15 Best Solar Companies in San Rafael, CA (2024 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
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Average San Rafael homeowner saves $2,674/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Rafael
Looking to go solar but not sure which solar panel installer would be the best one for you? Although it can be hard to find a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great perks. On average, you can save $32,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, you can save will be well above that overall.
If you’re planning on going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in San Rafael and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and made a list of the best solar companies so you don’t have to.To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in San Rafael, click the "get quote" 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Rafael
SunPower
Reliable Customer Support- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Solar Works
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
Pac Solar Corporation
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
SolarCraft
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
SolarUnion
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Earthwise Energy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
SonoMarin Solar & Electric
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Sun First Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Quattro Solar, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
CivicSolar, Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Simply Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Ally Electric And Solar Inc
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Save a Lot Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
GRID Alternatives
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Amy's Roofing and Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
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
While solar panels can help save you money on electricity bills over time, it’s necessary to know the startup costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The amount of sunlight your house gets: Due to San Rafael’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your power bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 0 of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $32,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years without incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in San Rafael doesn’t use much energy, and as a result may not see as many savings on their power bills.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in San Rafael
Adopting solar power has many great benefits. Not only can it help protect the planet, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn a decent amount of money back after installing a solar panel system. For comprehensive information about incentives for homeowners in San Rafael, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Rafael
One of the most compelling reasons to use solar energy is to minimize your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are hazardous for the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in San Rafael, though. For homeowners and business owners who want to do their part for the planet, going solar is a no-brainer, especially since San Rafael produces a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.Although solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In San Rafael, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other perks outside of saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the environment too.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's San Rafael, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in San Rafael?
The best local solar company in San Rafael is SunPower, with a rating of 4.50 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, totally eradicate your electricity bills, improve your home’s value and lower your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.