12 Best Solar Companies in Rancho Calaveras, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Rancho Calaveras based on:

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

Average Rancho Calaveras homeowner saves $2,750/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 Rancho Calaveras

As a homeowner in Rancho Calaveras, you may be planning on switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a good choice since it has a lot of benefits. On average, you can save $33,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total savings will be even higher overall.

In this article, we'll review the top Rancho Calaveras solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's renewable energy needs. To get a sense of how much it might cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to 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 Rancho Calaveras

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
ecowatch badge icon

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 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

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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
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

panelcleaner.com

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://panelcleaner.com/
Address: Valley Springs, CA 95252
Phone: 2096797873
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Arvo Solar Sacramento

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • 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.goarvo.com/
Address: Clements, CA 95227
Phone: 8332786872
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunnyCal Solar Store

  • 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
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: https://sunnycalsolar.com/
Address: Jackson, CA 95642
Phone: 2094646100
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Select Solar Pros - "Voted Best of Amador"

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

Website: https://selectsolarpros.com/
Address: Ione, CA 95640
Phone: 2094187728
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Shade Charger

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.shadecharger.com/
Address: Jackson, CA 95642
Phone: 2099810200
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Gold Electric Inc

  • 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.goldelectricinc.com/
Address: Murphys, CA 95247
Phone: 2097283371

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rancho Calaveras

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rancho Calaveras 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 Rancho Calaveras


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 Rancho Calaveras

The cost of installing a solar panel system has gone down immensely in the past several years, but it's still a significant investment for most homeowners. Some key things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:

  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
  • Your city: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Your income and budget: This affects what model of solar panels you can purchase.
  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Rancho Calaveras doesn't use much energy, and so may not see as many savings on their power bills.

There are many wonderful benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your bank account. Additionally, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Rancho Calaveras

One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning federal and potentially state incentives. Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, visit our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rancho Calaveras

One of the best reasons to tap into solar energy is to reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment. Something many people might be thinking about is how much can they really help the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In a place like Rancho Calaveras where commute times can be very long, going solar can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving. Since solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since solar energy is abundant and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.

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 Rancho Calaveras, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best in Rancho Calaveras?

In Rancho Calaveras, APG Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.

What are some of the major pros and cons of going solar?

The advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, for some, totally cut your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

What are the different types of solar panels?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.

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.