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Updated: Nov 27, 2024, 3:27am
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| Updates Editor and Home ExpertCalifornia is a national leader in the solar industry. This should be no surprise since the state has more sunny days than most other states nationwide. It ranks fifth in the country for most annual sunlight. Consequently, over 29% of the state’s electricity comes from solar power.
If you are considering installing solar panels in California, we’ve rounded up the best solar companies in California to help narrow down your search. The solar installers Tesla and Palmetto Solar top our best solar companies in California list. Tesla scored 4.6 out of 5 stars when reviewed against our methodology scoring high for availability and price matching offerings.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the solar companies methodology for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Green Home Systems
BBB Grade
Not accredited
Financing Options
Full purchase and loan
Number of States Covered
21
2
Blue Raven Solar
BBB
A+
Financing Options
$0 upfront for 18 months
Number of States Covered
21
3
Momentum Solar
BBB Grade
A+
Financing Options
Purchase, loan
Number of States Covered
10
Key Takeaways
California is a leading state for solar energy adoption, with numerous companies offering top-tier services and products. To help you navigate the best options available, we have meticulously compared and evaluated various solar panel installation companies based on critical factors such as customer satisfaction, pricing, equipment quality and service offerings. Our research aims to provide a clear, unbiased overview of the best solar companies in California.
Below, we present a detailed breakdown of the top contenders, highlighting what makes each company stand out and why they might be the best fit for your solar energy needs.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | WARRANTY OPTIONS | BBB RATING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.6    | Best Availability | 25-year performance warranty, 10-year comprehensive warranty | A+ | From Participating Partners
| |
| 4.2  | Best Solar Equipment | 25-year panels, 12-year inverter, 10-year workmanship, and 5-year roof penetration warranties | A+ | From Participating Partners
| |
| 4.0 | Best for Whole-Home Solutions | 25-year system and components warranty | A+ | From Participating Partners
| |
| 3.9 | Best for Local Installations | Depends on the manufacturer | A+ | From Participating Partners
| |
| 3.9 | Best Services | Lifetime workmanship, 10-year roof penetration warranty | A+ | From Participating Partners
| |
| 3.9 | Best Customer Satisfactions | 25-year comprehensive warranty | A+ | From Participating Partners
|
Best Availability
Best Availability
Tesla
Tesla is our pick for the best availability. The company sells solar panels nationwide and strives to offer the best prices. Tesla offers price matching to ensure you have the lowest prices available. Tesla Solar started just under 15 years ago and quickly made a name for itself. Tesla products are now sold by third-party solar companies across the entire country.
Tesla’s extensive reach across all 50 states makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking for solar solutions regardless of location. California, with its significant push towards renewable energy, greatly benefits from Tesla’s wide availability and competitive pricing. The company’s innovative solar roof tiles provide a sleek alternative to traditional solar panels, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.
Why We Like It
Tesla’s ability to offer various products, including solar panels and solar roofs, allows homeowners to customize their energy solutions. The company’s price matching ensures competitive pricing, making high-quality solar technology more accessible. Our scoring methodology appreciates Tesla’s innovation and flexibility, as well as the useful online tool for customizing solar panel systems based on average electric bills.
What We Don’t Like
One downside of Tesla’s service is the reliance on third-party installers, which can lead to inconsistent customer service experiences. Additionally, Tesla’s 10-year comprehensive warranty is shorter than the industry standard 25-year warranties offered by competitors, which affected its score in our methodology.
Who It’s Best For
Tesla is ideal for homeowners looking for innovative solar solutions like solar roofing and those seeking competitive pricing. It’s especially suitable for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate Tesla’s brand and the integration of advanced technology into their home energy systems. However, potential customers should be prepared for the variability in service quality due to third-party installations.
Learn more: Tesla Solar review
Tesla sells high-efficiency solar panels, solar roofs, solar batteries and an app that offers 24/7 system performance monitoring. Tesla’s solar panels are sleek and low-profile, making them a good fit for homeowners looking for a more discreet solar panel system.
