14 Best Solar Companies in Castro Valley, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Castro Valley based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Castro Valley, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Castro Valley homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 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 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 Castro Valley
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
-
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
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
Greenlink Solar Inc
- 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
Solar Grid USA
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
Endliss Power
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Ameriquest Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Go Solar Guru
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
CED Greentech
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
Wagan Corporation
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
ISA Corporation
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Castro Valley
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Castro Valley 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 Castro Valley
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 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 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 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 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.