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Top 5 Best Solar Companies in California (2022 Reviews)
In this guide on the best solar companies in California, you’ll learn:
- Who our top 5 picks are for solar providers in California
- How we evaluated California’s solar companies
- What Californians should look for when choosing a solar company
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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 Golden 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 residential solar system around 9 kilowatts (kW) in size. This size is typical for an average U.S. residential solar system.
Below is our quick list of EcoWatch approved installers.
- 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
For more detailed reviews of each company, click the “Why We Chose…” box down below.
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 offers some of the most efficient residential panels on the market, manufactured by Maxeon, which allow homeowners to get more solar production out of fewer panels. In addition, its SunVault backup storage system can protect California homeowners from the state’s increasingly frequent power outages.
Unlike other solar companies, every single element of SunPower’s residential solar panel system is designed and protected by SunPower’s industry-leading 25-year warranty (covering panels, inverters, batteries, workmanship and performance). That’s why it’s one of the most trusted solar providers in America and our top pick for California homeowners.
Although it tends to be a more expensive solar option, SunPower makes solar more available by extending several unique financing options, including a new, in-house zero-down loan with SunPower Financial, leases and power purchase agreements (referred to as a PPA).
SunPower also offers online estimates and virtual consultations, so homeowners are aware of all costs involved and never hit with any hidden fees, unlike smaller companies that may not have the technology to offer virtual system walkthrough services.
Customers praise SunPower’s customer service, as well as its expertise in helping homeowners navigate the local complexities of going solar in a state like California. However, in order to support such a large operation, SunPower outsources its work through its network of certified dealers throughout the country. This has led to a few complaints of spotty customer service regarding post-installation repairs.
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
Formerly known as Sunpro, ADT Solar is a good example of how a solar company should operate; an all-encompassing 25-year warranty, high-quality solar panels and good customer service. Now owned by ADT, the company prioritizes the protection of its customers in every sense of the word, whether its home security, warranty coverage or energy resilience with solar.
If you do choose to install with ADT Solar, the chances are that you’ll receive a quick, simple and effective solar solution that works for at least 25 years. However, we’d like to see better results from its customer service department, which is an area the company needs to improve on.
Through our research, we’ve found some complaints from Californians about post-installation customer service on rare occasions when 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.
Installing your solar system through a national provider like ADT does come with a few downsides, and ADT’s size has caused some customers to experience long wait times when reaching out with service and warranty questions.
But don’t let this scare you off. Overall, we happily recommend ADT Solar to our readers, just 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 energy services that go beyond just solar panel installations. While most other solar companies in California offer solar panels, batteries and perhaps EV chargers, NRG Clean Power also provides roofing and energy efficiency services. You can expect accessible prices, a wide offering of products and brands, flexible financing options, lifetime warranties and an excellent reputation throughout California.
With 9,000+ installations under its belt, NRG specializes in installations throughout California and Texas — a big part of why it made our list. Dedicating its services to only two states comes with an amplified customer service experience and more local expertise. We’ve even 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.
Because NRG is a home improvement company, it offers roof replacement services in addition to solar installations, which few other solar companies provide. This is extremely helpful as many homeowners will need to replace or repair their roof to better support a solar panel system. All projects are protected under NRG’s 40-year workmanship warranty (most other companies only offer 25 years), so homeowners can rest assured they’re in good care.
Here’s the only glaring downside to NRG Clean Power California — its locations are in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego only, which may leave Northern California residents out of reach. Additionally, doesn’t offer solar leases, which can exclude homeowners who may not be able to afford or procure a solar loan.
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 |
Elevation
Outstanding Regional Installer
Average cost
Pros
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Outstanding customer service
- Full-service home energy solutions
Cons
- Limited service area
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Elevation is one of the nation’s fastest-growing solar companies, and it’s easy to understand why. Elevation offers comprehensive energy efficiency services, Energy Star-certified products, energy storage systems and smart home solutions. On its website, Elevation claims to help homeowners reduce their wasted energy by at least 10% to achieve Energy Star certified status. This is of special interest in California, where summers are hot, and electricity prices are high.
As for solar, Elevation offers a variety of top-tier solar brands and boasts a 30-year workmanship warranty. Most competitors in the state only offer 25-year coverage. Its systems also come with real-time energy monitoring so you’ll be in the know about how your panels are performing.
Customers in California praise Elevation for excellent customer service and local knowledge. Some customers cite in their reviews that Elevation’s service is the best they’ve ever experienced. This type of care goes a long way in California, where identifying and applying to the many local rebates typically requires professional assistance.
Here’s what we don’t like: although Elevation Solar has operated in California for some time, it only entered the space in 2014, making it significantly younger and less experienced compared to other companies. Elevation also does not offer any solar lease or PPA options.
Facts and Figures: Elevation
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| 2014 |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades, Smart Home Energy Solutions |
| REC, Tesla, SolarEdge |
| 25-year manufacturer 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 is one of the few companies on this list that is local exclusively to California. Its consultative, educational, no-pressure approach pays dividends for Stellar Solar, as the company boasts exceptional customer reviews and has built its business to serve over 14,000 local homeowners thanks to a booming referral network.
