12 Best Solar Companies in San Pablo, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in San Pablo based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for San Pablo, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average San Pablo homeowner saves $2,768/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Pablo

If you're a home or business owner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in San Pablo, it can be difficult to narrow down which company to decide on. But, it's worth it since adopting solar power is typically a great choice. The average home can save $33,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And since solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be even more than that overall.

In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best companies in your area. Want to see how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated San Pablo solar installer.

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

Sunpro 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 Pablo

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

SolarUnion

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: https://www.solarunion.com/
Address: 1700 Montgomery St Suite 108, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 8888156633
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Alion Energy, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.alionenergy.com/
Address: 2200 Central St STE D, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: 5109650868
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Clean Point Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.cleanpointenergy.com/
Address: 322 Harbour Way suite 11, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: 5304000851
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Black Forest Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.blackforestsolar.com/
Address: 437 Ohio Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102375000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hot Watts Technology

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.hotwattstechnology.com/
Address: 2346 Mono Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone: 5105084466
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Pegasus Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.pegasussolar.com/
Address: 506 W Ohio Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102103797

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Pablo

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Pablo 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 Pablo


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 Pablo

When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some key factors such as:

  • Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your energy bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
  • The make and model of solar panels you want to get: Some cost more, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
  • Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be an expensive option for families that don't need too much energy a month.

There are many great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Plus, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in San Pablo

There are a lot of reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them involves some government incentives that can help save you some money. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other local incentives. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives are available to you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Pablo

There are many reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving money on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in San Pablo, though. An important thing to be mindful of is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute, your footprint may be greater, so adopting solar power for your house can help offset that. Since solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since solar energy is renewable and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.

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

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch's San Pablo, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar installation company in San Pablo?

In San Pablo, Mid-State Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.

What are some of the main pros and cons of installing solar panels?

A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your power bills, it's good for the environment, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.5 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

How long do solar panels last?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.

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.