15 Best Solar Companies in Foster City, CA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Foster City based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Foster City, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Foster City homeowner saves $2,746/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 Foster City

On the hunt for the top solar companies in Foster City? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. Since Foster City is a solar paradise, it's no wonder you're considering installing solar panels.


There are lots of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Foster City.If you’d like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the best Foster City solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Foster City

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

SunPower

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by The Solar Quote

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

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

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Semper Solaris

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.sempersolaris.com/locations/bay-area/
Address: 2505 Amaral Ct, Hayward, CA 94544
Phone: 6502032589
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Owens Electric & Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.owenselectricinc.com/
Address: 279 N Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: 6503485727
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

CivicSolar, Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.civicsolar.com/
Address: 304 12th St #3b, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 8004092257
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

NEXT SOLAR

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://nextsolarinc.com/contact.html
Address: 1098 San Mateo Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: 6508226162
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarUnion

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • 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

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables SF Bay Area

  • 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 Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://greentechrenewables.com/
Address: 31260 Wiegman Rd, Hayward, CA 94544
Phone: 5103305068
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Solar Bill Review

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://solarbillreview.com/
Address: 11501 Dublin Blvd STE 200, Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: 9258332641
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Cobalt Power Systems Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

Website: https://www.cobaltpower.com/
Address: 2557 Wyandotte St, Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: 6508177791
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

TN Electrical and Solar Services

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.tnsolars.com/
Address: 1150 Murphy Ave #240, San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 4082293632
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

All Bay Solar Construction

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.allbaysolar.com/
Address: 5809 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone: 4156243535
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

NorthStar Solar Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.gonorthstarsolar.com/
Address: 822 Hartz Way STE 240, Danville, CA 94526
Phone: 9254007479
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Solar Technologies

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://solartechnologies.com/
Address: 14 Beta Ct, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 9259613756
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Highlight Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://www.highlightsolar.com/
Address: 1624 Remuda Ln, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 8669269997

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Foster City

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Foster City 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 Foster City


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 Foster City

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your panels.A few main factors that influence the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Your home's power bills: Because of fairly high monthly electricity bills in Foster City, you could save about $1,500 a year with solar.
  • The type and model of solar panels you’re thinking of getting: More efficient panels are more costly, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
  • Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Due to Foster City’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your energy bills.

So are solar panels worth it? Whether you want to decrease your electric bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Foster City homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Foster City

Switching to solar power has many wonderful benefits. Not only can it help preserve the Earth, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.When you install solar panels, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some local incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives are available to you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Foster City

There are a few primary reasons why homeowners are considering solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Foster City, though. In a place like Foster City where commute times can be very long, using solar power can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving a lot.In Foster City, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll no doubt get that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is worth more.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Foster City, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Foster City?

The best local solar company in Foster City is SunPower, with a rating of 4.50 stars.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, completely cut your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings 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 for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 7.1 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

What is the best type of solar panel?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.

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.