15 Best Solar Companies in Alameda, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Alameda based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Alameda, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Alameda homeowner saves $2,800/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Alameda
As a homeowner or business owner in Alameda, you may be planning on switching to solar and wondering about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a good idea since it comes with lots of perks. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but switching to solar will save you money on your energy bills over time. In fact, you can potentially save about $33,000 over 20 years.
If you’re planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Alameda and compare quotes. That’s why we went ahead and put together a list of the best solar companies so you don’t have to.Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a certified solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Alameda
SunPower
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Consultation
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
CivicSolar, Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
SolarUnion
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
Source Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
GRID Alternatives
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Save a Lot Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Solar Technologies
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Semper Solaris
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Solar Bill Review
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Got Watts?
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Complete Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
CITY SOLAR
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
NorthStar Solar Inc
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Alameda
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Alameda 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 Alameda
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California 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 Alameda
We get that for lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar rests on installation costs.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, and your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can generate.
- The type and model of solar panels you’re planning on getting: Some cost more, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can greatly lower, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Alameda, you can save an average of $1,538 a month.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you’re trying to lower your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Alameda homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Alameda
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is receiving federal and potentially state incentives.Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 0 of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives you can benefit from too. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Alameda
Installing solar panels can have a beneficial effect on the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Alameda, though. In a place like Alameda where commute times can be very long, using solar power can help help reduce the carbon footprint of being on the road a lot.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other rewards outside of saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Alameda, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Alameda?
In Alameda, SunPower is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.50 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it’s good for the environment, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but truthfully, 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.
How efficient are solar panels?
Most of the time, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
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.