15 Best Solar Companies in Novato, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Novato based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Novato, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Novato homeowner saves $2,674/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Novato
If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Novato, combing through so many options can be demanding, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many great benefits. Installation costs can be high, but the switch will save you money on your energy bills over many years. In fact, you can expect to save about $32,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll tell you about the top Novato solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home’s solar energy needs.To get a sense of how much it could cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Novato
SunPower
Informative Resources- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Pac Solar Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Simply Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
SolarCraft
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Amy's Roofing and Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
Earthwise Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
Bella Hem Solar, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
SonoMarin Solar & Electric
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Sun First Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Sun Solar Electric Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Quattro Solar, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Nor Cal Solar Construction
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
VITAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
SolarUnion
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Enphase Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Novato
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Novato 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 Novato
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 Novato
Although solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on power bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the upfront costs.There are a few factors you should consider when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- The amount of sunlight your house gets: Due to Novato’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your energy bills.
- Incentives: Something that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your utility bills, which can generate an average of $32,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Energy consumption: Solar may be too steep of an option for homes that don’t use a good amount of energy per month.
Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the size of your house and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Novato
In order to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make going solar more financially viable and accessible.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 0 of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Novato
Lots of people want to do what they can for the planet, which in many cases is the primary reason for installing solar panels.You may be asking yourself – how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? For those who are environmentally-conscious, switching to solar power is a straightforward choice, especially since Novato produces a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In Novato, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Novato residents have been happy with committing to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Novato, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Novato?
In Novato, SunPower is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.50 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.3 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.