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:
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Customer review scores - Service area for San Rafael, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average San Rafael homeowner saves $2,674/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 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 Rafael
SunPower Corporation
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Reliable Customer Support - Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Integrated roofing - Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
High Definition Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Solar Works
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
EES Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
SunPower Elite Dealer - Impact
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Earthwise Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
SonoMarin Solar & Electric
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Pegasus Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Professional reinstallation
- Tailored solutions
Pac Solar Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
Sunstall Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
SolarCraft
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
MCE
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
Heliodyne, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
SolarUnion
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
Save a Lot Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
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 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 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.