15 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Richmond based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Richmond, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Richmond homeowner saves $2,768/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Richmond
When choosing between the best solar panel installers, Richmond homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we’re here to make switching to solar power simpler. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your budget will benefit too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
To help you search through the large variety of Richmond solar installers, we’ve narrowed down a list of the top ones.We recommend shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-obligation quotes from vetted solar panel companies in Richmond, click the link 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Richmond
SunPower
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SolarUnion
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
CivicSolar, Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Pac Solar Corporation
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
GRID Alternatives
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
SolarCraft
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Save a Lot Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
Source Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Got Watts?
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Ally Electric And Solar Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
solarXperts
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Green Air and Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Richmond
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Richmond 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 Richmond
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 Richmond
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your system.A few important factors that influence the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, along with how your roof is set up, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can produce.
- Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less 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 money on your power bills, which can give you an average of $33,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much power your household needs: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from switching to solar.
Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the size of your house and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Richmond
Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to smaller utility bills and government incentives.These incentives mostly include cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can lower the cost of going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. For more information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond
There are a few big reasons why people want to invest in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet.Something many homeowners might have in mind is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? One thing that can dramatically influence your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive in general. If you go solar and have an electric car, you can significantly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and makes electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Richmond, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Richmond?
In Richmond, 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 looking to install solar panels on your house.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your power bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it provides a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for your home's energy needs.
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.