11 Best Solar Companies in Castro Valley, CA (Sep 2022 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 9/16/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Castro Valley
When choosing between the best solar installers, Castro Valley homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we're here to make switching to solar power easier. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $33,000 on your electricity bills.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly according to your home's setup and your overall energy needs. Read on to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a certified solar company near you 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 Technology
The Green Panel
- 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
While solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on utility bills over time, it's necessary to consider the startup costs. There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when determining costs and your potential savings, such as:
- The type of solar panels you have the money for: This hinges on what your budget is.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, along with the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can produce.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Castro Valley, you can save an average of $88 a month.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
As a result of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for the majority of homeowners.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the environment by switching to solar power, you can try out 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 26 to 50% in some cases. In the table below, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
| Name | Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Self-Generation Incentive Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) |
| Incentive Amount | |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Castro Valley
An important reason so many consider switching to solar power is to help reduce their environmental impact. Something many homeowners might be wondering about is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In a place like Castro Valley where commute times can be very long, going solar can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving a lot. Once you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 50 pounds a year. Since solar power is plentiful and generates electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.
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
The Green Panel
- 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
What is the top solar company in Castro Valley?
In Castro Valley, Solar Harmonics is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your power bills, it's eco-friendly, and it gives you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.5 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of 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, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.
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.