15 Best Solar Companies in Albany, CA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Albany based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Albany, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Albany homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Albany

If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Albany, digging through hundreds of options can be intimidating, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many fantastic benefits. With very high levels of average daily sunlight in Albany, the solar industry is booming. An underrated driver of this has been national programs that help with residential and commercial solar projects.


Here, we’ll list out some of the top solar companies in Albany to make your choice a bit easier.We recommend shopping around to get several quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-obligation quotes from the best solar panel companies in Albany, click the link below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Albany

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

SunPower Corporation

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Address: 1414 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102608200
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by The Solar Quote

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.sunpowerbythesolarquote.com/
Address: 2819 W March Ln #154, Stockton, CA 95219
Phone: 8889446765
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

CivicSolar, Inc

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.civicsolar.com/
Address: 304 12th St #3b, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 8004092257
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarUnion

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.solarunion.com/
Address: 1700 Montgomery St Suite 108, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 8888156633
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Source Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://sourcenergy.solar/
Address: 161 N Civic Dr #400, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: 9253196634
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GRID Alternatives

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.gridalternatives.org/
Address: 1171 Ocean Ave UNIT 200, Oakland, CA 94608
Phone: 5107311310
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Got Watts?

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.gotwatts.com/
Address: 2045 Commerce Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9254210411
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Save a Lot Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://www.savealotsolar.com/
Address: 1201 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: 8338765272
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Pac Solar Corporation

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://pacsolar.com/
Address: 118 Mitchell Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 4152998989
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Bay Valley Solar Roofing

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Emergency Services
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.bayvalleyroofing.com/
Address: 1820 Arnold Industrial Way Ste A, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9254286614
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

solarXperts

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.solarxperts.net/
Address: 2150 John Glenn Dr Suite 250, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 8336997378
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Green Air and Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Emergency Services
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://www.gogreenair.net/
Address: 3953 Industrial Way, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9252847336
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.certifiedheatingandairconditioning.com/
Address: 5040 Commercial Cir unit c, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9254123300
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

High Definition Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.highdefinitionsolar.com/
Address: 1190 Burnett Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 8882031855
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://solarpanelroofnsavealameda.com/
Address: 1101 Marina Village Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 5107512223

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Albany

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Albany 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 Albany


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 Albany

When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs the most.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • The kind of solar panels you can afford: This depends on how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
  • average energy usage: The more power your home uses on average and the greater your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by going solar.
  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Albany, you can save an average of $1,538 a month.

There are several good benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. In addition, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Albany

There are many reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them involves some government incentives that can save you money.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. For more information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Albany

Many want to do their part to help the planet, which in many cases is the chief motivation to install a solar system.Something many homeowners might have in mind is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend lots of time commuting to work and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Albany, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. For those who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Albany, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar installer in Albany?

The best local solar company in Albany is SunPower Corporation, with a rating of 4.50 stars.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of going solar?

The advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, in some cases, 100% erase your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and lower your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 6.9 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

When is the best time of year to install solar panels?

You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.

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.