15 Best Solar Companies in San Mateo, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in San Mateo based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for San Mateo, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average San Mateo homeowner saves $2,746/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Mateo
Looking for the best solar companies in San Mateo? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. Thanks to encouraging government support and incentives, homeowners in San Mateo have access to some of the best solar installers in the nation.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the best options in your area.Want to see how much you would pay to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top San Mateo solar installer.
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 Mateo
SunPower
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Owens Electric & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Semper Solaris
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
CivicSolar, Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SolarUnion
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
NEXT SOLAR
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
All Bay Solar Construction
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
Occidental Power
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Solar Bill Review
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Greentech Renewables SF Bay Area
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
CITY SOLAR
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Cobalt Power Systems Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
TN Electrical and Solar Services
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Solar Technologies
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Mateo
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Mateo 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 Mateo
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 Mateo
We get that for most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar depends on installation costs.Some key factors that influence the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time include:
- The model of solar panels you’re thinking of getting: Higher-efficiency panels have higher prices, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in San Mateo doesn’t use much energy, and therefore may not see as many savings on their power bills.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much power your solar panels can produce.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in San Mateo
There are several reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn a decent amount of money in return after installing a solar panel system. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in San Mateo.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Mateo
One of the best reasons to embrace solar power is to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? In a place like San Mateo where commute times can be very long, using solar power can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from being on the road a lot.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. The benefits of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with using solar energy.
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 Mateo, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in San Mateo?
In San Mateo, SunPower is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.50 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What are some of the pros and cons of installing solar panels?
The advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, 100% erase your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.1 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and how much energy generation you want.
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.