15 Best Solar Companies in Durham, CA (2025 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Durham based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Durham, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Durham homeowner saves $2,684/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Durham
Hoping to go solar but want to know which solar panel installer would be best for your needs? Although it can be challenging to find a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can vastly lower your electricity bill each month, if not fully eliminate it. In fact, you could look forward to about $32,000 of savings over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll tell you about the top Durham solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home’s green energy needs.Read on to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or connect with a trusted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Durham
California Builders - Solar Contractor
Clear Pricing Policy- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Sustainable Energy Group
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
Urban Design
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
California Solar Electric Cooperative Corporation
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
All Around Heating, Air and Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Climate & Energy Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Royal Aire Solar, Heating, Air & Water
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Westhaven Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Chico Electric
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
DIY Solar Planning
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
Cali Solar - Lincoln Solar Panel Installation Contractor
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Astro Air Design & Solar Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Good Sun
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Discounted Solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Foothill Electric
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Durham
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Durham 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 Durham
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 Durham
The cost of putting up a solar panel system has dropped immensely over the past few years, but it’s still a substantial investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Durham 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.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. Additionally, you can save about $32,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can purchase.
- How much energy your home consumes: Households that consume a lot of energy each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, more upfront cost, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Durham
Although a solar power system is typically a large investment, it can save you much money over the lifespan of your solar panels because of lower energy bills and government incentives.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Durham
One of the best reasons to tap into solar power is to decrease your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment.You may be asking yourself – how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? In Durham, where the energy generation could be cleaner, going solar can have a big effect on the environment since solar power has a lower carbon footprint.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you’ll likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
EcoWatch's Durham, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Durham?
In Durham, California Builders - Solar Contractor is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
What are the best and worst things about solar power?
The advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, in some cases, 100% eradicate your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and bring down your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.2 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout 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.