13 Best Solar Companies in Oakland, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Oakland based on:

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

Average Oakland homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Oakland

As a homeowner or business owner in Oakland, you may be considering switching to solar energy and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a fantastic choice since it comes with lots of perks. Since Oakland is a solar paradise, it's no wonder you're considering installing solar panels.

The cost of installing solar panels can vary considerably according to your home's setup and your overall energy requirements. Interested in knowing how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Oakland solar installer.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Oakland

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

SolarUnion

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: https://www.solarunion.com/
Address: San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 8888156633
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Revamp Engineering, Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.revamp-eng.com/
Address: Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 5103435399
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solaria Corporation

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.solaria.com/
Address: Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 5102702507
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CivicSolar, Inc

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.civicsolar.com/
Address: Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 8004092257
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Borrego (Oakland)

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.borregoenergy.com/
Address: Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 8888986273
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sungage Financial

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.sungagefinancial.com/
Address: Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 8447864243
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Adapture Renewables

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://adapturerenewables.com/contact
Address: Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 8443677272

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

For lots of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar panels depends the most on the cost. There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, including:

  • Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
  • Your energy bills: This will impact your savings. In Oakland, the average homeowner can save about $1,100 a year on their electricity bills.
  • Incentives: One thing that can save you money on 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 money on your energy bills, which can generate an average of $33,000 of savings over 20 years.

Thanks to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as various solar incentives, they are a solid investment for the majority of homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Oakland

There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after paying for solar panels. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Oakland.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Oakland

Making the switch to solar power is a great way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Oakland, though. A key thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if your commute is very long, your footprint may be bigger, so switching to solar power for your home can help offset that. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they're a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll no doubt find that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Oakland, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best in Oakland?

In Oakland, APG Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.

What are the best and worst things about solar power?

The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, completely cut your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

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

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.5 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

What is the best kind of solar panel?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.

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.