18 Best Solar Companies in Riverside, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in Riverside based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Riverside, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Riverside homeowner saves $2,394/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Riverside
Hoping to go solar but want to know which solar panel installer would be the best one for you? Although it can be challenging to decide on a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many good perks. On average, you can save $28,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, you can save will be even higher overall.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Riverside and compare quotes. That's why we did the hard work and put together a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier. To see how much you would have to pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Riverside by clicking the "get quote" 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 Riverside
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
Penguin Home Solutions Inc.
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Small Energy Bill
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
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
Solar Service Professionals
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
Natural Energy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Dan the Solar Man
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
SolarMax Technology
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
SunSpark Technology, Inc.
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Honest Powur
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Green Riverside
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
SunRun
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Ashton Solar Panel Cleaning
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Magerack Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Riverside
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Riverside 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 Riverside
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 Riverside
Even though solar panels can save you a decent chunk of change on power bills over time, it's important to know the upfront costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The cost of energy for you: If your local power rates are high, there's a better chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Riverside, you can save an average of $70 a month on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: Something that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your energy bills, which can give you an average of $28,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can buy.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Due to Riverside's very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electricity bills.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the angle of your roof and your local electricity rates.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to find out how much switching to solar could impact the environment and your finances. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Riverside, CA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
Solar Incentives in Riverside
Adopting solar power has many great benefits. Not only can it help protect the planet, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you some money back after installing a solar panel system. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Riverside
There are a few main reasons why many people are interested in solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment. Something many might be asking themselves is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? The average person has a rather large carbon footprint. Between their car, which produces over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year, and energy for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Going solar is a simple thing you can do to help. In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll likely find that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
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 Riverside, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Riverside?
The best local solar company in Riverside is Renewable USA, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 6.4 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
For the most part, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the sun's energy into usable electricity.
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.