Did you know California is one of the best states in the USA for solar electricity production? It produces 30% of the nation’s total solar electricity. Due to California’s sunny climate and supportive solar policies, it’s no surprise that more homeowners and businesses are switching to solar power in California.
However, with so many companies providing solar power services, it’s confusing to decide which one is right for you. Should you prioritize experience, customer reviews, or the types of solar panels they use? The decision depends on many factors such as quality, price, facilities offered, reviews, and so on. Due to all this, finding the best solar companies in California is overwhelming for most people.
To solve this problem, in this guide, we will provide you with a list of the best solar companies in California that provide excellent services and support. By the end, you will find the best solar company for your needs and budget.
1. Solar Negotiators
Established: 2009
Location: Fresno, California
Installations Completed: Over 8,820 and nearly 10,000 maintenance/service clients
Primary Service Area: California’s Central Valley (Fresno, Bakersfield)
Founded in 2009 by Chris Moran, Solar Negotiators is one of the leading, top-rated, and best solar companies in California. They provide services to both residential and commercial clients. They include services like solar panel installation, repair, maintenance, etc.
The company has a 4.8-star rating on Google with 1.4k reviews. It has completed 8,820 solar installations and has served more than 5k clients. Besides regular installations, it has provided maintenance and services to 10k+ clients.
Located in Fresno and Bakersfield, it is one of the largest solar panel companies in California. It is one of the most reportable local brands, making it the first choice of people planning to install solar panels in California.
Solar Negotiators also holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for their excellent customer service and business practices. Their clients praise the company’s excellent communication, professionalism, and quality of work.
Services:
Residential solar installations
System maintenance with annual solar panel cleaning and visual inspections
Battery storage solutions
Roofing services
EV charging station installations
👉Is solar worth it in California
2. Sunrun
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Customer Base: Over 1 million
Key Features: SPAN Panel for energy control, Tesla Powerwall integration
Sunrun, established in 2007, is a leading residential solar company in California. They design, develop, install, and maintain solar energy systems. The company mainly serves residential clients. It operates in multiple states of the USA including California.
Sunrun has one million customers as of August 2024. It has 10,833 full-time employees. The company is known for its various payment options, like monthly payments, little-to-no money down, and other no-debt options.
These make it accessible to a wide range of customers. The company has 17+ years of experience in the solar industry, making it a reliable option. You can compare their option and decide if it fits your needs and expectations.
Services:
Solar panel installation
Battery storage
Energy management solutions
👉Best and worst places in the USA for solar energy
3. Tesla Solar
Founded: 2016 (following Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity)
Parent Company: Tesla, Inc.
Headquarters: Palo Alto, California
Tesla Solar was established in 2016 following Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity. It offers solar panel installations, solar roofs, and other solar energy solutions. The company serves primarily residential solar companies but they also serve commercial clients.
Tesla Solar operates across the United States and has a significant presence in California. It has two offices in cities like Palo Alto and Sacramento. The company has positive feedback from customers highlighting their professional installation teams. You can consider the company for its innovative technology and solutions.
Did you know? In Q3 2024, Tesla’s energy-storage business, which includes the Powerwall, reached nearly $2.4 billion in revenue, marking a 52% increase from the previous year.
Services:
Solar panel installations
Solar roofs
Powerwall energy storage
👉The cheapest way to get home power off the grid
4. Solar Optimum
Established: 2008
Headquarters: Glendale, California
Service Areas: California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida
California Offices: Glendale and San Diego
Established in 2008, Solar Optimum is a leading solar company. It provides services like solar installations, battery storage, roofing, and EV charging stations to both residential and commercial clients.
They operate in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida, with a strong presence in California. The company has offices in Glendale and San Diego, making it a good choice for people living in the neighborhood.
The company has received 5-star ratings on Google with 800+ reviews. It is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating. With over a decade of experience in the solar industry, Solar Optimum is known for its excellent customer service and satisfaction.
Customers have praised the company for their quality installation and responsive customer service. One customer shared, “They offer the best panels in California at a price that can’t be beaten by anyone in the solar industry.
So, if you looking for affordable and the best solar companies in California, it’s a great choice.
Services:
Solar panel installation
Battery storage solutions
Roofing services
EV charging station installations
5. NRG Clean Power
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: California, USA
Client Types: Residential and Commercial
Operational Area: California
Established in 2017, NRG Clean Power is one of the best solar companies in California. It has over 30 years of experience in the industry. NRG serves both commercial and residential solar clients.
It provides services like solar panel installation, roof replacement, battery backup solutions, and electric vehicle charging stations. The company has many positive reviews about the competitive pricing, installations, performance, and customer service.
With a revenue range of $10 million to $50 million, NRG Clean Power demonstrates stability and growth. Their mission is to generate, store, and transform energy to make electricity affordable.
Services:
Solar panel installation
Battery backup solutions
Roof replacement
Electric vehicle (EV) charging station installation
👉How to find if your solar panels are working properly
6. Sunergy Solar
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Southern California
Primary Operations: Southern California region
Key Features: High-quality solar panels and components
Sunergy Solar, established in 2005, is a leading and one of the best solar companies in California. They specialize in designing and installing solar panels for both residential and commercial clients.
The company mainly operates in the southern region of California. It has completed many installations for a variety of customers. Customer reviews talk about the company’s professionalism, quality of work, and post-installation support.
However, some customers have feedback on the scope of improvement in their communication and installation support. The company provides high-quality solar panels and equipment that provide the best performance.
👉What are commercial solar panels
Final Thoughts and Tips About Best Solar Companies in California
Switching to solar energy is a very smart decision for both homeowners and businesses, but finding the right provider in California takes careful research. You must understand their services and products properly before installing them. Also, take solar quotes from them and compare them to choose the best solar company.
Here are some tips for choosing the best and top-rated solar companies in California:
Compare quotes: Request detailed quotes from multiple providers to evaluate pricing, warranties, and included services.
Check reviews: Look for customer feedback to gauge the company’s reliability and after-sales support.
Verify credentials: Ensure the company is licensed, insured, and knowledgeable about California-specific incentives and regulations.
👉Learn how to compare solar panel quotes here!