Other than paying in full via cash, you can finance your Tesla solar system with a solar loan or, if you’re an existing Tesla customer, a power purchase agreement (PPA) or solar lease.
Tesla Solar has high ratings on the BBB and consistently shows positive experiences for customers. Remember that Tesla doesn’t offer installation services, so your experience with the installation process will depend on the solar installation company in California.
Best Solar Equipment
Best Solar Equipment
Palmetto Solar
We recommend Palmetto Solar for homeowners looking for the best solar equipment options. Founded in 2010, Palmetto Solar sells customized solar panels, inverters and microinverters to Californians and residents of 18 other states.
Palmetto Solar stands out in California for its extensive range of high-quality solar equipment, which caters to the state’s growing demand for renewable energy solutions. The company’s commitment to offering top-tier panels and inverters, combined with comprehensive warranty options, makes it an excellent choice for Californians who prioritize reliability and performance in their solar installations.
Why We Like It
We appreciate that Palmetto Solar offers a fully integrated service, from design to installation and maintenance, ensuring a seamless customer experience. The company’s in-house monitoring system and mobile app allow users to manage their energy production and usage efficiently. Our scoring methodology favored Palmetto’s customization options and user-friendly technology, contributing to a superior customer experience.
What We Don’t Like
One drawback is Palmetto Solar’s limited availability, being present in only 19 states. Additionally, while the monitoring app offers valuable insights, the active monitoring service comes with an additional cost. Maintenance and repair services also start at $350, which can make the labor warranty more expensive compared to other providers.
Who It’s Best For
Palmetto Solar is ideal for homeowners seeking premium solar equipment and the ability to customize their solar energy systems. It’s a great fit for those who value a comprehensive service package and are willing to invest in high-quality products and advanced monitoring capabilities.
Learn more: Palmetto Solar review
The company is known for selling Q Cells’ silicon crystalline panels, which offer a sleek appearance and high efficiency rating of 20.6% to 22%. Palmetto Solar also offers solar panels from manufacturers like Hyundai, VSun and JA Solar, which range from 19.9% efficiency and up. If you want to track your solar panel system’s performance, you can spend $8 per month to use the Palmetto app and receive 24/7 professional monitoring and more.
Financing options available through Palmetto Solar include cash, solar loans, solar leasing and solar power purchase agreements.
Palmetto Solar has solid reviews through the BBB and over 200 customer ratings. Most customers shared positive experiences with Palmetto Solar thanks to good communication, a smooth installation process and lower bills.
Best Whole-Home Solution
Best Whole-Home Solution
Elevation Solar
Elevation Solar is fifth on our list because it uses whole-home energy management solutions to help you control your energy production and consumption. This can help you tweak certain parts of your lifestyle to conserve energy and save money. Elevation Solar was founded in 2014 as a solar installation company, and today, it offers solar roofs, solar batteries and monitoring services through an app.
We selected Elevation Solar for its comprehensive approach to home energy management. Despite its limited service area in just five states, Elevation Solar’s focus on integrating solar power with smart home technology and energy efficiency audits makes it a standout choice for Californians seeking a holistic approach to energy conservation.
Why We Like It
We appreciate Elevation Solar’s commitment to transforming homes into energy-efficient environments. The company’s suite of services goes beyond traditional solar panel installations to include smart home technology, energy monitoring and comprehensive energy audits. This holistic approach earned it high marks in our scoring methodology for its innovation and value-added services.
What We Don’t Like
Elevation Solar’s primary drawback is its limited availability, restricting its services to just five states. Additionally, the absence of solar leasing options and a mixed record of customer reviews and complaints on the BBB website are notable concerns. These factors affected its overall score in our evaluation.
Who It’s Best For
Elevation Solar is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize their home’s energy efficiency through solar power and smart home technology. If you’re looking for a comprehensive energy management solution and live within the company’s service area, Elevation Solar could be the perfect fit.
Learn more: Elevation Solar review
Elevation Solar offers some of the best energy management solutions, along with its generous selection of solar equipment and products. The company offers solar panels with high-efficiency ratings, solar batteries and Curb Energy monitoring.
