Best Solar Companies In California 2020
Christian Solar is one of California’s top rated solar companies. Our goal is to provide world class service for every step of your project, from initial design to installation and maintenance. With numerous awards under our belt since being established in 2006, we are able to provide you with state-of-the art equipment that will be efficient enough to meet your energy requirement.
Best Solar Companies In California
California is perhaps one of the most solar-friendly states in the country. From 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 capacityenough 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 top solar companies in the country and has included those that provide coverage in California.
What Kind Of Cost Savings Can You Expect From Going Solar
It depends, of course. . .depending on your average rate of energy consumption, the size of your system, the types of panels you purchase, and your homes physical location. Recent statistics show that that the average cost per watt is $8.70. For an average 5kW system, that translates to $43,500 for everything . Those were average prices in 2011. In 2015, the average price per kilowatt hour for solar energy was $4,413, translating to a little over $22,000 for the price of an installed solar system. Notice the price drop in just five years alone?
Before the price tag scares you away, know that by the time its all said and done, youre likely to be able to cut your costs drastically based on the supportive solar legislation California has passed, federal tax credits and state and local incentives. In 2015, the average cost of solar installed was $18,675 after rebates, credits, and other incentives were applied. In comparative terms, thats less than a new car!
Go Solar California reports that most homeowners experience a 12-year payback period for their solar energy system, with the system becoming pure profit for its lifetime beyond the payback period.
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California Solar Financing Options
Solar lease, power purchase agreement, loan, and outright purchase options are available to pay for solar energy systems in California.
Outright Purchases
For those who have the ability to do so, paying cash for a solar energy system in California will yield the highest financial returns. Although the money to cover the entire cost of the solar array will be due upfront, it will pay itself off after about 7 years, and after that, all of the energy it produces will be pure profit.
Additionally, those who pay cash for solar will be able to take advantage of all the investment tax credit from the federal government, as well as any other available incentives.
Solar Loans
For those who have good credit, financing solar panels with a loan is a great option in California. Because electricity prices are high, a solar loan will typically leave California residents cash flow positive, meaning that the savings on electric bills will be higher than the loan payment.
As California public utilities raise their rates over time, the loan payments will remain the same and the solar savings will increase. In about 12 to 15 years, the loan will be fully paid off and the homeowner will get to enjoy free electricity for the remainder of the life of the system.
Because the homeowner owns the solar system, they will also be eligible for tax credits and other available incentives.
Solar Leases
Power Purchase Agreements
How Can I Find Out If My House Is Suitable For Solar Panels
There are a couple of ways to find out if installing solar panels is something you can do. You can try going directly to the solar panel installation company itself to get a quote. This usually involves providing your address and filling in other info online, or chatting with a representative.
The second option involves using a tool called . By typing in your address into the search bar, you can find approximately how much direct sunlight your home gets each year, and how many square feet are available for the solar panel tiles.
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Largest Solar Companies In California
For a free estimate please fill out our contact form or call 619-612-5363. We will schedule a time that is of convenience to you and provide all the information you need about your project. Christian Solar is a highly recommended and rated solar company in California. We not only offer the best service, we are also very efficient as well! Our staff is trained to your needs, and will be there for you every step of the way. There’s no doubt that going solar in California is a great idea. Christian Solar can help you begin saving money on your energy bills and reduce greenhouse gases that harm the environment.
Go Solar With One Of America’s Most Trusted Brands
Panasonic solar panels and battery storage generate and store clean power. Its an area of focus for Panasonic as a brand to improve sustainability as the demand for energy on this planet grows. As one of the worlds leading companies for environmental initiatives 9 consecutive years, Panasonic has been working to make significant breakthroughs in the energy space that positively impact environmental health.
Through this state-of-the-art technology, our solar experts are committed to providing quality products and industry-leading warranties to ensure your solar panels last for years to come.
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History Of Solar Companies Going Out Of Business
Between 2000 and 2016, about 8,700 unique solar companies installed at least one solar energy system in American homes. By the end of 2016, only 2,900 installers were still active, meaning two-thirds of all solar companies had faced solar bankruptcy, or simply vanished.
