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
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Novato homeowner saves $2,674/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Novato
Looking for the top solar companies in Novato? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Because solar panels generate their own electrical power, they can greatly reduce your electricity bill each month, if not completely eliminate it. In fact, you could look forward to about $32,000 of savings over 20 years.
As you set out on your search for the best solar companies in Novato, you might see that there are many providers to choose from. So, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area.Interested in knowing how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Novato 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 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
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Solar Works
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
Pac Solar Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Simply Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
SolarCraft
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
Earthwise Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Amy's Roofing and Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Solar Carports
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Sun First Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Bella Hem Solar, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
SonoMarin Solar & Electric
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sun Solar Electric Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
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
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
SolarUnion
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Taylor Energy Solar & Batteries
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
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
The cost of putting up solar panels has decreased greatly in the past several years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Thanks to Novato’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your energy bills.
- Incentives: One thing that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can generate an average of $32,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much power your household needs: If your family regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
Solar is a profitable investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own energy instead of paying for it from a utility company and take advantage of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Adopting solar energy can greatly impact both the environment and your power bills. To see how much, use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Novato, CA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Novato
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning federal and potentially state incentives.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Novato
There are tons of reasons to switch to solar energy, like saving money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? In Novato, where the energy generation could be cleaner, going solar can have a big impact on the planet since solar power is a renewable source of energy.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with using solar energy.
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
What is the top solar panel installer 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 planning to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires 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 installing solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 7.3 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun 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 for 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.