15 Best Solar Companies in Oakland, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Oakland based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Oakland, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Oakland homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Oakland
When choosing between the best solar panel companies, Oakland homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make adopting solar energy less confusing. While solar is a great investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $33,000 over 20 years.
There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Oakland.We advise shopping around for several quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get started with free quotes from the best solar installers in Oakland, click the link below.
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 Oakland
SunPower
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
- Battery Storage
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
CivicSolar, Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SolarUnion
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
Source Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
GRID Alternatives
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Save a Lot Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
Got Watts?
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Solar Technologies
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Ally Electric And Solar Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
CITY SOLAR
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Solar Bill Review
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
solarXperts
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Oakland
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Oakland 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 Oakland
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 Oakland
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs above all.Some significant things that impact how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- The type of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels are more expensive, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- How much you spend on energy: The typical household in Oakland spends around $1,500 a year on energy use alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to reduce your electricity costs, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Oakland homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Oakland
To increase the adoption of solar power, federal, state and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make going solar more financially viable and accessible.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Oakland.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Oakland
One of the most compelling reasons to use solar power is to reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment.But – how much exactly can you help by going solar? In Oakland, where the energy generation could be cleaner, going solar can have a big effect on the planet since solar power is an abundant source of clean energy.Even though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Oakland, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll most likely find that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Oakland, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Oakland?
The top local solar company in Oakland is SunPower, with a rating of 4.50 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
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 by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can choose 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.