18 Best Solar Companies in Palo Alto, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in Palo Alto based on:

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

Average Palo Alto homeowner saves $2,597/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 Palo Alto

As a homeowner or business owner in Palo Alto, you may be planning on switching to solar and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a good choice since it has many perks. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $31,000 on your power bills.

If you're thinking about going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in Palo Alto and compare quotes. The great news is we went ahead and compiled a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you. Read on to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a vetted solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.

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 Palo Alto

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
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • 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

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 8885517652
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • 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

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 1445KollCir
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
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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
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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
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarWorld PanelWorks Palo Alto

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Expert panel installation

Website: https://solarworld-panelworks-palo-alto.business.site/
Address: Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: 6505475770
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SCARLET Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.scarlet.red/
Address: Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: 7079311260
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Cobalt Power Systems Inc.

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.cobaltpower.com/
Address: Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: 6508177791
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Jurchen Technology US Corporation

  • 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 Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://jurchen-technology.in/
Address: Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: 2092475658
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Components LLC

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.solarjoos.com/
Address: Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: 4083691727
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Lauritzen Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.lauritzen.biz/
Address: Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: 6509380353
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rise & Shine Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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: http://www.riseshinesolar.com/
Address: Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Phone: 4087522593
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Shade Power

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • 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: https://getshadepower.com/
Address: Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: 4087800968
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Highlands Energy Service Newark

  • 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 Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://highlandsenergy.com/
Address: Newark, CA 94560
Phone: 5105788860
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Next Solar, Inc

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://nextsolarinc.com/
Address: San Carlos, CA 94070
Phone: 170GlennWay#1

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

The cost of installing solar panels has decreased immensely over the past few years, but it's still a significant investment for most homeowners. A few main factors that affect the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:

  • How much energy costs for you: If your local energy rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Palo Alto, you can save an average of $81 a month on your electricity 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 a decent amount of money on your energy bills, which can give you an average of $31,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • The model of solar panels you can purchase: This depends on what your budget is.
  • 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 you can save on your energy bills.

Thanks to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as several solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Palo Alto

If you're planning on switching to solar energy, a variety of government incentives and subsidies can greatly lower your project costs and speed up the return on your investment. Local solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Palo Alto.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Palo Alto

Installing solar panels is a powerful way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future. A question many might be thinking about is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? A key thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving to work, your footprint may be greater, so adopting solar energy for your house can help offset that. While solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Palo Alto, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, going solar has so many other rewards beyond saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the Earth too.

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 Palo Alto, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar company in Palo Alto?

In Palo Alto, APG Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

Although 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 after having 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.