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Top 5 Best Solar Companies in California (2022 Reviews)
In this EcoWatch guide on the best solar companies in California, you’ll learn:
- Who our top 5 picks are for solar providers in California
- Our methodology for picking the top California’s solar companies
- What Californians should look for when choosing a solar company
This guide has helped thousands of California homeowners save time and money when going solar. Let’s get started!
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California’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies Reviewed
California is perhaps the biggest state when it comes leading the charge solar energy for the United States, which is why we thought that it was important the EcoWatch reviews team cover our top picks for solar companies in the Sunshine state.
Below we cover the pros and cons of solar providers in California as well as a number of key details (like other solar services, batteries offered, etc).
Our scope for this review is for a professionally installed 5 kilowatt (kW) system. This is the typical size of a U.S. residential solar system.
- SunPower Solar: Best National Provider
- ADT Solar: Best Warranty Coverage
- NRG Solar: Great Warranty Coverage
- Elevation Solar: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Stellar Solar: Outstanding Local Installer
SunPower
Best National Provider
Pros
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
SunPower’s superior customer service, wide product offerings, complete systems and leading 25 year warranty make it one of the most trusted solar providers on the market today and our top pick for California homeowners. SunPower has an A+ from the BBB and is taking concrete steps to improve any weaknesses to its business model by expanding its availability to homeowners through leases and improved financing options.
They have one of the largest service footprint in the country with some of the highest rated customer service in the industry. When it comes to buying solar panels, you really need to quality customer service and a big company to navigate the local complexities of going solar.
Facts and Figures: SunPower
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 5 |
| A+ |
| 1985 |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
| SunPower |
| 25-year all-inclusive warranty |
ADT Solar
Best Warranty Coverage
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
Cons
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
As Sunpro, ADT Solar was a good example of how a solar company should operate; an all-encompassing 25-year warranty, high-quality solar panels and good customer service. Sunpro has helped tens of thousands of homeowners discover the benefits of modern solar energy by keeping its business and installation process simple.
We’d like to see better results from its customer service department, however, which is something ADT can improve on. If you do go with ADT Solar, the chances are that you’ll receive a quick, simple and effective solar solution that works for at least 25 years.
We noticed most issues arise on the rare occasions that installations don’t go smoothly. Whether a minor issue like your inverter not connecting to your network or a major issue like a faulty panel, a comprehensive 25-year warranty only does so much good if you can’t get your provider to call you back.
Overall, we happily recommend ADT Solar to our readers, but be sure you only sign a contract from a sales rep you trust. Leave no stone unturned in asking questions prior to the sale to make sure your consultant is knowledgeable and will field any of your concerns after you sign a contract. Solar is a significant investment, and you should feel confident in your decision.
Facts and Figures: ADT Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4 |
| A- |
| 2008 |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
| Silfab, Panasonic and others depending on location |
| 25-year all-inclusive warranty |
NRG Clean Power
Great Warranty Coverage
Pros
- Industry-leading warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Can be slightly expensive
NRG Clean Power is a total home performance company, offering a fully comprehensive approach to designing the perfect clean energy system for your home. With accessible prices, flexible solar financing options, lifetime warranties and a great reputation to boot.
With over 9,000+ installations, they specialize in installing solar panels in California and Texas, which is why they made our list. We’ve found that the actual owner of the company will regularly reach out and work with some customers where additional help is needed, which we loved. We did find that occasionally there was some turnover in the project managers of projects resulting in poorer customer experiences.
Overall, we recommend NRG as they are a quality solar company with a focus on California.
Facts and Figures: NRG Clean Power
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| 1992 |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Solar Roof Shingles, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
| REC, SolarEdge, Tesla |
| 25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Stellar Solar
Outstanding Local Installer
Pros
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
Voted San Diego’s best solar company in 2021, Stellar Solar’s team of experienced solar energy consultants uses a consultative, educational, no-pressure approach to both residential and commercial solar projects. This approach pays dividends for Stellar Solar, as the company boasts exceptional customer reviews and builds its business on a booming referral network. Stellar Solar offers some of the best solar products from SunPower, Enphase, Panasonic, LG and more.
Facts and Figures: Stellar Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
What Are the 5 Best Solar Companies in California?
#1) SunPower
Service Area: State of California; based in San Jose
What We Like: SunPower has long been one of the top national solar companies — both in the quality of its products and its installations. Manufacturing its own industry-leading solar panels, SunPower delivers efficient, all-in-one solar systems with the best warranty in the business to customers throughout California and the entire U.S.
What We Don’t Like: SunPower outsources its work to certified dealers throughout the country. Though the company still maintains stellar reviews, your experience can be dependent on which dealer you live nearest.
