California leads the nation in solar energy adoption. With abundant sunshine and high electricity rates, many California homes and businesses are switching to solar panels to save money on their utility bills. But with so many solar companies to choose from, how do you find the best one for your needs?
We’ve reviewed the top solar providers in California to help you make the right choice. We looked at company reputations, services offered, solar panel efficiency, warranties, prices, and more to pick the best solar companies for every type of customer.
How We Chose the Best Solar Companies in California
There are over 100 solar companies currently operating in California. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to figure out which solar company is right for your home or business.
Here are the key factors we considered when compiling this list of the top solar companies in California:
- Reputation and experience: We looked for established solar companies with a proven track record of quality installations in California. Companies with many years or decades of experience were preferred.
- Range of services: The best solar companies offer not only panel installation, but also system monitoring, maintenance, repairs, and financing options. Bonus points for companies that handle permitting and rebate paperwork for you.
- Efficiency of solar panels: The most efficient solar panels make the most of available sunlight and require less roof space. We favored companies using high-efficiency Tier 1 solar panels from reputable manufacturers like LG, Panasonic and SunPower.
- Warranties and guarantees: Companies that back up their work with strong warranties on installs, equipment, and power production give customers assurance. We looked for at least 10-year workmanship and 25-year production guarantees.
- Customer reviews: The firsthand experiences of past customers provide insight into a company’s quality of service. We checked customer reviews on sites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
- Solar prices and financing: While cost isn’t everything, we looked for companies offering competitive pricing and flexible financing options like solar leases and PPAs.
Using these criteria, we’ve sorted through California’s many solar contractors to bring you our list of the 10 best solar companies serving customers statewide.
The 10 Best Solar Companies in California
Based on our extensive research, these 10 solar companies consistently rise above the competition in California:
1. SunPower
With over 35 years of solar experience, SunPower is the leading solar company serving California homeowners thanks to its high-efficiency panels, strong 25-year warranty, and excellent design and installation services. Its all-black X-Series panels have an industry-leading efficiency of over 22% thanks to their patented Maxeon cell technology. While SunPower systems are premium-priced, their higher energy output can justify the extra cost, especially for homes limited on roof space.
SunPower handles your entire solar project in-house rather than outsourcing components, allowing them to deliver an unmatched level of quality control. They have maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for over a decade, demonstrating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. If you want the highest quality solar panels money can buy along with superior craftsmanship, SunPower is hard to beat. They offer financing options including loans and solar leases.
2. Tesla (formerly SolarCity)
As part of Elon Musk’s vision for clean energy, Tesla acquired SolarCity in 2016 and now offers integrated solar and Powerwall battery storage solutions. Solar panels are designed and installed by Tesla to seamlessly integrate with the Powerwall home battery, allowing customers to store solar energy to use anytime.
Tesla stands out for excellent customer service, providing app and web monitoring of solar production. Like SunPower, they handle the entire solar installation process in-house rather than outsourcing tasks. Their solar panels have an industry-average efficiency rating of around 17% to 19%.
Financing through Tesla is simple and streamlined. Solar can be bundled with a Powerwall battery for just a few hundred dollars upfront and low monthly payments to own the system over time. For those seeking integrated solar batteries along with top-notch customer service, Tesla Energy is a great choice.
3. EnergySage
Rather than installing solar panels themselves, EnergySage operates an online comparison-shopping marketplace where customers can research and shop for solar. EnergySage connects customers to a network of hundreds of pre-screened solar installation companies and provides tools to compare quotes side-by-side.
The big advantage of EnergySage is their neutrality – they don’t sell you a system or represent particular manufacturers or installers, so you can feel confident you are getting objective advice. EnergySage also offers educational resources to help you calculate the right solar system size and understand financing options.
Once you select a solar provider through EnergySage’s marketplace, the installation process proceeds directly through that company. For savvy homeowners who want to comparison shop multiple installers in one place, EnergySage is the easiest way to go solar.
4. Vivint Solar
Vivint Solar is one of the largest full-service solar providers in California, serving both residential and commercial customers. They are known for providing high-quality installations and top-ranked customer service. Vivint Solar handles everything from system design to permitting to installation using knowledgeable in-house teams.
