18 Best Solar Companies in San Jose, CA (2023 Reviews)

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

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for San Jose, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average San Jose homeowner saves $2,717/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Jose

If you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in San Jose, sifting through hundreds of options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many great perks. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your wallet will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $32,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.

If you want to make use of the great amount of benefits of solar, we're here to help you narrow down your options to find the San Jose solar installer that's perfect for you. To get an idea of how much it would cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Jose

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: 1445 Koll Cir, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 1445KollCir
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: 1445 Koll Cir, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 8885517652
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Skyfox Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://skyfoxsolar.com/
Address: 75 E Santa Clara St #900, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 4084618941
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

NRG Clean Power ®

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://nrgcleanpower.com/
Address: 75 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 8006986627
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Zhongli New Energy USA CO., LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.talesun.com/
Address: 99 Almaden Blvd #600, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 6692318899
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarMax

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.solarmaxtech.com/
Address: 410 E Santa Clara St Suite 717, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 6692018753
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

New ERA Enviro Ventures

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.neweraenviro.com/contact.aspx
Address: 360 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: +919848994412
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Green Leaf Solar & Electric

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://greenleafsolarelectric.com/
Address: 667 N 12th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 4086914743
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Green Leaf Solar & Electric

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://greenleafsolarelectric.com/
Address: 667 N 12th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 667N12thSt
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

VP Energy

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.vpenergy.solar/contact
Address: 1183 Yosemite Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: 4084429826
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Indaspec Smart Roofing and Energy Solutions

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.indaspec.com/
Address: 976 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: 8446598963
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sunpower

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/home-solar/states/california/san-jose
Address: 975 Mabury Rd, San Jose, CA 95133
Phone: 4082863721

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Jose

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Jose 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 Jose


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 Jose

The cost of putting up solar panels has decreased greatly over the past few years, but it's still a significant investment for most homeowners. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some key factors such as:

  • Your energy bills: This will affect how much you can save. In San Jose, the average homeowner can save about $1,000 a year on their electricity bills.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more 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.
  • Your location: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $32,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.

There are several great benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in San Jose

Although a solar power system is typically a large investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time because of reduced utility bills and government incentives. These incentives usually take the form of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can cut the cost of going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. For more information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Jose

Going solar can have a meaningful effect on the environment. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help by going solar? The average person has a substantial carbon footprint. Between their car, which produces over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, and energy for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Going solar is a practical thing you can do to help. In San Jose, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. As you can see, going solar has so many other perks outside of saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the Earth too.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's San Jose, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best near me?

In San Jose, APG Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

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

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

When should I put up solar panels?

You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to 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.