15 Best Solar Companies in California, MD (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in California based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for California, MD
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average California homeowner saves $1,215/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in California
Searching for the best solar companies in California? Installing solar panels is an exciting venture that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. On average, you can save $14,000 over 20 years by using solar power. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be even more than that overall.
In this article, we’ll let you in on the top California solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home’s sustainable energy needs.Keep reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a trusted solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in California
Paradise Energy Solutions
Free Quotes- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Grounded Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
The Solar Brokers USA
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Advanced Green Home Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Solar Geeks LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Advanced Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
Solar-Verse
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Greenway home improvements
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
EDGE Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Solar Energy Services, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Tiger Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Suntuity Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
SunRayzor
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Best Solar Homes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in California
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in California 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 California
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Maryland 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 California
For a lot of homeowners, the decision to invest in a solar energy system depends the most on the cost.There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- How much you spend on energy: If your local energy rates are high, there's a good chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In California, you can save an average of $1,335 a month on your electricity bills.
- Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can buy.
- Average daily sunlight: Since California gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your electricity bills will be.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your 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 $14,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the angle of your roof and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in California
If you’re considering making the switch to solar power, several government incentives and state programs can immensely reduce the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you a decent amount of money in return after paying for solar panels. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in California
An important reason so many consider installing solar panels is to help bring down their environmental impact.Something many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? In a city like California where commute times can be pretty long, using solar power can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from driving a lot.While solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In California, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year with solar panels. For those who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch's California, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in California?
The highest-rated local solar company in California is Paradise Energy Solutions, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
When should I install solar panels?
Although summer is the most common time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher 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.