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

Average San Mateo homeowner saves $2,746/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 Mateo

Getting the best solar panel installation company for your roof is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in San Mateo. Thanks to government support encouraging a growing clean energy market, homeowners in San Mateo have access to some of the best solar installers in the country.


If you want to start making use of the great amount of perks of solar, we’re here to help you narrow down your options to find the San Mateo solar installer that’s in the right price range for you.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in San Mateo, you can click "get quote" below.

Advertisement

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

SunPower

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Address: 1414 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102608200
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by The Solar Quote

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.sunpowerbythesolarquote.com/
Address: 2819 W March Ln #154, Stockton, CA 95219
Phone: 8889446765
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Owens Electric & Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.owenselectricinc.com/
Address: 279 N Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: 6503485727
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Semper Solaris

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.sempersolaris.com/locations/bay-area/
Address: 2505 Amaral Ct, Hayward, CA 94544
Phone: 6502032589
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

CivicSolar, Inc

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.civicsolar.com/
Address: 304 12th St #3b, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 8004092257
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarUnion

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.solarunion.com/
Address: 1700 Montgomery St Suite 108, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 8888156633
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

NEXT SOLAR

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://nextsolarinc.com/contact.html
Address: 1098 San Mateo Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: 6508226162
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

All Bay Solar Construction

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.allbaysolar.com/
Address: 5809 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone: 4156243535
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Solar Bill Review

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://solarbillreview.com/
Address: 11501 Dublin Blvd STE 200, Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: 9258332641
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Occidental Power

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.oxypower.com/
Address: 5983 Mission St, Daly City, CA 94014
Phone: 4156818861
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables SF Bay Area

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://greentechrenewables.com/
Address: 31260 Wiegman Rd, Hayward, CA 94544
Phone: 5103305068
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CITY SOLAR

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://citysolarca.com/
Address: 140 Richland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 2092731605
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

NorthStar Solar Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.gonorthstarsolar.com/
Address: 822 Hartz Way STE 240, Danville, CA 94526
Phone: 9254007479
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Cobalt Power Systems Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.cobaltpower.com/
Address: 2557 Wyandotte St, Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: 6508177791
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

TN Electrical and Solar Services

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.tnsolars.com/
Address: 1150 Murphy Ave #240, San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 4082293632

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 know that for most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar rests on installation costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
  • Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost option for households that don’t need too much energy each month.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Thanks to San Mateo’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your power 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 power bills, which can result in an average of $33,000 of savings over 20 years.

There are several good benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

If you're curious what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for San Mateo, 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. GET ESTIMATE

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.

Solar Incentives in San Mateo

In an effort to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal, state and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more financially viable and accessible.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local benefits, which in almost all cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can find in San Mateo.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Mateo

One reason so many homeowners are considering installing solar panels is to help bring down their environmental impact.Something many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? One thing that can drastically shape your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive in general. If you go solar and drive an electric car, you can vastly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Since solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. For homeowners who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

Advertisement

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 best solar panel installer in San Mateo?

The highest-rated local solar company in San Mateo is SunPower, with a rating of 4.40 stars.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, totally eradicate your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and cut back on your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save a lot 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 to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 7.1 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.

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 expensive. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds 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 configuration and desired energy output.

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.