15 Best Solar Companies in Berkeley, CA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Berkeley based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Berkeley, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Berkeley homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Berkeley

When deciding on the best solar installers, Berkeley homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make adopting solar energy that much easier. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $33,000 on your utility bills.


Here, we’ll narrow down some of the best solar companies in Berkeley to make your choice a little easier.Interested in seeing the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Berkeley solar installer.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Berkeley

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

SunPower

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Address: 1414 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102608200
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by The Solar Quote

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.sunpowerbythesolarquote.com/
Address: 2819 W March Ln #154, Stockton, CA 95219
Phone: 8889446765
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Works

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.solarworksca.com/
Address: 400c Morris St, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: 7078298282
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

CivicSolar, Inc

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.civicsolar.com/
Address: 304 12th St #3b, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 8004092257
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarUnion

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.solarunion.com/
Address: 1700 Montgomery St Suite 108, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 8888156633
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Source Energy

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://sourcenergy.solar/
Address: 161 N Civic Dr #400, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: 9253196634
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Got Watts?

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.gotwatts.com/
Address: 2045 Commerce Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9254210411
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GRID Alternatives

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.gridalternatives.org/
Address: 1171 Ocean Ave UNIT 200, Oakland, CA 94608
Phone: 5107311310
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Save a Lot Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.savealotsolar.com/
Address: 1201 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: 8338765272
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Bay Valley Solar Roofing

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.bayvalleyroofing.com/
Address: 1820 Arnold Industrial Way Ste A, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9254286614
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

NorthStar Solar Inc

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.gonorthstarsolar.com/
Address: 822 Hartz Way STE 240, Danville, CA 94526
Phone: 9254007479
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

solarXperts

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.solarxperts.net/
Address: 2150 John Glenn Dr Suite 250, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 8336997378
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.2/5

High Definition Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.highdefinitionsolar.com/
Address: 1190 Burnett Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 8882031855
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Pac Solar Corporation

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://pacsolar.com/
Address: 118 Mitchell Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 4152998989
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Green Air and Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.gogreenair.net/
Address: 3953 Industrial Way, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9252847336

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Berkeley

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Berkeley 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 Berkeley


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 Berkeley

We know that for most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar depends on installation costs.A few main factors that affect how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:

  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • Your income and budget: This shapes what model of solar panels you can get.
  • Typical energy usage: The more power your household uses on average and the higher your current power bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from making the switch to solar.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Berkeley gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your electricity bills will be.

There are several great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Berkeley

Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are various government incentives in place to encourage its adoption.Local solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Berkeley

One of the reasons so many consider adopting solar energy is to help bring down their environmental impact.You may be curious – how much does going solar do for the environment anyway? A key 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 bigger, so switching to solar energy for your house can help offset that.While making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Berkeley, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll most likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Berkeley, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar company in Berkeley?

The top local solar company in Berkeley is SunPower, with a rating of 4.50 stars.

Are solar panels actually bad for the environment?

Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 6.9 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

When should I install solar panels?

You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.

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.