Most of the companies that closed were smaller solar businesses that only serviced a few homes, but even some solar heavyweights, like the examples below, have struggled to stay in business over the long term. The list of bankrupt solar companies is long, and filled with companies of all shapes and sizes.
2020 was an especially tough year for solar companies, as the COVID-19 pandemic placed restrictions on how companies could do marketing and how they could install solar power systems. Customers were hesitant to have anyone in their home, and this resulted in some big names facing big challenges to stay in business.
Real Goods Solar – As a pioneer in the U.S. solar industry, installing rooftop solar panels as early as 1978, Real Goods Solar raised more than $50 million from investors when it went public in 2008. Unfortunately, they struggled to make the business profitable and tried to pivot to selling Dows Powerhouse solar shingles in 2019, before finally declaring solar company bankruptcy in January of 2020.
Green Home Systems: Most Comprehensive
Green Home Systems has one of the most comprehensive product selections of any provider on this list. The company offers high-quality monocrystalline solar panels from notable manufacturers, such as LONGi and Panasonic, plus an assortment of solar batteries and backup generators. Green Home Systems also installs solar roofs, which consist of small monocrystalline panels that act as roof shingles.
Green Home Systems Snapshot
- Warranties: 25-year product warranty and performance guarantee
- Payment options: Full purchase and solar loan
- Panel type: Monocrystalline
Has a wider assortment of solar products than competitors
Offers solar roofs
Provides $0 down financing to qualifying customers
What We Dont Like
Doesnt provide cost information online
Some customer reviews mention difficulty with scheduling and callbacks
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Top Solar Installation Companies In California
With over 2,000 installation companies to choose from, how do you decide the best of the best? Below is a sample of some of the top-rated solar companies working in the state of California:
Sunline Energy This leader in solar commercial and residential solar installations operates in San Diego and surrounding areas. Boasting an A+ BBB rating, Sunline Energy has more 5-star Yelp reviews than any other solar installer in the area. They have also won Angies List Super Service Award and they rank #55 in Solar Power Worlds national list of residential solar installers. In business since 2007, Sunline Energy promises to deliver fast turnaround times, low prices, and top-quality solar panels.
Semper Solaris This SunPower Elite dealer operates across California and is locally and veteran owned. They offer a free energy analysis to jumpstart your solar energy planning and use only products designed in America. Semper Solaris is focused on the customer and provides discount to military, police, and firemen.
SolarTech Offering residential solar energy, commercial solar energy, and solar pool heating systems, SolarTech is locally owned and operated and committed to Californias positioning as a thriving renewable energy state. With over 15 years of experience, this company delivers customized energy solutions for your home or business and provides multiple financing and equipment options.
Top 15 California Solar Companies
Companies from California that are on this list have received the official Solar Action Alliance Seal of Approval. It looks like this:
top california solar panel companies
Here at Solar Action Alliance, our main goal is to inform consumers about residential solar energy. While that often means informative articles and information about solar pricing and tax credits, it also means finding and relaying the top solar companies.
The solar world is full of companies that offer residential solar panel installations. Some of these companies are great. Others are not so great. Most people interested in installing solar on their home are not experts in either solar energy or solar panel installation. Thats why weve created our Top Solar Companies series.
The Top Solar Companies series consists of lists of the top solar installers in each area of the United States. We have thoroughly researched and chosen these companies based on a number of factors, including:
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Considering Going Solar Solar Harmonics Is Here To Help
Most of our clients in Livermore, California are looking for a company they can trust to help them go solar. Based on our decade in business, online reviews, andDiamond Certification, Solar Harmonics is the best choice to trust to complete your solar project on time, on budget, and with the expected results. It is our mission to design the best value solar installation system that produces reliably over the next 30 40 years and saves the most money for our clients. If the financial goals of our clients intersect with the global and environmental goals of our founder, it is a win for everyone except the utility companies. Contact us today for your free quote!
Premium Vs Standard Solar Panels
Premium panels arent that much more expensive than standard panels. Their comprehensive warranties and best-in-class performance are well worth it, especially when solar pays for itself!
