, companies like ADT Solar and Palmetto are excellent options. These companies even offer non-solar services.

In-House or Contracted Installations

In-house installations work differently from contracted installation services. At the end of the day, both are doing the same job. However, in-house installations are done by the solar company's employees. This allows the company's sales team to help monitor every stage of the process. Often, in-house installations are pricier than contracted ones. Contract installations hire private professionals and send them out to various clients. Services are often less expensive while still being high-quality.

Solar Equipment Brands

When comparing solar companies, find out what brands they use to make sure that your building will have equipment that will last. Several companies, like SunPower, Palmetto, and Elevation, are market leaders because their solar panel systems are of high quality and last for a long time. If you're searching for energy storage solutions, some businesses might only provide one or two possibilities.

Customer Reviews

One of the best ways to get a feel for dealing with a particular installation is to read customer reviews. Once a customer has been verified, they can write reviews about their experiences with the Better Business Bureau. You can also search online for further reviews. Just make sure that the reviews you read have been checked to make sure they accurately describe the work of the company. Last but not least, keep in mind that no review is universal and that your experience may differ from that of a previous client.

Financing Options

Some companies provide financing solutions to aid with the initial solar panel cost. During your initial session, inquire about financing. If the business does not offer financing options, know that the customer service staff will usually be happy to answer any questions you may have about financial incentives for California residents.

A lot of solar installers require no down payment. The monthly expenses sometimes rise after the first 18 months of going solar, taking tax breaks into account.

Solar Incentives in California

If you live in the sunny state of California, going solar has a lot of benefits. In fact, as the nation's leading home solar and energy storage company, California has some of the best solar incentives in the US. 

• Under the federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), anyone who pays federal taxes is eligible for 30% of the total system cost. Keep in mind this tax credit only applies to those who purchase their solar panel system outright. If you are leasing your solar panels, you will not be eligible for this tax credit. 
• Net metering is one of the biggest reasons why going solar in the Golden State is beneficial. In California, any solar homeowner can bill credits for their extra solar power from their utility. 
• The Disadvantaged Communities - Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program provides rebates to income-eligible, single-family homeowners installing solar panels. To benefit from this incentive, you must be a customer of Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas and Electric. 
• There are also several local rebate programs in California, including the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. If you are installing solar panels in Rancho Mirage, you can get a rebate of $500 for your permit fee. If you are a SMUD customer, you can receive a $300 rebate for installing a residential solar panel. 

Take the Homeowner Quiz to Find Out the Cost of Solar Panel Installation on Your Home