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

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

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

Average Pinole homeowner saves $2,768/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 Pinole

If you're a home or business owner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Pinole, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which company to go with. But, the hard work is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a good choice. Solar panels can be expensive, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills over many years. In fact, you can potentially save about $33,000 over 20 years.

Here, we'll make a list of some of the best solar companies in Pinole to make your choice much easier. To get an estimate of how much it might cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.

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 Pinole

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

Services Offered

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

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
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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
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
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Alion Energy, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.alionenergy.com/
Address: Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: 5109650868
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hot Watts Technology

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.hotwattstechnology.com/
Address: El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone: 5105084466
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Clean Point Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.cleanpointenergy.com/
Address: Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: 5304000851
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

StratoSolar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://stratosolar.com/
Address: Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 4088217036
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Black Forest Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.blackforestsolar.com/
Address: Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102375000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Ally Electric And Solar Inc

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.allyelectricandsolar.com/
Address: Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5105597700

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Pinole

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Pinole 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 Pinole


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 Pinole

For most homeowners, the decision to invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some key factors such as:

  • Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can get.
  • Energy consumption: Solar may be a high-cost option for families that don't use a good amount of energy a month.
  • Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their total solar spend by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.

Due to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as several solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for the majority of homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Pinole

Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to reduced power bills and government incentives. These incentives typically include cash rebates, tax benefits and/or performance-based incentives. They can cut how much you end up spending on going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Pinole, see our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Pinole

One of the most compelling reasons to use solar energy is to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment. But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? One thing that can dramatically influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive altogether. If you install solar panels and drive an electric car, you can vastly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. In Pinole, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. For those who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.

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 Pinole, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

The highest-rated local solar company in Pinole is Mid-State Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What are the biggest pros and cons of adopting solar power?

The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey 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.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels call for a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

When is the best time of year to install solar panels?

Although summer is the most common time people install solar panels, the ideal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.

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.