Many budget-friendly models are on the market, most of which are manufactured in China or nearby countries. Their efficiency and degradation ratings arent as good as the premium solar panels, but they are viable options if youre focused on price.
Keep in mind that solar pays for itself over time, so the big picture is less about todays price and more about your 25-year return on investment.
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Incentives Rebates And Tax Credits
In California, its likely youll be eligible for solar rebates and federal tax credits after making the switch to solar energy. Will your solar installation company help you make the necessary arrangements? Be sure to ask your provider about whats available in your area. Even better, ask if the company has experience applying to these incentives.
What Is Net Energy Metering
Net metering utilizes a public utilitys electric grid for excess energy storage of power generated by residential solar systems. That renewable energy, in turn, is used to power solar households during periods in which solar panels are not receiving as much sunlight, such as at night or during overcast days. In turn, the utility company compensates solar power users for that extra stored energy through credits to their electricity bill.
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What Are Two Main Disadvantages To Solar Energy
The two main disadvantages of solar power are the upfront solar panel cost, and the limitations home size and location can place on solar system size. While solar panels can save you money in the long run, they do require a hefty initial investmentanywhere from $11,000 to $50,000and it can take several years to begin to see any payoffs. Additionally, the available roof space can severely limit the size of a homes solar system. This means that homeowners who want to switch to solar may have to utilize a system that isnt large enough to meet their daily needs or abandon the idea altogether.
Solar Panel Companies In California Are Put To The Test With The States 2020 Solar Mandate
When the new year starts on January 1st, 2020, the state of California requires all new single-family and multifamily homes under three stories to include solar energy. The initiative is part of the states plan to reach its climate change goals. The idea is straight forward from an environmental and financial standpoint and the majority of Californians are supportive of the mandate but it introduces some potential complications when it comes to how home building contractors and the best solar panel companies in California can work together on this new mandate in a way that benefits both parties as well as the families who will buy those homes.
The mandate that all new single-family and multifamily homes in California must include solar panels is a way for the Golden State to do its part in the fight against climate change. And it is happening at a time where it has become increasingly popular among Californian homeowners to buy solar panels for their houses.
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Brands Of Solar Equipment Offered
Solar technology is improving rapidly, but most Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers make panels with similar efficiency statistics. Still, you can squeeze a bit more out of the best panels, so consider a brand like Tesla if youre looking for the best panels.
Solar systems are made of more than just panels, so dont forget to consider what inverters and batteries a company uses before signing any contracts. Enphase is an industry leader for inverters, and LG, Tesla, and Enphase offer what many people consider the best solar battery technology.
Free Consultations And Estimates
Another great reason to consider hiring a solar panel installation company is if it offers free consultations and estimates. While most companies will offer a free estimate, not so many will actually provide free consultations. Finding a solar panel installation company that will meet with you and talk you through all the options shows that it is prioritizing its customers, so youll know youre in good hands.
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Best Solar Companies In California 2019
Christian Solar is your premier option for going solar in California. Our track record speaks for itself, and we are the best choice when it comes to providing top notch service that won’t break the bank.
For a free estimate please fill out our contact form or call 619-612-5363. We will schedule a time that is of convenience to you and provide all the information you need about your project.
Bright House Energy Construction Inc
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Has an online quote form
- Family owned and operated
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reported communication issues
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
Services Offered
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Offers a free quote process
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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What If My Solar Company Goes Out Of Business And I Need Service
Solar power can provide your home with clean, renewable energy for decades. Since solar equipment lasts so long, you may be wondering, “What happens if my solar company goes out of business and I need service?”
With stiff competition among an ever-growing number of installers, many solar companies have declared solar bankruptcy or stopped operating. So what happens when your solar company is no longer around? This guide covers the causes of solar company bankruptcy, and what to do if your solar installer goes out of business.
Top 7 Best Solar Companies In California
With its incredible, almost-always-sunny weather, California is one of the best places in the country to install solar panels. Since the solar industry is rapidly growing in California, the abundance of solar installers can be intimidating to navigate, especially since its wise to do extensive research before you choose an installer for your solar project. Thats why we put together this list of the best solar companies in California, as well as a guide on what to look for when youre shopping around.
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