15 Best Solar Companies in Palo Alto, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Palo Alto based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Palo Alto, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Palo Alto homeowner saves $2,597/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Palo Alto
Thinking of going solar but not sure which solar company would be best for you? Although it can be difficult to pick a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many good benefits. Fortunately, there are lots of solar companies in Palo Alto due to encouraging leadership and a growing renewable energy market.
The cost of installing solar panels can change a lot according to your home’s layout and your household energy usage.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Palo Alto solar companies, 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Palo Alto
SunPower
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
- Battery Storage
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Semper Solaris
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
TN Electrical and Solar Services
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Highlight Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Soleeva
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Clean Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
Infinium Solar, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Solar Carports
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Cobalt Power Systems Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Simply Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Shade Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
Rise & Shine Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Highlands Energy Service Newark
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Owens Electric & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Palo Alto
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
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 Palo Alto
We understand that for many homeowners, the choice to invest in solar comes down to installation costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The kind of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels have higher prices, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less 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 a decent amount of money on your utility bills, which can generate an average of $31,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Palo Alto 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.
- How much energy costs for you: The average family in Palo Alto spends around $1,500 a year on energy alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and your current power bills.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
For an idea of both how much you could save and help the Earth by switching to solar power, you can play around with the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto
Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are several government incentives in place to encourage its adoption.Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Palo Alto.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Palo Alto
Swapping traditional energy for solar is a powerful way to do your part for a more sustainable future.A question many people might be wondering about is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? In Palo Alto, where the energy generation could be cleaner, going solar can have a big impact on the Earth since solar power has a lower carbon footprint.Although making solar panels emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Palo Alto, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. For those who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
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
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch's Palo Alto, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Palo Alto?
In Palo Alto, SunPower is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.50 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?
Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.