13 Best Solar Companies in Albany, CA (Jan 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Albany based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Best solar companies in Albany
If you're trying to find the best solar companies in Albany, sifting through all the options can be challenging, but it can pay off since switching to solar energy can offer so many fantastic perks. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can vastly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not entirely eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $33,000 of savings over 20 years.
In this article, we'll give you a list of the top Albany solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's solar energy needs. Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or connect with a certified solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Albany
Local Service
Mid-State Solar
-
Educational sales approach - Custom system designs
-
Some reported communication issues - Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
Services Offered
-
Solar Batteries - Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
SunLectric
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Custom system designs
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Honey's Air & Solar
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Apex Electric Inc
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Mid Matthews Construction
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Young's Air Conditioning
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Custom system designs
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solaron Pool Heating, Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Element Solar Panel Cleaning
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Speedy and efficient installations
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Simmitri Solar
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
Local Service
Vista Solar, Inc.
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar System , Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Bright Planet Consulting
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Albany
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your system. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Your city: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who buy and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much energy costs for you: The average household in Albany shells out around $1,100 a year on electricity alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you're trying to decrease your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Albany homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Albany
Since solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are several government incentives in place to encourage its adoption. In addition to the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level programs, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Albany
One reason so many people are thinking of installing solar panels is to help reduce their environmental impact. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? A significant thing to be mindful of is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving to work, your footprint may be larger, so adopting solar power for your house can help offset that. Though making solar panels emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Albany, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Albany, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Albany?
In Albany, Mid-State Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.5 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, your budget and how much energy generation you want.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.