11 Best Solar Companies in San Luis Obispo, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in San Luis Obispo based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for San Luis Obispo, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average San Luis Obispo homeowner saves $2,930/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Luis Obispo
As a homeowner or business owner in San Luis Obispo, you may be planning on switching to solar and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a great idea since it comes with a lot of perks. Solar panels aren't just good for the Earth — your finances will be better off too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $35,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
If you’re considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in San Luis Obispo and compare quotes. That’s why we went ahead and made a list of the best solar companies so you don’t have to.To get a sense of what it would cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Luis Obispo
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Informative Resources- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Photon Brothers
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
California Power - Renewable Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
Greentech Renewables San Luis Obispo
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Electricraft Inc
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Axiom 360
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Serv Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
LGCY Power San Luis Obispo
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
Mobile Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Planet Oath LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Luis Obispo
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo
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 Luis Obispo
For many homeowners, whether or not you should invest in a solar energy system depends the most on the cost.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $35,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your location: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- The model of solar panels you can purchase: This depends on what your budget is.
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be an expensive investment for families that don’t need a lot of energy per month.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you want to reduce your energy bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many San Luis Obispo homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in San Luis Obispo
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over several years because of smaller energy bills and government incentives.Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For detailed information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Luis Obispo
Installing solar panels is a powerful way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future.You may be asking yourself – how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? For people who are concerned about global warming, using solar power is an easy choice, especially since San Luis Obispo produces a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. The good things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many San Luis Obispo residents have been happy with committing to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's San Luis Obispo, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar company in San Luis Obispo?
In San Luis Obispo, SunPower by Sea Bright Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. 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 putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels require a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun 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.