You can pay for Elevation Solar equipment in full with a cash payment or through a solar loan.
Overall, the company scored well on customer review sites. However, like pretty much any company, it does have some negative reviews and complaints on the BBB. Of those complaints, many customers say that customer service and sales tactics made their experiences negative.
Best for Local Installations
Best for Local Installations
NRG Clean Power
We picked NRG Clean Power because it’s a major solar company in California. The company has over 30 years of experience servicing Californians and Texans. Though limited to just these two states, NRG Clean Power has high customer satisfaction and sells some of the best solar panels in the industry, making it a solid choice for those looking to install solar panels.
We chose NRG Clean Power for its deep-rooted presence and stellar reputation in California and Texas. Despite being limited to these two states, the company has over three decades of experience in providing high-quality solar solutions, making it a reliable choice for local installations.
Why We Like It
We appreciate NRG Clean Power’s extensive experience and commitment to offering top-tier solar equipment. The company stands out for its tailored solar solutions, which consider factors like home energy consumption, budget and location. This customer-centric approach earned high marks in our scoring methodology, reflecting NRG Clean Power’s dedication to service excellence and innovation.
What We Don’t Like
While NRG Clean Power excels in many areas, its service is restricted to California and Texas, limiting its availability. Additionally, the warranties offered vary depending on the manufacturer, which can confuse customers seeking consistent coverage. These factors impacted its overall score in our evaluation.
Who It’s Best For
NRG Clean Power is ideal for homeowners in California and Texas looking for a well-established local solar company. Its comprehensive, customer-focused solar solutions and flexible financing options make it a great fit for those prioritizing quality and reliability in their solar installations.
NRG Clean Power offers high-quality solar panels, solar backup batteries, EV charging, roofing, solar panel cleaning and monitoring services that make the company a go-to for many California residents. You can pay for your solar panels in full with cash or a solar loan. The company works with several top financing companies to help you find a loan for your budget, including $0-down loans.
Most people report a positive experience with NRG Clean Power on review platforms like BBB and Google. However, ratings vary based on the location of the local NRG Clean Power company, and some customers report difficulties trying to communicate with solar representatives.
Best Services
Best Services
Solar Negotiators
Solar Negotiators is our pick for the best maintenance services. The company started in 2013 and provides solar installation services throughout California. Solar Negotiators is a top pick for homeowners who don’t know where to start when installing solar panels in their California homes. The company specializes in providing free resources and offering customized, in-house designs that best fit your home and lifestyle.
We selected Solar Negotiators due to its exceptional focus on providing comprehensive maintenance services and outstanding customer support. With a strong presence in California, this company ensures that its clients receive the best possible care through lifetime monitoring and maintenance, making it a standout choice in the state.
Why We Like It
We value Solar Negotiators’ dedication to offering top-notch services without additional maintenance charges. The company’s lifetime monitoring and maintenance package is included, which significantly enhances the value of its offerings. This commitment to ongoing service and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our scoring methodology, emphasizing long-term reliability and customer support.
What We Don’t Like
Solar Negotiators’ main limitation is its restricted availability. It operates only within California, which limits access for potential customers outside the state. Additionally, while its comprehensive services are excellent, its focus on a single state affects its overall reach and service diversification.
Who It’s Best For
Solar Negotiators is an excellent choice for California homeowners seeking an all-inclusive solar service provider. The company’s lifetime monitoring and maintenance services, along with flexible financing options, make it ideal for those looking for a reliable, long-term energy solution tailored to their specific needs.
Solar Negotiators offers visual modeling, solar panels, maintenance, battery storage, roofing and EV charging. The company has several payment options through third-party lenders, including a $0 down payment. You can also pay for your panels in cash.
Customers who chose Solar Negotiators say that they enjoyed how transparent, pressure-free and communicative the sales consultants were, and the smoothness of the installation process made the experience well worth it.
Best Customer Satisfaction
Best Customer Satisfaction
Stellar Solar
Stellar Solar is our pick for best customer satisfaction. The company started in San Diego in 1998 and has installed more than 15,000 solar panel systems in the San Diego area. Stellar Solar is one of the best solar companies in southern California. The company also installs solar panels in Michigan.
