18 Best Solar Companies in San Francisco, CA (Mar 2023 Review)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in San Francisco based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Solar installers near you
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 San Francisco

Finding the right solar panel installation company for your roof is a huge decision, but it's one that can pay off big in San Francisco. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can greatly offset your electricity bill each month, if not fully eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $31,000 of savings over 20 years.

To help you navigate through the large variety of San Francisco solar installers, we've narrowed in on a list of the top ones. 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 San Francisco by clicking the button below.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Francisco

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Mid-State Solar logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Mid-State Solar

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon Some reports of long wait times for installation
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer services
  • Con icon Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: http://www.midstatesolar.com
Address: 450 Glass Ln Suite A-1, Modesto, CA 95356
Phone: (209) 551-7880
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
SunLectric logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

SunLectric

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Family owned and operated
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: http://www.mysolarcontractor.com/
Address: 247 S Sierra Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361
Phone: (209) 565-4786
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Honey's Air & Solar logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Honey's Air & Solar

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://honeysair.com/
Address: 501 Bitritto Wy, Modesto, CA 95356
Phone: (209) 566-1978
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Apex Electric Inc logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Apex Electric Inc

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.apexelectric.biz/
Address: 806 Rosina St, Escalon, CA 95320
Phone: (209) 595-1161
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Mid Matthews Construction logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Mid Matthews Construction

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: http://www.midmatthews.com
Address: 31 Selene Way, Copperopolis, CA 95228-9396
Phone: (209) 785-8500
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Young's Air Conditioning logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Young's Air Conditioning

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://www.youngsair.com/
Address: 25 West G St, Los Banos, CA 93635
Phone: (209) 826-4807
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Solaron Pool Heating, Inc. logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Solaron Pool Heating, Inc.

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Some reports of long wait times for installation
  • Con icon Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer services
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.solaron.net
Address: 3900 Middletown Ct, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: (408) 292-4328
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Element Solar Panel Cleaning logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Element Solar Panel Cleaning

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Speedy and efficient installations
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://www.elementsolarcleaning.com/
Address: 14850 CA-4 Ste A-140, Discovery Bay, CA 94505
Phone: (408) 422-3809
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Simmitri Solar logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Simmitri Solar

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Comprehensive service offerings
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles

Website: http://www.simmitri.com/
Address: 6203 San Ignacio Ave Suite 110, San Jose, CA 95119
Phone: (408) 779-3333
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Vista Solar, Inc. logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Vista Solar, Inc.

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.vista-solar.com
Address: 2985 Kifer Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051-0802
Phone: (408) 844-7149
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Solar System , Inc. logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Solar System , Inc.

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.solarsysteminc.com/
Address: 1202 Kifer Rd #100, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: (408) 876-9512
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Cinnamon Energy Systems logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Cinnamon Energy Systems

  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://www.cinnamon.energy/
Address: 809 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: (408) 883-7000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Bright Planet Consulting logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Bright Planet Consulting

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://www.brightplanetconsulting.com/
Address: 12935 Alcosta Blvd Unit 2548, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: (415) 336-5099
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
SolarCraft logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

SolarCraft

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Employee owned and operated
  • Pros icon Has an online quote form
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.solarcraft.com/
Address: 8 Digital Dr Suite 101, Novato, CA 94949
Phone: (415) 382-7717
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Albion Power Company logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Albion Power Company

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: http://www.albionpower.com/
Address: 218 Pierce St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 558-1786
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Solar Sun Surfer logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Solar Sun Surfer

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: https://www.solarsunsurfer.com/
Address: 422 Larkfield Center #1011, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (415) 570-4007
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Luminalt logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Luminalt

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Locally owned and operated
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Some reports of long wait times for installation
  • Con icon Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer services

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.luminalt.com
Address: 1320 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110-3525
Phone: (415) 641-4000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Sunstall Inc. logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Sunstall Inc.

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: http://www.sunstall.com/
Address: 384 Bel Marin Keys Blvd # 230, Novato, CA 94949
Phone: (415) 707-0305

Solar Company Ranking Methodology


Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in San Francisco

Even though solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on utility bills over time, it's necessary to take into consideration 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:

  • Average daily sunlight: Since San Francisco gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
  • Your energy bills: This will dictate how much you can save. In San Francisco, the average homeowner can save about $1,000 a year on their electricity bills.
  • 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 on your energy bills, which can lead to an average of $31,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you choose will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.

So is a solar system worth it? Whether you're trying to reduce your electricity costs, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many San Francisco homeowners.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

For an estimate of both how much you could save and impact the environment by installing a solar panel system, you can give the calculator below a try. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for San Francisco, 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
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

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 San Francisco

Because solar power is a cleaner source of energy than burning fossil fuels, there are several government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in San Francisco.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Francisco

There are a few big reasons why people are interested in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. Something many might be thinking about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by switching to solar power anyway? The average person has a substantial carbon footprint. Between their car, which produces over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and powering their home, it can be overwhelming to think about what to do. Using solar power is a practical thing you can do to help. While solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In San Francisco, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many San Francisco residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

EcoWatch's San Francisco, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar company in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, Mid-State Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.

Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?

Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.

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

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.9 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

Follow us