15 Best Solar Companies in San Carlos, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in San Carlos based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for San Carlos, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average San Carlos homeowner saves $2,746/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Carlos
When you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in San Carlos, combing through so many options can be overwhelming, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many fantastic benefits. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can greatly reduce your electricity bill each month, if not entirely eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $33,000 of savings over 20 years.
There are so many installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in San Carlos. We advise shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To receive free, no-pressure quotes from vetted solar installers in San Carlos, click the link below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Carlos
SunPower Corporation
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Reliable Customer Support - Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Energy storage solutions - Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
High Definition Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
EES Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
SolarWorld PanelWorks Palo Alto
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Cobalt Power Systems Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Owens Electric & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Nextracker Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Topdot Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Semper Solaris
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
CED Greentech
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Next Solar, Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
All Bay Solar Construction
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Solar Grid USA
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
Simply Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Carlos
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Carlos 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 San Carlos
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 San Carlos
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your panels. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Your location: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- How much power your household needs: If your home uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in San Carlos
Because solar power is a cleaner source of energy than fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. These incentives typically include cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower the cost of going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in San Carlos.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Carlos
If you're thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in San Carlos, though. A significant thing to think about is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute, your footprint may be greater, so adopting solar power for your house can help offset that. After you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 50 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll no doubt get that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve 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
EcoWatch's San Carlos, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installer in San Carlos?
The highest-rated local solar company in San Carlos is Next Solar, Inc, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?
Solar panels require a large upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
When should I put up solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.