In addition to its solar panels, Stellar Solar offers energy storage solutions and both rooftop and ground-mounted arrays. All of its products are made increasingly available to homeowners through a variety of financing options including $0-down, 0% interest payments for 18 months, as well as solar lease options. There aren’t many other companies in California that can match the variety of payment options available through Stellar.
Lastly, as a locally-owned company based in San Diego, California homeowners can rest assured they’re getting personal, local care from this company.
While we love the local nature of Stellar Solar, the downside of its locality is that it’s only available to homeowners in Southern California. Plus, we’d like to see the company offer electrical services and energy efficiency packages along with its solar, battery and EV chargers.
Facts and Figures: Stellar Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
How To Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company In California
The average cost per watt of solar is slightly higher in California, sitting around $2.73 compared to the national average of $2.66. But because solar goes further in the Golden State, it offers more value in California compared to the majority of states.
That’s mostly thanks to the availability of sunshine, allowing a smaller system to work more efficiently. As such, the average California homeowner can power their home with a relatively small 6 kW system, compared to the national average 9 kW system.
| Location | Pre-Incentive Cost for Average Solar System |
| California | $16,380 |
| U.S. Average | $23,940 |
The typical solar panel system costs a California homeowner $16,380, while the average U.S. homeowner pays $23,940. These figures are also before applying any solar incentives and assuming top-quality brands.
In California, there are several ways you can save money on going solar:
- Take advantage of solar incentives and rebates
- Compare types of solar equipment
- Shop solar panel companies
- Pay in cash if possible
- Find out if solar leases are right for you
We’ll discuss how you can save money when buying solar panels in California below. But first, here are our preferred picks:
Take Advantage of Solar Incentives and Rebates
There are a number of solar incentives in California — including tax credits, exemptions and rebate opportunities — that make installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems more affordable for residents while helping the state produce more clean energy. Below is an overview of those incentives:
| California Solar Incentive | Incentive Overview |
| Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal solar investment tax credit, or ITC, allows homeowners to claim 30% of their system costs as a credit against the federal taxes they owe. As it stands, the credit is set to reduce to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 and will be eliminated for residential systems in 2035.1 |
| Learn More about Net Metering | Net Metering allows customers to feed excess energy generated by their solar panels back to the local power grid. In exchange, customers receive credits from their utility companies that can be applied to future energy bills. California has historically offered one of the nation’s best net metering programs, compensating its solar customers at full retail rate. However, the program is undergoing changes and is expected to decrease soon. |
| Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) | The SGIP as described by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) offers rebates for installing energy storage systems at both residential and non-residential facilities.2 |
| SGIP Equity Resiliency Program | Offered as an additional incentive within the SGIP program, California provides additional rebates of either $850 or $1,000 per kWh of battery storage. This program works primarily with low-income households and families living in areas prone to wildfires or power outages.3 |
| Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program | The California Solar Initiative (CSI) launched its SASH program (aka DAC-SASH) to provide fixed, up-front incentives on qualifying affordable single-family housing.4 |
| Active Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion | This incentive ensures the addition of a solar panel installation doesn’t raise homeowners’ property taxes.5 |
| Local Solar Incentives | Some local utility companies and municipalities offer their own solar incentive programs. For example, The Rancho Mirage Energy Authority offers a $500 rebate to its residential customers who install or expand a home solar system, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District offers up to $2,500 for solar users with battery storage systems. |
Compare Types of Solar Equipment
Just like clothing brands, solar equipment brands come with their own price tags and level of quality. Solar panel systems are sized by watt, and different types of solar panels have varying watt output.
California sees ample sunshine, so you may be able to power your entire home even with a cheaper solar panel that produces less energy (for example, buying an older 350W model instead of a cutting-edge 400W). Or, you can pick high-efficiency panels and install fewer of them. Either way, you’re saving money.
If you don’t live in an area prone to power outages, you can also save by skipping out on a solar battery installation. However, keep in mind that utility companies, like PG&E, will frequently perform public safety power shut-offs when there are wildfire risks, which have been especially frequent up and down the Golden State.
Shop Different Solar Companies
California is home to nearly 900 registered solar installers, which means you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a solar company.6 We’ve outlined the top five best solar installers in California in this article — don’t hesitate to reach out to each one and compare quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal. If you get a quote from one solar company but prefer another, see if they’ll match the rate.
Pay for Your System in Cash (If You Can)
The method you choose to pay for your solar panels will alter the total cost of installation. We recommend paying in cash if you can. Of course, cash purchases require the highest payments up front, but they save the most over time because they don’t require you to pay interest. Solar loans make your equipment more affordable up front, but they save slightly less because they include interest paid over time.
Luckily, California has plenty of financing programs to make solar more affordable and accessible to most homeowners. For example, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs are available to the majority of homeowners, and they serve to reduce financing costs and up-front payments for solar systems.7
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value In California?
