15 Best Solar Companies in California, MD (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in California based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for California, MD
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average California homeowner saves $1,215/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in California
On the hunt for the best solar companies in California? Installing solar panels is an exciting venture that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $14,000 on your electricity bills.
If you’re planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in California and compare quotes. The great news is we took the time and put together a list of the best solar companies for you.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in California, click 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in California
Paradise Energy Solutions
Clear Pricing Policy- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Grounded Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Carports
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
The Solar Brokers USA
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Advanced Green Home Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Advanced Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Solar Geeks LLC
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Solar-Verse
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
EDGE Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
Greenway home improvements
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Solar Energy Services, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Tiger Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
Suntuity Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunRayzor
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Best Solar Homes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in California
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in California 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 California
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Maryland 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 California
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar installer to go with depends on pricing.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Your energy bills: This will impact how much you can save. In California, the average resident can save about $1,300 a year on their electricity bills.
- The model of solar panels you have the money for: This depends on what your budget is.
- Average daily sunlight: Since California gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- 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 local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from a utility company and make use of solar incentives, all while helping protect the planet.
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Solar Incentives in California
There are many good reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn a decent amount of money back after paying for solar panels. You can learn about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in California
A lot of people want to do what they can to help protect the planet, which often is the chief reason they’re interested in installing solar panels.You may be curious – how much do solar panels do for the environment anyway? A significant thing to think about is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if your commute is very long, your footprint may be larger, so switching to solar energy for your house can help offset that.If you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 60 pounds each year. Since solar power is abundant and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's California, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in California?
In California, Paradise Energy Solutions is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but admittedly, 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.
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 switching to 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.