15 Best Solar Companies in San Mateo, CA (2023 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
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Mateo
Looking for energy freedom in San Mateo? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since there are a lot of perks when you go solar. Plus, the solar industry is booming in San Mateo, giving homeowners access to some of the most respected solar companies in the country.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in San Mateo and compare quotes. The good news is we went ahead and made a list of the best solar companies for you. To help you understand if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in San Mateo by clicking the button below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Mateo
SunPower Corporation
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Free Quotes - Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Business installations - Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
High Definition Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
EES Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Owens Electric & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
SolarWorld PanelWorks Palo Alto
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
All Bay Solar Construction
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Occidental Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Cobalt Power Systems Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Next Solar, Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Nextracker Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Semper Solaris
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Luminalt Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
CivicSolar, Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
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
The cost of putting up a solar panel system has gone down greatly in the past several years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. Some main factors that influence how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time include:
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Due to San Mateo's very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: Those who install a solar system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years without incentives.
- The type of solar panels you're thinking of getting: Higher-efficiency panels are more costly, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce, or entirely get rid of, your utility bills. In San Mateo, you can save an average of $88 a month.
Because of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in San Mateo
Switching to solar power has many considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the planet, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. Local solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Mateo
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to lower your greenhouse gas emissions. You may be asking yourself — how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? 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 driving a lot. In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other benefits outside of saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the planet too.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's San Mateo, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in San Mateo?
In San Mateo, SolarUnion is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.06 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it can provide a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.6 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, how much you're willing to spend 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.