15 Best Solar Companies in Walnut Creek, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Walnut Creek based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Walnut Creek, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Walnut Creek homeowner saves $2,768/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Walnut Creek
If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Walnut Creek, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to go with. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar power is typically a fantastic choice. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills over many years. In fact, you can potentially save about $33,000 over 20 years.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in Walnut Creek, you might notice that there are a lot of providers to choose from. So, we've accumulated an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area. To see how much you would have to pay to put up solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Walnut Creek by clicking 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 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 Walnut Creek
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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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
SolarUnion
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Skilled repairs
- 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
HCI SOLAR
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Source Energy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Sungrade Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Wired Into The Future Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Sun Surfer
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Extensible Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Skytech Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
Productive Energy Solutions Productive Energy Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Walnut Creek
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek
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 Walnut Creek
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your system. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can buy.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- average energy usage: The more power your household uses on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more benefits you'll see from going solar.
- Your location: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Solar is a profitable investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Walnut Creek
In an effort to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make switching to solar power more economical and accessible. Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Walnut Creek
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar power is to decrease your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment. But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? Something that can dramatically influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you switch to solar power and drive an electric car, you can greatly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. In Walnut Creek, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, installing solar panels 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Walnut Creek, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installer in Walnut Creek?
In Walnut Creek, APG Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's a sustainable source of energy, and it can give you a decent 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.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.