11 Best Solar Companies in Petaluma, CA (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Petaluma based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Best solar companies in Petaluma
Getting the best solar panel installation company for your roof is a big decision, but it's one that can save you a lot of money in Petaluma. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $32,000 on your electricity bills.
If you want to make use of the many benefits of solar, we'll help you narrow down your options to find the Petaluma solar installer that's in the right price range for you. Read on to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or connect with a trusted solar company near you right away by clicking the button 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 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
Local Service
Mid-State Solar
-
Educational sales approach - Custom system designs
-
Some reported communication issues - Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
Services Offered
-
Solar Batteries - Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Honey's Air & Solar
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Apex Electric Inc
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solaron Pool Heating, Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Element Solar Panel Cleaning
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Speedy and efficient installations
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Simmitri Solar
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
Local Service
Vista Solar, Inc.
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar System , Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Bright Planet Consulting
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
SolarCraft
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Employee owned and operated
- Has an online quote form
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Petaluma
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to hire comes down to total costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. In addition, you can save about $32,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- The model of solar panel system you can afford: This hinges on what your budget is.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than someone with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Your energy consumption: If your home regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
There are many good benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Petaluma
Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you much money in the long term due to reduced power bills and government incentives. State and city solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For more information about incentives that apply to you, check out our our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Petaluma
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt solar energy is to decrease your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? An important 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 switching to solar energy for your home can help offset that. In Petaluma, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and generates electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
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 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 best solar installation company in Petaluma?
In Petaluma, Mid-State Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 5.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.