We chose Stellar Solar due to its outstanding reputation in Southern California. Consistently voted the best solar company by the readers of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Stellar Solar has earned the trust and respect of local homeowners. The company’s long-standing presence and extensive experience make it a reliable choice for solar installations.
Why We Like It
Stellar Solar has been a top choice for many homeowners due to its exceptional customer service and quality installations. The company’s dedication to putting customers first is reflected in its numerous positive reviews and high customer referral rate. Our scoring methodology values customer satisfaction highly, and Stellar Solar’s consistent recognition and positive feedback justify its high ranking.
What We Don’t Like
While Stellar Solar excels in customer service, its availability is limited to California and Michigan. This geographic restriction limits its reach and makes the company less accessible to homeowners outside these states. Additionally, despite their high-quality service, the lack of broader state coverage impacts its overall score in terms of availability.
Who It’s Best For
Stellar Solar is ideal for homeowners in Southern California and Michigan who prioritize excellent customer service and a proven track record of quality installations. If you value a company with a strong local reputation and a high level of customer satisfaction, Stellar Solar is a great choice for your solar needs.
Stellar Solar offers various solar installation services, including ground-mounted solar, solar batteries, EV charging and more. You can pay for your solar panel system in cash or through a solar combo loan. Your solar panels are financed for the first 12 to 18 months at 0% interest, allowing you to collect the 30% federal tax credit. Then, the remaining 70% gets financed through another loan for 12 years at a 1.99% fixed rate.
Most peoples’ experiences with Stellar Solar are extremely positive. Customers recommend Stellar Solar because of its knowledgeable consultants, easy customization, durability and professionalism.
Finding the best solar company in California boils down to knowing what to look for. Since solar panels are popular in California, the market is full of solar companies, making it important to identify reputable installers and shop for the most competitive prices. Keep an eye out for the following telltale signs of a good California solar company:
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There are several other things to consider when going solar. As you plan your solar installation, keep these four factors in mind.
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The average cost to install solar panels in California falls between $10,000 and 13,000 when you factor in the 30% solar federal tax credit. Average solar panel systems in California are around 5 kilowatts (kW), meaning you’ll likely pay around $12,700 before tax credits and about $8,900 after credits for a typical system.
| SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE | AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (kWh) | AVERAGE COST BEFORE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT | AVERAGE COST AFTER FEDERAL TAX CREDIT (30%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6kW | 8,000 – 10,000 | $15,000 | $10,500 |
| 8kW | 10,500 – 13,300 | $20,000 | $14,000 |
| 10kW | 13,300 – 16,700 | $25,000 | $17,500 |
| 12kW | 16,000 – 20,000 | $30,000 | $21,000 |
California has many solar incentives you can tap into to save on the cost of your solar panels. Here’s a breakdown of the incentives to help you determine your eligibility and potential savings.
| INCENTIVE | DESCRIPTION | TYPE | OCCURRENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Tax Credit | A nationwide credit that offers a 30% rebate on solar panel systems installed through 2032. This credit reduces your income tax and rolls over until used up. It decreases to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034, ending in 2035 unless renewed by Congress. | Tax Credit | One-time |
| Net Metering | Allows California residents to sell excess solar energy to the grid to offset electricity bills. Compensation rates were recently reduced under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 tariff, providing roughly 75% of the previous solar energy credits. | Energy Credit | Ongoing |
| Other California-Specific Incentives | Includes programs like SGIP, which offers rebates for residential energy systems, and SOMAH, which provides solar housing affordability for low-income multifamily housing units and property owners. | State-Specific Incentives | Ongoing |
The federal solar tax credit is a nationwide credit that gives you a 30% rebate on solar panel systems installed through 2032. This credit reduces your income tax and rolls over if you have unused portions of the credit until you’ve used all of the credit or the credit is no longer in effect. The solar tax credit decreases to 26% in 2033 and goes down to 22% in 2034. Unless Congress renews the tax credit, it will end in 2035.