An advantage of going with such a large provider is Vivint Solar’s buying power, which lets them offer competitive pricing on premium equipment. They incorporate smart home technology including batteries, EV chargers, and automation. Vivint offers flexible financing with zero money down solar leases and power purchase agreements. If you want end-to-end solar services from a single national company, Vivint is a great option.
5. Sullivan Solar Power
As the largest local solar company in San Diego with over 35,000 installations, Sullivan Solar Power is a leader in southern California. They are a SunPower “Elite” dealer, giving customers access to SunPower’s high-efficiency panels. Sullivan also provides Tesla Powerwall battery integrations.
Sullivan Solar Power handles every part of the solar process in-house, from design to permitting to installation and maintenance. They have highly trained installers, electricians, engineers, and support staff to expertly complete projects of any size. Sullivan has an outstanding A+ Better Business Bureau rating along with a 4.8-star overall review average. For customized service from solar experts focused on the southern California market, pick Sullivan Solar Power.
6. Semper Solaris
Semper Solaris, formerly known as SolarMax, has installed over 15,000 solar systems across southern California since their founding in 2009. They offer SunPower, LG, and other tier-one panels along with battery storage options. Semper Solaris handles all aspects of the solar installation process and provides warranty and maintenance support from offices across southern California.
This locally-owned provider stands out for its giving culture – 3% of employee hours are donated to community service. Semper Solaris has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Yelp. For a solar company that takes pride in helping the local community, choose California-based Semper Solaris.
7. PetersenDean
PetersenDean is one of the largest privately-owned solar companies in the U.S., having served northern California for over 35 years. They handle every part of the solar installation process from system design to permitting to panel roofing. PetersenDean offers SunPower and LG panels along with Tesla Powerwall batteries.
This established company is known for providing flexible financing options including no-money-down solar loans and leases. PetersenDean has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Yelp. For personalized service and financing flexibility from a respected local provider, PetersenDean is an excellent choice.
8. ADT Solar
ADT Solar handles solar installations along with battery backups, smart thermostats, EV chargers and other smart home technologies. As part of the ADT home security company, they are experts at integrating solar and batteries into comprehensive whole-home automation and protection systems. ADT uses high-efficiency panels from LG, Panasonic and other name brands.
An advantage of ADT Solar is its national reach combined with local service – they have installation crews across most of California. ADT stands out for providing transparent pricing right upfront rather than making you wait for a proposal. Monitoring of your solar production is included through the ADT app and web portal. For those that want solar fully integrated with smart home systems, ADT Solar is a great pick.
9. Baker Electric Solar
As one of the most reputable electrical companies in southern California, Baker Electric expanded into the solar business over a decade ago. They are now one of the largest local installers in San Diego. Baker Electric’s electrical contracting background is an advantage for complex residential and commercial solar projects.
Baker Electric handles solar installations, batteries, EV charging stations, and other electrical work under one roof. They work with top-tier solar equipment from LG, Panasonic and other name brands. As an employee-owned company, Baker Electric ensures quality workmanship from installers who take pride in their jobs. For a highly-trained local electrician experienced in customized solar systems, choose Baker Electric.
10. Horizon Solar Power
Horizon Solar Power manages the entire process for residential solar installations across northern California. Founded in 2007, Horizon Solar Power was acquired by SunStreet in 2021 to expand that company’s reach across more of the state. Horizon utilizes tier-one solar equipment from LG, Panasonic, Mission Solar, and other reputable brands.
Horizon stands out for its battery expertise – they offer Powerwalls along with LG and Sonnen batteries to store solar energy. Their experienced installers and customer service teams have maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. For a proven solar and battery storage expert in northern California, Horizon Solar Power is a great choice.
5 Key Factors to Choosing the Best Solar Company
While we’ve done the homework to pick the top 10 solar firms in California, you’ll still want to do your own research to find the best solar company for your specific home or business.
Here are the 5 most important factors to consider as you compare solar providers in California:
Reputation and Experience
Going with an established company with plenty of experience installing solar arrays similar to yours is wise. Look for a track record of excellent customer service. Companies that use their own employees rather than subcontractors typically provide better quality control too. Check customer reviews and complaints to the BBB to get the full picture.
