16 Best Solar Companies in California, MD (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 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
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in California
Hoping to go solar but want to know which solar panel installer would be best for you? Although it can be challenging to settle on a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great perks. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $14,000 on your utility bills.
Here, we'll list out some of the best solar companies in California to make your choice a little easier. To get an estimate of how much it could 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 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 California
Average Cost
SunPower
-
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
SmartRoof - Roofing and Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Ipsun Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
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
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
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
Energy Select
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Professional reinstallation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Grounded Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Solar Geeks LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Potomac Solar Systems INC
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Tiger Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
USB Solar Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Why Free Solar Company
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Solar Pro DMV
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
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
We know that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- How much energy your household consumes: Homes that use plenty of energy each month may need more solar panels and, as a result, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $14,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- Your power bills: This will affect your savings. In California, the average resident can save about $800 a year on their electricity bills.
- Your income and budget: This guides what type of solar panels you can get.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the planet.
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Use the calculator below to see how much adopting solar power could impact the planet and your finances. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for California, MD.
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Solar Incentives in California
There are many good reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money. Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For more information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in California
Going solar can have a positive effect on the environment. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? A significant thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute, your footprint may be bigger, so adopting solar power for your house can help offset that. Because solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. Since solar energy is plentiful and produces electricity without releasing carbon emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
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 California, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in California?
In California, GreenBrilliance is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, totally eradicate your electricity bills, improve your home's value and lower your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, how much you're willing to spend and how much energy generation you want.
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.