15 Best Solar Companies in Hillsborough, CA (2024 Reviews)

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

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

Average Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough

When deciding on the best solar panel companies, Hillsborough homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we’re here to make adopting solar energy easier. Additionally, environmentally conscious leadership has stimulated a growing solar market, and plenty of the best solar companies are looking to capitalize on it. That's why Hillsborough provides many options for solar installers.


There are so many installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Hillsborough.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Hillsborough, you can click "get quote" below.

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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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Hillsborough

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

SunPower

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

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

3.0/5

Owens Electric & Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

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

4.7/5

SolarUnion

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

4.7/5

CivicSolar, Inc

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

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

Occidental Power

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.oxypower.com/
Address: 5983 Mission St, Daly City, CA 94014
Phone: 4156818861
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

NEXT SOLAR

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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

4.4/5

Semper Solaris

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

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

3.0/5

CITY SOLAR

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://citysolarca.com/
Address: 140 Richland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 2092731605
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Solar Bill Review

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

Services Offered

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

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

3.0/5

SolarLine SolarPanals

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.topofthelinesolarpanel.com/
Address: 1266 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 4154068791
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

NorthStar Solar Inc

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

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

5.0/5

Source Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://sourcenergy.solar/
Address: 161 N Civic Dr #400, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: 9253196634
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Solar Technologies

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

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

3.0/5

GRID Alternatives

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.gridalternatives.org/
Address: 1171 Ocean Ave UNIT 200, Oakland, CA 94608
Phone: 5107311310

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Hillsborough

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough


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 Hillsborough

The cost of installing a solar panel system has dropped immensely in the past few years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.There are a few factors you should consider when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, including:

  • The type of solar panels you have the money for: This is dependent on your income and budget.
  • Your location: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • Your household's power bills: Because of fairly high monthly power bills in Hillsborough, you could save about $1,500 a year with solar.

There are lots of great benefits of solar in spite of the upfront cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Hillsborough

If you’re considering switching to solar energy, various government incentives and subsidies can immensely lower your project costs and speed up the return on your investment.When you install solar panels on your house, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lowers your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there may often be some state and city incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. You can learn about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Hillsborough

One of the best reasons to switch to solar energy is to cut your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment.A question many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? If your home consumes lots of energy, you can have an even greater impact on the planet by switching to solar energy.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other benefits besides saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.

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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

EcoWatch's Hillsborough, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar installer in Hillsborough?

The best local solar company in Hillsborough is SunPower, with a rating of 4.40 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 7.1 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

How long do solar panels last?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.

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.