What Customers Are Saying: “I was not the original customer. I bought the residence with SunPower’s system already installed and assumed the lease. Lease is reasonable and does not increase over time. Customer service has been excellent when contacted. Any and all issues resolved with just one call.” — Kevin via BBB
SunPower at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 1985
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, EV chargers
- Warranty: All-in-one 25-year warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease/PPA
- Learn More: SunPower Review
#2) ADT Solar
Service Area: State of California; currently based in Covington, LA
What We Like: ADT Solar, formerly Sunpro Solar, offers some of the most advanced and reliable solar installations on the market. It prioritizes the protection of its customers in every sense of the word, whether its home security, warranty coverage or energy resilience with solar.
What We Don’t Like: Installing your solar system through ADT does come with a few downsides. The size of ADT has caused some customers to experience long wait times when reaching out with service and warranty questions.
What Customers Are Saying: “The representative was thorough, polite and respectful. I especially liked that I was not pressured and she was not being pushy trying to sell the product. Giving me time to think and decide was nice. She took extra time to help me understand all my options regarding financing and the savings I would likely expect from installing solar.” — Ashley via BBB
ADT Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2008
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, EV chargers
- Warranty: 25-year labor, parts and panel performance warranties
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
- Learn More: ADT Solar Review
Watch Below: Why Do Some California Customers Pay Twice as Much as the Rest of the U.S. For Their Electricity?
#3) NRG Clean Power Solar
Service Area: State of California; based in Los Angeles
What We Like: NRG Clean Power is a total home performance company, offering a fully comprehensive approach to designing the perfect clean energy system for your home. With accessible prices, flexible solar financing options, lifetime warranties and a great reputation to boot, NRG Clean Power tops our list of the best solar companies in California.
What We Don’t Like: NRG Clean Power doesn’t offer solar leases, which can exclude homeowners who value helping the environment more than saving money by purchasing a system of their own.
What Customers Are Saying: “I highly recommend this solar company. They have the process mastered. I was well-informed of the whole process, especially on the aspect of the expenses. All questions were answered promptly — just a great team!” — Chai via Better Business Bureau
NRG Clean Power at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 1992
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, electric vehicle chargers, roofing and energy efficiency upgrades
- Warranty: Lifetime labor warranty, product-specific warranties for photovoltaic panels and inverters
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
#4) Elevation Solar
Service Area: State of California
What We Like: Elevation is one of the nation’s fastest-growing solar companies, and it’s easy to understand why. Elevation understands that conserving energy is more than installing solar panels. That’s why the company offers comprehensive energy efficiency services, Energy Star-certified products, energy storage systems and smart home solutions.
What We Don’t Like: Although Elevation Solar has operated in California for eight years, there are other companies with more experience in the Golden State.
What Customers Are Saying: “The crew showed up right on schedule. They were polite, informative, and took the time to explain every procedure. Maybe the best customer service I’ve ever experienced. The price after the rebates was so affordable. My thanks to Javier, Jagger, and Jacob for being a total professional crew.” — Anthony via Google
Elevation Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2014
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, energy efficiency upgrades, efficiency audits, smart home energy solutions
- Warranty: 25-year workmanship and product-specific warranties
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
#5) Stellar Solar
Service Area: Southern California; based in San Diego
What We Like: Voted San Diego’s best solar company in 2021, Stellar Solar’s team of experienced solar energy consultants uses a consultative, educational, no-pressure approach to both residential and commercial solar projects. This approach pays dividends for Stellar Solar, as the company boasts exceptional customer reviews and builds its business on a booming referral network. Stellar Solar offers some of the best solar products from SunPower, Enphase, Panasonic, LG and more.
What We Don’t Like: We’d like to see Stellar Solar offer electrical services and energy efficiency packages along with its solar, battery and EV chargers.
What Customers Are Saying: “Wonderful experience with Stellar Solar… The reps from Stellar are highly professional, timely and courteous. They took the time to clearly explain the process from start to finish. The installation process was straightforward. The crew was very considerate and they left the project site clean and neat.” — Madeline via Google Reviews
Stellar Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 1998
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, EV chargers
- Warranty: 25-year workmanship warranty, 10-year roof warranty, product-specific warranties
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease/PPA
How Did We Choose the Best Solar Companies in California?
We researched the product ranges, services, financing options, customer feedback, and industry reputations of every major California solar installer. Using this methodology, we rated and ranked each company to narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in California.
What Should Californians Look For in a Solar Installer?
Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different when it comes to solar, so what may be the best solar company for your neighbor might not be right for you. Consider the following factors and place more weight on what’s important to you when choosing the best company for your installation:
Services Offered
For one, it’s important to note that different solar companies may offer slightly different services. Most California homeowners will want a company that provides a wide range of services, assisting with everything from an initial consultation to panel installation to applying for financial incentives. But you may also want specialized services such as other home energy efficiency upgrades or an EV charger installation.
Installation Process
Consider the specific steps in the panel installation process. How long will it take to have your solar panels placed? Is the solar provider insured? Will the panels be installed by a trained member of the company, or will it be a third-party contractor who does the work?
Solar Pricing and Financing
Sticker shock is common with solar systems, but keep in mind that you’ll ultimately save money in the long run thanks to the reduced energy costs. In addition, California offers statewide solar incentives that can help you reduce these upfront costs. Budget can be paramount for homeowners considering solar, and some companies are more flexible than others.
Industry Affiliations
We generally recommend working with a company that maintains membership in the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or other professional associations. Membership in these groups is a great indicator of the company’s professionalism, workmanship, reputation and reliability.
Types of Panels
Pay attention to the specific type of solar technology that is offered. Is the company certified to install leading brands like Tesla, Panasonic and LG? It never hurts to take a closer look into the company’s tech portfolio. If you have a specific brand of solar panel or battery in mind, check that the company you’re speaking with is certified to sell and install those products.
Incentives, Rebates and Tax Credits
In California, it’s likely you’ll be eligible for solar rebates and federal tax credits after making the switch to solar energy. Will your solar installation company help you make the necessary arrangements? Be sure to ask your provider about what’s available in your area. Even better, ask if the company has experience applying to these incentives.
Warranty
Finally, we recommend seeking an installer that can offer a good warranty. Panels can last 25 to 30 years, and you will want to ensure your investment is protected for as long as possible. The top solar installers will offer 25-year warranties for roofing, performance, and workmanship.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in California?
As of 2022, our market research and data from top brands show the average cost of solar panels in California is around $2.73 per watt. This means a 5-kW system would cost around $9,555 after the federal solar tax credit is applied. Keep in mind that a 5-kW system is about the minimum size you’ll need for your home.
The state of California also offers a variety of solar incentives to help offset the cost of your system.
| California Solar Incentive | Incentive Overview |
| Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) | The SGIP offers rebates for storing solar energy at both residential and non-residential facilities. |
| Active Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion | This property tax exclusion ensures the addition of your solar equipment doesn’t raise homeowners’ property taxes. (Solar will still increase your property value, however.) |
| Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program | Deployed by the California Solar Initiative (CSI), SASH provides fixed, up-front incentives on qualifying affordable single-family housing. |
How to Find the Best Solar Installer in California
California is a big place, and as the leading state in solar energy, has a lot of reputable solar companies operating it. When evaluating the best solar installer for you, we recommend placing more emphasis on local companies that may have even more experience than some of the national leaders. Familiarity with local energy rates, utilities, incentives, and the weather is often an underrated factor when it comes to finding the right solar provider.
Again, we understand that the significant cost of solar can deter some readers from making the switch. Solar is a significant investment, after all. This is why we recommend taking the simple, no-pressure first step of getting a few quotes from the best California solar installers and hearing what they have to say about your home’s qualifications.
Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you gauge whether a solar system is within your budget and can save you thousands of dollars on your installation.
See Also: Calculate how much you can save by going solar
Read More About Going Solar
EcoWatch FAQ: Best Solar Companies in California
California is one of the biggest solar markets, which means your questions about going solar set the tone for the future of solar. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
We definitely understand if you’re raising your eyebrows at another website giving “ratings” to companies for their products and services. That’s not what we do. An EcoWatch rating ranks a selection of companies on a .5 scale across the various categories we’ve covered above, such as services offered vs. what industry standards are; as well as customer satisfaction. You can read more about our methodology here. Ultimately, an EcoWatch rating means that the solar companies we list are ones you can trust to deliver on what they say they will, and if not, keep us informed.
EcoWatch recommends getting a few quotes from solar companies to compare and contrast total costs, and you will also gain more insight once each company conducts an energy audit. Compare the financing options as well: Is it better for you to pay in full, lease, or take out a loan? What solar incentives or solar rebates are available? Does it explain the federal tax credit? Does the company offer any of its own PPAs? Is net metering offered?
Overall, it’s a combination of solar panel efficiency and weather. Demand for solar is surging in California, and that means rates are also competitive. However, California is a deregulated energy market and a state that has experienced extreme weather over the last few years. A business prepared to address these factors will prove to be the best solar panel company.
