12 Best Solar Companies in Santa Clara, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Santa Clara based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Santa Clara, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Santa Clara homeowner saves $2,524/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Santa Clara
As a homeowner or business owner in Santa Clara, you may be considering switching to solar power and curious about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a great idea since it comes with a lot of perks. Solar power isn't just good for the environment — your wallet will benefit too. With solar power, you can save an average of $30,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in Santa Clara, you'll find that there are many providers to choose from. So, we've put together a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area. To get an idea of what it would cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Santa Clara
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Clean Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
Clean Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Iqgtech
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Loop Solar Systems
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Ultrasolar Technology
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
CA & SC Solar Guys
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Clara
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara
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 Santa Clara
For many people, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to total costs. There are quite a few factors you should consider when determining the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- How much energy costs for you: The average household in Santa Clara shells out around $940 a year on energy alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can get.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, plus how your roof is set up, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can generate.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $30,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you'd like to lower your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Santa Clara homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Santa Clara
To increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make solar more affordable and accessible. Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Clara
One of the most compelling reasons to tap into solar energy is to reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment. You may be trying to figure out — how much does going solar help the planet anyway? In a city like Santa Clara where commute times can be pretty long, installing solar panels can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving. In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. For people who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Santa Clara, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Santa Clara?
The highest-rated local solar company in Santa Clara is APG Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 6.1 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.