15 Best Solar Companies in Berkeley, CA (2023 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 September 15, 2023

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

If you're a home or business owner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Berkeley, it can be hard to narrow down which company to choose. But, it's worth it since switching to solar energy is often a fantastic idea. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $33,000 on your utility bills.

In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best companies in your area. To see how much you might have to pay to put up solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Berkeley by clicking the "get quote" button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

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

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Berkeley

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

SunPower Corporation

  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations

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

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

High Definition Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.highdefinitionsolar.com/
Address: 1190 Burnett Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9255668282
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Solar Works

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations

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

3.0/5

EES Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.ees-solar.com/
Address: 7700 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, CA 94931
Phone: 7077922947
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by The Solar Quote

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

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

3.0/5

SunPower Elite Dealer - Impact

  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.sunpowerquotenow.com/
Address: 3558 Round Barn Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: 7076151929
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda

  • 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: https://solarpanelroofnsavealameda.com/
Address: 1101 Marina Village Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 5107512223
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Save a Lot Solar

  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

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

4.9/5

Pegasus Solar

  • 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 Professional reinstallation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.pegasussolar.com/
Address: 506 W Ohio Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102103797
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

A1 Sun, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.a1suninc.com/
Address: 1455 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone: 5105265715
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarUnion

  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

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

4.7/5

CivicSolar, Inc

  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

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

GRID Alternatives

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

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

4.5/5

Sun Light & Power

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.sunlightandpower.com/
Address: 1035 Folger Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone: 5108519028
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Heliodyne, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.heliodyne.com/about_us/company/contact.html
Address: 4910 Seaport Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102379614

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 lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar comes down to installation costs. Some important factors that influence how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much it could save you over time include:

  • Incentives: One thing that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your power bills, which can generate an average of $33,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be a high-cost investment for households that don't need too much energy each month.
  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you choose 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 opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • 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 impacts how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.

There are lots of good benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Berkeley

Since solar power is a cleaner source of energy than fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For more information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Berkeley

Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a great way to do what you can for a cleaner and more sustainable future. You may be trying to figure out — how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time on the road and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. Once you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 50 pounds a year. The perks of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many Berkeley residents have been happy with committing to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

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

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Berkeley, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar installer in Berkeley?

In Berkeley, SolarUnion is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.06 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your house.

Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?

Solar panels can be harmful 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 needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.