11 Best Solar Companies in Castro Valley, CA (Feb 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Castro Valley 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
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Castro Valley
Finding the best solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Castro Valley. While solar power is a sizable investment, you'll be able to make that money back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $33,000 over 20 years.
If you're considering going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in Castro Valley and compare quotes. That's why we went ahead and compiled a list of the best solar companies so you don't have to. If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the best Castro Valley solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Castro Valley
Local Service
APG Solar
-
Can browse portfolio on website - Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
-
Some reported issues with customer services - Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
-
Solar Batteries - Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Extreme Solar Solutions
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
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
Gold Electric Inc
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- 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
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 Castro Valley
Even though solar panels can save you a good amount of money on power bills over time, it's important to consider the startup costs. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Typical energy usage: The more electricity your home uses on average and the steeper your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by making the switch to solar.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. Additionally, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, along with the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much power your solar panels can generate.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what type of solar panels you can purchase.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your house and your local electricity rates.
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If you'd like to know what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Castro Valley, CA.
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Solar Incentives in Castro Valley
There are many good reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives that can help save you some money. These incentives usually consist of cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower how much you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. For more information about incentives that apply to you, see our our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Castro Valley
Installing solar panels is a great way to do your part for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Castro Valley, though. One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute time and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. While solar panel production 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 traditional energy. In Castro Valley, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar energy is plentiful and generates electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Castro Valley, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best in Castro Valley?
In Castro Valley, APG Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What are a few of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it can give you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.5 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, 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 so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see faster 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.