11 Best Solar Companies in Hillsborough, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Hillsborough based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Hillsborough, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Hillsborough homeowner saves $2,746/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Hillsborough
When choosing between the best solar panel installers, Hillsborough homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we're here to make switching to solar power easier. On average, your family can save $33,000 over 20 years after installing a solar panel system. And since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total savings will be even more than that overall.
If you're considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Hillsborough and compare quotes. The great news is we took the time and made a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Hillsborough solar installers, 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 Hillsborough
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
SolarUnion
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
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
Astronergy Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
SunRay Solar Panel Cleaning
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Owens Electric & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
Frontier Renewables LLC
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
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
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs the most. Some key factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Hillsborough gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your electricity bills will be.
- The type of solar panel system you can buy: This depends on how much you're willing to invest upfront.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. In addition, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- How much you spend on energy: The average household in Hillsborough pays around $1,100 a year on energy alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
Thanks to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Hillsborough
In order to increase solar panel installation and usage, federal, state and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make solar more financially viable and accessible. When you install solar panels, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some regional incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Hillsborough.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Hillsborough
There are a few primary reasons why homeowners want to invest in solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet. But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? In a place like Hillsborough where commute times can be very long, installing solar panels can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving a lot. Since solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is renewable and produces electricity without releasing carbon 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 Hillsborough, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Hillsborough, Extreme Solar Solutions is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. 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 to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.6 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.