Multiple studies have shown that solar panels do increase the value of a home, including a 2022 EcoWatch Solar Growth Outlook survey where 63% of respondents said they would pay more for a home with solar panels than a home without.
A study from Zillow revealed that homes with solar installations tend to sell for about 4.1% more on average than homes without solar. The study specifically examined the housing market in Riverside, California, reporting that homes with solar energy systems went for roughly $9,930 above market value.8
And an older study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that home resale value jumps by nearly $6,000 for each kilowatt of solar that’s installed.9
Should California Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer Or DIY?
Installing solar panels in California is appealing for many reasons, but the cost may lead to some hesitancy. Many homeowners may look to install DIY panels to avoid solar panel installation costs. But is it a good idea?
Here are a few things to consider:
- How much do you save with a DIY solar panel installation?
- Are you capable of installing your own solar panels?
- Is the cost saved from DIY worth the risks?
How Much Do You Save With a DIY Solar Installation in California?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, labor typically accounts for about 10% of the total cost of solar installation.10 In California, that could lead to savings of $1,638.
Are You Capable of Installing Your Own Solar Panels?
There are people recording DIY solar panel installations on YouTube. So you may be thinking, how hard can it be?
The answer: it’s more complicated than you think. Unless you’re certified in a similar trade, we don’t recommend installing your own solar panels. Solar contractors have to go through rigorous training and licensing because there are complexities to the job.
Plus, solar companies have software designed to find the exact angle and placement of panels to maximize production, which can lead to savings of well over $1,600 when you consider 25 years of production. If you install your solar panels improperly, you’re not going to benefit as much as you could.
Is the Savings of DIY Solar Installation Worth the Risks?
While it sounds nice to save, you have to think about the risk involved in installing your own solar panels. DIY installations can be dangerous, as you’ll be up on the roof and dealing with direct electricity and wires. If you’re not 100% confident in what you’re doing, chances are higher that you could install them improperly, damage your solar equipment or even damage your roof.
Bottom line, unless you have relevant experience, we don’t recommend DIY solar panels installations.
What Should California Residents Look for in a Solar Installer?
California has hundreds of solar installers all competing for your business. The state is also home to high energy costs and frequent outages, which make for a unique energy market. With that in mind, we recommend considering the following factors when choosing the best company for your installation:
- Local reputation and reviews
- Solar pricing and financing
- Services offered
- Warranty coverage
- Company experience
- Brand quality
Local Reputation & Reviews
We read through dozens of customer reviews and complaints from fellow California homeowners, as well as examining each company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) score. Companies like Stellar Solar score well in this category thanks to its excellent local reputation, proven by the success of its referral network.
We also 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.
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. We give high scores to companies that offer a wide range of solar financing options, as well as have proven experience navigating the many statewide incentive programs of California.
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 initial consultation to panel installation to applying for financial incentives. Since power outages and EVs are very common in California, we place special weight on companies that have ample experience installing solar batteries and EV chargers.
Warranty Coverage
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.
SunPower, ADT Solar and NRG Clean Power all offer comprehensive warranties of at least 25 years, hence why they scored well in this category.
Company Experience
We typically only recommend solar companies that have at least 10 years of experience. In most cases, the more experience, the better. With more than 900 solar installers to choose from in California, a company that has a long track record and customer referrals is a strong sign that it’s a good company to work with.
California also has a lot of local solar policies promoting certain residential solar add-ons, like EV chargers and energy storage devices. As a result, installations with add-ons are much more common here compared to other states. You want a company that knows California well.
Brand Quality
Pay attention to the specific type of solar technology in panels that is offered. Some companies, like SunPower, can exclusively offer best-in-class solar modules, while others may have a variety of products better suited for a budget-minded customer. 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.
Methodology: How We Ranked California’s Solar Companies
EcoWatch’s solar experts researched the product ranges, services, warranty coverage, financing options, customer feedback and industry reputations of each major California solar installer. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company to narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in California.
Below are some of the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies:
- Local reputation and reviews (20%): We take each company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as the reviews other California homeowners have left for each company. We give bonus points for companies with wide-ranging referral networks in California, which offer proof of satisfied customers.
- Solar pricing and financing (20%): We give more points to companies that offer a wide variety of payment options. The best companies understand that in a state as economically diverse as California, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions.
- Services offered (20%): Aside from solar panel installation, we award more points to companies that offer solar batteries, EV chargers, energy audits, etc. In California, we pay special attention to companies that offer backup battery installations to counter the increasing frequency of power outages in the state.
- Warranty coverage (20%): Most of the top providers offer 25-year performance guarantees. If a company offers anything less than this, we dock points.
- Company experience (10%): We only review solar companies that are at least 10 years old. More points are awarded the longer the company has been operating in California.
- Brand quality (10%): Each company will offer different brands of solar equipment as part of its services. We award more points to companies that offer a variety of brands and plenty of high-quality products.
Read More About Going Solar in California
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.
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.
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.
