California is perhaps one of the most solar-friendly states in the country. From best solar companies in San Diego in sunny southern California to Sacramento in northern California, and all points between and beyond, the state annually leads the United States in solar capacity—enough to power 5.4 million homes.
If you are planning to build a new home in the Golden State or want to upgrade your current solar system, read our review below of some of the best solar companies in California. In compiling this list, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best solar panel installers in the country and has included those that provide coverage in California.
Compare Solar Companies Across CA
Momentum Solar tops our list of solar companies in California because of its ease of system integration for first time solar users. Momentum intentionally limits its coverage area to states with net metering programs, so the company can provide expert advice to California residents about how net metering works. Net metering is a partnership with utility companies that allows solar power users to earn credits on their electric bill in exchange for moving excess solar production to the power grid for use at night and during any outages.
Palmetto Solar creates customized residential solar systems equipped with high-performance black rooftop panels, standard inverters, and power grid connections. Inverters are used to convert the direct current (DC) energy absorbed by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power a home’s major systems and appliances.
The company focuses on providing quality customer service, offering 24/7 online chat support and an extensive optional monitoring and discount program.
Palmetto Solar customers have the option to buy their solar panels, either outright or through a loan. The company also has lease and PPA options. Leases and PPAs both mean the panels are still owned by the company that installs them. Leases come with the same flat-rate monthly fee, while PPAs function much like an electricity bill, in that you are charged each month for the amount of solar energy you use.
Sunrun was among one of the first solar panel installation companies to make residential solar power systems more accessible through a leasing program. That focus on financing options makes Sunrun one of our recommendations for best solar installers. Customers can choose from two leasing options. You can opt for a flat-rate monthly payment or select a prepaid 25-year lease that includes ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
Why We Chose Sunrun
Sunrun designs best solar companies in San Diego layouts custom to a roof’s shape via satellite imagery, giving homeowners more control over the appearance and efficiency of their systems. The company’s integrated home solar battery storage service, Brightbox, sets it apart from the many other providers that have yet to deploy storage options that bring a number of key benefits to solar customers.
SunLux’s availability is limited to California and Texas, but that makes the company an ideal choice for Golden State residents. Additionally, SunLux is well-versed in California’s solar incentive programs and can expertly educate and assist customers with specific regional sunlight exposure issues in both states.
Why We Chose SunLux
The solar installation company provides many of the same solar panel products, solar technology, services, and customer support as larger companies, such as a mobile app, system monitoring, and extensive warranties. The company provides equipment, maintenance, and performance guarantees for 25 years each.
Our Conclusion
The solar energy company you select is dependent on your home’s unique clean energy needs and capacity, whether you live in Los Angeles or up in northern California. Momentum Solar is our top choice from among the best solar installers in California because of its user-friendly tools and high-quality educational approach to solar installation. Momentum also only works in states with established net metering programs, so it can provide expert knowledge on California’s program if you are unfamiliar and/or need assistance.
While we recommend getting quotes from at least three providers, before contacting solar contractors, you should consider a few key factors: how much direct daily sunlight your home receives; the layout, slope, and direction of your roof; and your average monthly electricity usage.
It’s also important to factor California’s solar tax incentives into your cost consideration. You cannot qualify for those incentives, however, if you lease your panels or enter into a PPA with the solar panel installer. For this reason, it’s important to carefully evaluate your ability to pay for your panels outright or through a loan as opposed to leasing them.