5 Best Solar Companies in California (2025 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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EcoWatch Highlights

  • Elevation is the solar installer I’d personally go with if I lived in California. The company offers some of our top-rated solar panel brands, has above-average customer service ratings and offers efficiency upgrades to help you get the most value from your solar array.
  • California’s net metering policy recently took a hit and basically made solar batteries a necessity for anyone looking to save money on their utility bills. Choose a provider that offers batteries for the greatest return on investment.
  • Pay close attention to warranty coverage. Some companies advertise lengthy warranties, but they don’t include labor or roof leak coverage, something that’s particularly important in Northern California where rainfall is more prevalent.

California is the top state in the nation for solar adoption, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). With over 1,100 solar installation companies, California makes it more challenging than any other state to sift through the providers available and find a reputable one that will save you money in the long run.

I’ve spent the last four years researching and writing about the solar industry, and I’ve also connected with solar executives to discuss what’s most important when looking for a solar installation company. I’ve also used my knowledge and experience to choose an installer for my own home. By choosing a reliable installer, I’ve paid nothing for electricity in the past two years. California has new policies like net metering 3.0  that make going solar a bit less beneficial than where I live, but choosing a reliable provider will still help maximize your long-term savings.

Check out the video below to see an explanation of California’s new net metering policy and how it’s affecting homeowners considering solar:

In this guide, I’ll use my personal and professional experience to help you navigate the hundreds of solar installation companies vying for your business in California, and I’ll compare them based on key metrics such as services provided, warranty coverage, overall reputation and customer service. Even if you don’t take my specific recommendations, the information I’ll share about how and why I chose these providers as the best solar companies in California should help you find the right provider for you that will keep your system protected with adequate warranty coverage while still saving you money on your monthly energy bills.

EcoWatch Reviews Methodology

The EcoWatch team has reviewed dozens of solar installers across the country based on six primary criteria. These include standard services and financing options, extra services that go above and beyond the typical offerings, the quality and reliability of the equipment, which includes a look at all three warranty coverage options, company reputation and customer service.

I’ve used the EcoWatch methodology to assess and rank the best solar installers, but my expertise doesn’t stop there. I’ve spent much of the past four years researching the solar industry, which has included connecting with real providers and experts to see how these companies operate in the real world and also their impact on the industry and the future of renewable energy as a whole. I also used that knowledge to install solar on my own home, so I’m confident that the information I’ll share will help you choose the best provider available in your area.

What are the Best Solar Companies in California?

  • Elevation: Best for Whole-Home Efficiency
  • Stellar Solar: Best Local Installer
  • Momentum Solar: Best Customer Service
  • Palmetto Solar: Best Social Impact
  • Sunrun Solar: Best Protection Against Damage

Compare The Top Solar Companies In California

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Elevation

Outstanding Regional Installer

EcoWatch rating

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
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Stellar Solar

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

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Pros

  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Slightly limited service offerings
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Momentum Solar

Best Regional Coverage

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

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Pros

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • Only available in 11 states
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Palmetto Solar

Best Social Impact

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

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Pros

  • Expansive service area
  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Certified B Corp

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location
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Sunrun

Best for Leasing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

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Pros

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options

Cons

  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Calculate the Cost of California Solar

Based on our research, the average cost to go solar in California is around $19,980 before any incentives, which is based on a typical system size of 6 kilowatts and an average cost per watt of $3.33. After the federal tax credit, that total could come down to $13,986. Keep in mind that the cost to install solar in California can vary widely based on your monthly electricity demands, the direction your roof faces, your roof pitch and more. You can get an accurate estimate based on your specific home by using our solar cost calculator. You’ll just need to enter your property address, an approximate average monthly electric bill and your roof age, and answer a quick question about how much shade your property gets.


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Outstanding Regional Installer
4.5/5
30-year warrantyComprehensive equipment optionsGood customer service
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Best for Leasing
4/5
Broad lineup of solar panelsNear-national coverageRelatively low pricing & flexible payment methods
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Best Social Impact
4.5/5
Expansive service areaComprehensive service offeringsOffers Lease/PPA options
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California Solar Regulations

There are a few solar regulations to be aware of in California. Although most of the requirements will be handled by your installer, it’s good to be aware of them so that you can double-check that your installer is properly licensed and reputable.

First, all solar installers must hold a valid and active license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). They can hold any of the following to be certified for solar installations in California: a solar contractor license, an electrical contractor license or a general building contractor license. You can ask your installer for their CSLB license number and check the license registration database maintained by the State Department of Consumer Affairs.

The State of California Energy Commission also has minimum system sizing requirements that your installer will have to abide by. The calculation is a bit complicated and either involves:

  • an assessment of your conditioned flooring area and the number of units in the building, plus adjustments based on the Energy Commission’s guidelines; or
  • an assessment of your available roof square footage that can safely support the weight of your solar panels.

Again, your installer should calculate the minimum system requirements for you, but it’s a good idea to make sure they do so.

Another important regulation to be aware of if you’re building a home in California is that all new construction must be equipped with a new solar array that meets the same sizing requirements outlined above.

One more thing tangentially related to solar is California’s ZEV mandate, which requires that all vehicles sold in the state after 2035 be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), which more or less means that all new cars will require charging. If you’re going solar now — and I recommend it before that time since the ITC expires in 2035 — you should consider installing an EV charger to prepare for the future.

Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain regulations, it is vital for readers to do their own research, as the mentioned regulations are not exhaustive.

California Solar News

Much of the recent solar news in California has been based around the hit the statewide net metering policy took in 2023. The credit used to be one-to-one, which meant every kWh of excess power you sent to the grid meant one kWh you could later pull from the grid for free within a 12-month period. The new policy is closer to net billing, where you get only a fraction of a kWh you can pull for free — around 25% — for each kWh you export. 

In more recent news, California recently experienced heat advisories and wildfires, both of which place additional strain on the grid. There were few power interruptions, and experts in the industry believe that the adoption of renewable energy — including the installation of panels and batteries — is largely to thank for that.

Additionally, new incentives for electric vehicle purchases recently became available for low-income residents in California, providing up to $14,000 for new EVs. The incentive should help make EVs more widely available, especially in disadvantaged communities.

FAQs

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.