California offers net metering, where you can sell excess solar energy to the grid to help offset your electricity bill. While net metering was a major perk in California, recently, the state greatly reduced the compensation rates for net metering through a tariff called Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0. Residents now receive roughly 75% of the solar energy credits they’d received before the tariff.
With the solar tax credit and net metering, California’s state-specific incentives make solar panel installations more affordable than ever. Here are two of the state’s programs:
Power Your Home With Solar
Find a network of trusted installers for your solar system, solar panels and electricity needs. Find a solar panel installer today!
Installing solar panels in California can significantly reduce your home’s electricity costs and provide energy independence during grid outages. Given the state’s high electricity rates, abundant sunshine and strong state-specific incentives, the investment in solar panels is often considered worth it. Programs like the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) provide additional financial benefits, enhancing the attractiveness of solar installations.
However, recent reductions in net metering incentives may impact the savings potential for new solar customers. Despite these changes, the long-term benefits of generating your electricity and the potential for free energy once your system is paid off make solar panels worth it. Check out our solar savings calculation below to see how much you could save over time.
As of October 2023, the average residential cost of electricity in California is 26.72 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh). The average California home uses around 542 kWh of electricity per month, meaning you’ll pay around $145 per month for electricity or $1,740 per year. With a 6kW solar panel system that costs $15,000 after the 30% solar tax credit, your solar panels will typically break even after about nine years in California.
| CALIFORNIA SOLAR SAVINGS | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost of 6kW Solar System w/Installation | $21,400 |
| California Incentives (30%) | $6,420 |
| Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives) | $14,980 |
| Break-Even Period | 9 years |
| 20-Year Savings | $19,140 |
| 25-Year Savings | $27,840 |
Forbes Home surveyed 1,000 Americans and researched consumer trends and satisfaction results to help determine whether consumers are satisfied with solar companies. Here’s what we found:
Here are some more California solar trends according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):
You can explore local solar installers in California to find a reputable installation company that fits your needs or discover California solar companies who service your city..
Local Solar Companies By City
To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 26 major companies. Each company’s star rating was determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty and product specifications and features.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.
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Find a network of trusted installers for solar system, solar panels and electricity needs. Find a solar panel installer today!
While you can use our list of the best solar companies in California as a basis for determining the best company, you may find that what you’re looking for in a solar company can impact which one is right for you. For example, if you’re looking for a local California company, Solar Negotiators may be a better fit.
Make a list of what you’re looking for in a solar company in California to get started. Then, research solar companies near you that fit what you’re looking for. Ensure your solar company is reputable, offers a selection of payment options and carries high-efficiency solar equipment to get the best experience.
California does not offer its own solar tax credit. However, the federal solar tax credit is a nationwide tax credit that gives homeowners a 30% tax credit. You can use this tax credit to lower the cost of your solar panel system in California.
Whether or not solar is worth it in California depends on your circumstances. If you have the budget, investing in solar energy is a great way to save on electricity bills in the long run while offsetting carbon emissions and securing energy independence.
No, California does not pay for solar panels or offer free solar panels. You can still take advantage of state-specific incentives and programs that help subsidize the cost of solar panels if you meet the lower income requirements.
Ashlyn has been a dedicated content writer for 6 years, with the last 2 years focused on creating home improvement content for Forbes Home. Specializing in areas such as home improvement, moving services, home warranties and home security. Ashlyn combines her deep knowledge and practical expertise to provide valuable insights and advice. Her dedication to enhancing homeowners' understanding and skills in managing their properties has been the cornerstone of her writing career.
With nearly seven years of experience writing about home improvement and four years of experience writing solar, Allie knows the ins and outs of all things home. She has written for several major online websites, including Angi, HomeAdvisor, SaveOnEnergy, CNN Underscored, Hearst Bay Area and more.
Cassidy is an updates editor whose main responsibility is to write and edit articles on a range of home improvement topics. Her passion for lifestyle writing began with her editorial apprenticeship at Travel + Leisure magazine. Moving from travel to home, Cassidy now specializes in writing DIY and interior design content.
