15 Best Solar Companies in Petaluma, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Petaluma based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Petaluma, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Petaluma homeowner saves $2,730/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Petaluma
Are you looking for energy freedom in Petaluma? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can take advantage of many benefits after adopting solar power. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $32,000 on your electricity bills.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the best options in your area.Want to see the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Petaluma 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
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 Petaluma
SunPower
Free Quotes- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Solar Works
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
Amy's Roofing and Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Carports
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Bella Hem Solar, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Simply Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
SolarCraft
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Sun Solar Electric Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Permit Assistance
Taylor Energy Solar & Batteries
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
VITAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Pac Solar Corporation
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Nor Cal Solar Construction
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Citadel Roofing & Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
EES Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Suntegrity Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Petaluma
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Petaluma 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 Petaluma
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 Petaluma
For many readers, the decision of which solar company to hire depends on costs.Some key things that affect the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- The kind of solar panel system you can buy: This depends on what your budget is.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t get a lot of 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 a lot of sunlight.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $32,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- The cost of energy for you: If your local electricity 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 Petaluma, you can save an average of $1,538 a month on your electricity bills.
So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you’re trying to reduce your electricity costs, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Petaluma homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Petaluma
Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over many years because of smaller energy bills and government incentives.Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 0 of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Petaluma.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Petaluma
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to lower your carbon footprint.Something many homeowners might be thinking about is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? A significant thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if your commute is very long, your footprint may be greater, so switching to solar energy for your house can help offset that.While solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Petaluma, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Petaluma residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.
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 Petaluma, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Petaluma?
In Petaluma, SunPower is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.50 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 layout, your budget and how much energy generation you want.
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.