15 Best Solar Companies in San Rafael, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in San Rafael based on:

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

Average San Rafael homeowner saves $2,674/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 Rafael

Do you want energy freedom in San Rafael? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since you can take advantage of many benefits when you switch to solar power. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your bank account will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $32,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.

In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best options in your area. To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in San Rafael, you can click "get quote" 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 Rafael

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

SunPower Corporation

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.1/5

High Definition Solar

  • 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

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

4.5/5

Solar Works

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.solarworksca.com/
Address: 400c Morris St, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: 7078298282
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EES Solar

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

Services Offered

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

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

3.0/5

SunPower Elite Dealer - Impact

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

Website: https://www.sunpowerquotenow.com/
Address: 3558 Round Barn Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: 7076151929
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Earthwise Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.earthwiseenergysolutions.com/
Address: 1501A San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960
Phone: 8003966949
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

SonoMarin Solar & Electric

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://sonomarinsolar.com/
Address: 675 Idylberry Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 4159855458
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Pegasus Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable 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 Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Professional reinstallation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.pegasussolar.com/
Address: 506 W Ohio Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102103797
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Pac Solar Corporation

  • 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://pacsolar.com/
Address: 118 Mitchell Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 4152998989
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Sunstall Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • 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 End-to-end services
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.sunstall.com/
Address: 384 Bel Marin Keys Blvd # 230, Novato, CA 94949
Phone: 4157070305
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

SolarCraft

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

Website: http://www.solarcraft.com/
Address: 8 Digital Dr #101, Novato, CA 94949
Phone: 4153827717
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

MCE

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/
Address: 1125 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: 8886323674
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Heliodyne, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.heliodyne.com/about_us/company/contact.html
Address: 4910 Seaport Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102379614
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarUnion

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.9/5

Save a Lot Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.savealotsolar.com/
Address: 1201 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: 8338765272

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

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


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 Rafael

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will first need to pay to set up your system. The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $32,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
  • The amount of sunlight your city gets: Due to San Rafael's very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electric bills.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • Your power bills: This will influence your savings. In San Rafael, the average resident can save about $1,100 a year on their electricity bills.

Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your current power bills.

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Solar Incentives in San Rafael

Switching to solar power has a lot of considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the environment, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives. When you install a solar panel system on your home, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there are often some state and city incentives that you can benefit from to further save. You can find out about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Rafael

Making the switch to solar power is a profound way to do what you can for a greener future. But — how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? One thing that can dramatically affect your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive overall. If you go solar and have an electric car, you can greatly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. In San Rafael, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. Since energy from the sun is renewable and produces electricity without releasing carbon emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.

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 Rafael, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best in San Rafael?

In San Rafael, SolarUnion is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.06 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.

Are solar panels really good for the environment?

Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can produce under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for how much energy they need.

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.