11 Best Solar Companies in Albany, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Albany based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Albany, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Albany homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Albany
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
SolarUnion
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Save a Lot Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
Save a Lot Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
A1 Sun, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Berkeley Solar Maintenance
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Albany
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Albany based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Albany
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
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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Use the calculator below to see how much adopting solar power could impact the Earth and your bank account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Albany, CA.
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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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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.