15 Best Solar Companies in Hayward, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Hayward based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Hayward, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Hayward homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Hayward
As a homeowner in Hayward, you may be interested in switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a fantastic choice since it has many perks. While solar panels are a sizable investment, you'll be able to make that amount 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.
In this article, we'll let you in on the top Hayward solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's green energy needs. Want to know how much it'd cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Hayward solar installer.
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 Hayward
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
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
Synergy Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
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
Solar Grid USA
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Greenlink Solar Inc
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Endliss Power
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
Ameriquest Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Go Solar Guru
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
CED Greentech
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Wagan Corporation
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
ISA Corporation
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Hayward
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Hayward 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 Hayward
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 Hayward
For the majority of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar energy boils down to the cost. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. Additionally, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- How much energy costs for you: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Hayward, you can save an average of $88 a month on your electricity bills.
- Where your home is: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Your income and budget: This affects what model of solar panels you can purchase.
Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the size of your house and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Hayward
Since solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are several government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after buying a qualifying system. For detailed information about incentives for homeowners in Hayward, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Hayward
A lot of people want to do their part to help protect the planet, which often is the main motivation to install solar panels. A question many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? In a place like Hayward where commute times can be very long, using solar power can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from driving. Though solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Hayward, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. Since energy from the sun is abundant and generates electricity without CO2 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Hayward, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Hayward?
In Hayward, APG Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What are some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels?
The advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, for some, totally erase your electricity bills, improve your home's value and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save a lot 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 buying solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.5 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
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 your roof configuration, your budget 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.