15 Best Solar Companies in Portola Valley, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Portola Valley based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Portola Valley, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Portola Valley homeowner saves $2,557/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Portola Valley
When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Portola Valley homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we’re here to make switching to solar energy that much easier. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your finances will benefit too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $30,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
There are so many installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Portola Valley.For an idea of how much you might pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Portola Valley by clicking the "get quote" 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 Portola Valley
SunPower
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Cobalt Power Systems Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Infinium Solar, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- System Decommissioning
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
TN Electrical and Solar Services
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Highlight Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Soleeva
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Semper Solaris
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Shade Power
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
Owens Electric & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Clean Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Rise & Shine Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
Sunternal
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
Solar Bill Review
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Simply Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Portola Valley
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley
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 Portola Valley
While solar panels can save you a good amount of money on utility bills over time, it’s necessary to consider the upfront costs.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- Your income and budget: This guides what type of solar panels you can afford.
- Incentives: Something that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your power bills, which can generate an average of $30,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your location: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- How much energy costs for you: The average household in Portola Valley spends around $1,500 a year on electricity alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
Due to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as various solar incentives, they are a sound investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Portola Valley
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.These incentives typically include cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower how much you end up spending on going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Portola Valley.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Portola Valley
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving some money on utility bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.A question many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? If your household consumes lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power.In Portola Valley, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. As you can see, using solar power has so many other benefits outside of saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the environment 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 Portola Valley, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Portola Valley?
The highest-rated local solar company in Portola Valley is SunPower, with a rating of 4.50 stars.
What are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it can provide 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.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels call for a significant upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.
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.