Quality of Equipment
Higher efficiency solar panels will produce more electricity using less space, saving you money over time. Pay attention to the brands and efficiency ratings of panels the installer offers. Also consider warranties – at least 10 years on equipment and 25 years on energy production are standard.
Services Offered
Look for a solar company that can not only install panels but also help with permitting, rebate paperwork, connecting to the grid, maintenance, repairs, and monitoring. Ask about battery storage options if interested. Some companies also offer smart home tech like EV chargers, automation, and virtual power plants.
Pricing and Financing
Get quotes from 3-4 installers to compare pricing. Keep in mind cheaper deals sometimes cut corners on equipment and service quality. Ask about financing options – loans, PPAs and leases can minimize out-of-pocket costs. Compare the long-term costs and savings from different quotes.
Responsiveness and Communication
A solar installation takes careful coordination, permitting, inspection and electric grid communication. Ensure the company you choose has excellent project management and keeps you informed at every step. Responsiveness to questions and issues is essential as well.
Using these criteria to research solar companies operating in your area, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the best provider to trust with your solar installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Solar in California
California homeowners have lots of questions about switching to solar energy. Here we answer some of the most common questions:
How much do solar panels cost installed in California?
The typical cost to install solar panels on a California home is $15,000 to $35,000 depending on system size, roof type, panel efficiency and location. Commercial solar systems start around $100,000. Get quotes from multiple installers to find the best pricing.
How many solar panels do I need in California?
Most California homes need between 15-30 panels for a full solar array, but panel count depends on your energy usage, roof size and panel wattage. Customized quotes from installers will provide the right solar panel system size for your particular home.
How much can I save by going solar in California?
California solar panel owners save $1,000 to $2,500 per year on average on their electric bills. At current electric rates, solar can provide 50% to 100% or more of your home’s energy needs. Installing a solar battery provides additional savings by letting you use your stored solar energy at night.
How long does it take to install solar panels in California?
The installation process takes 1 to 3 weeks from permitting to completion for a typical California home. Solar providers that handle permitting and inspections for you can shorten the total timeframe. Larger commercial installations may take 4-6 weeks.
Are solar panels worth it in California?
Yes, solar panels are a smart long-term investment for most California homes and businesses. Panels will pay for themselves in 4-8 years on average thanks to upfront rebates and the energy savings you’ll enjoy for 25+ years. Lower utility bills also mean you’re less impacted over time when rates increase.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days in California?
Solar panels are still effective even on cloudy days. While high clouds allow good light transmission, low storm clouds can reduce output by up to 50%. Even then, your panels will produce at least some energy. Solar batteries store power to provide backup on extra cloudy stretches.
How long do solar panels last in California?
With proper maintenance, today’s solar panels will remain highly productive for 25-30 years or more in California’s sunny climate. Reputable solar companies provide long warranties on both equipment (10+ years) and power production (25 years) to guarantee your panels’ lifetime output.
Should I buy or lease solar panels in California?
For homeowners planning to stay long-term, purchasing your system outright or financing with a solar loan provides the best return. But solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) allow $0 down installations with predictable monthly payments, which can benefit renters and those planning to move sooner.
What are the incentives, rebates, and tax credits for solar panels in California?
California offers both federal and state tax credits for solar installation costs of 22% and 10-15% respectively. Many local electric utilities also provide rebates of $500 to $1,500+ for going solar. These incentives reduce your upfront cost to go solar by up to 50% or more.
Get Quotes from the Best Solar Companies in California
We hope this guide has given you the knowledge you need to confidently choose the right solar installation company for your California home or business. By selecting a reputable local company using high-quality equipment, you’ll benefit from solar panels that maximize savings and produce clean, renewable power for decades to come.
To start collecting custom quotes from our top 10 recommended solar providers servicing your area, simply fill out our 30-second form. You’ll quickly receive solar estimates without any obligation to help you move forward with complete confidence.
The future for solar energy in California is bright – lower your electric bill while also helping the environment by harnessing the power of the sun today!