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

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

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 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 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

ADT 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 Mateo

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

SunPower Corporation

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

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Address: 51 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: 5105400550
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

High Definition Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.highdefinitionsolar.com/
Address: 1190 Burnett Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9255668282
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by The Solar Quote

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

Services Offered

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

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

3.0/5

EES Solar

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

Website: http://www.ees-solar.com/
Address: 7700 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, CA 94931
Phone: 7077922947
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Owens Electric & Solar

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.8/5

SolarWorld PanelWorks Palo Alto

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://solarworld-panelworks-palo-alto.business.site/
Address: 555 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: 6505475770
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

All Bay Solar Construction

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

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

4.2/5

Occidental Power

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.9/5

Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://solarpanelroofnsavealameda.com/
Address: 1101 Marina Village Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 5107512223
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Cobalt Power Systems Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Next Solar, Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://nextsolarinc.com/
Address: 170 Glenn Way # 1, San Carlos, CA 94070
Phone: 6503568694
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Nextracker Inc.

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

Website: https://www.nextracker.com/
Address: 6200 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94555
Phone: 5102702500
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Semper Solaris

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

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

4.2/5

Luminalt Solar

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

Website: http://www.luminalt.com/
Address: 10 Carolina St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 4156414000
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

CivicSolar, Inc

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

Website: https://www.civicsolar.com/
Address: 304 12th St #3b, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 8004092257

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 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

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

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.