16 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 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
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Richmond
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your house is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Richmond. Solar power isn't just good for the Earth — your wallet will thank you too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
Here, we'll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Richmond to make your decision a little bit easier. To help you find out if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Richmond by clicking the button below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Richmond
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
SolarUnion
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Clean Point Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
Black Forest Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Ally Electric And Solar Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
StratoSolar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Pegasus Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Professional reinstallation
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Hot Watts Technology
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
SunPower Corporation
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Sun Brothers
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Heliodyne, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
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
For many readers, the decision of which solar company to hire depends on pricing. There are several factors you should consider when trying to determine how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- The model of solar panels you have the money for: This hinges on your income and budget.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Because of Richmond's very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electric bills.
- How much power your household consumes: Households that use lots of electricity each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also benefit more over time.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you're trying to reduce your electric bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Richmond homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Richmond
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time because of smaller utility bills and government incentives. On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local benefits, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Richmond.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond
There are a few key reasons why homeowners are interested in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? In a city like Richmond where commute times can be very long, going solar can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from driving a lot. In Richmond, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. For homeowners who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Richmond, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installer in Richmond?
The top local solar company in Richmond is Mid-State Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of adopting solar power?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, in some cases, totally cut your electricity bills, raise your home's value and bring down your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save as much if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like how much you pay for electricity 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 of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them to meet 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.