Best Solar Companies in California: Top Installers for 2025
Comprehensive guide to the best solar companies in California, including vetted installers, customer reviews, and comparison tools to help you choose the right company.
California's solar market is one of the most competitive and mature in the country, with hundreds of installers serving homeowners across the state. Choosing the right solar company is crucial for a successful installation and long-term satisfaction. This comprehensive guide helps you identify the best solar companies in California for 2025.
California solar market overview
Market size: Over 1.4 million solar installations Active installers: 500+ licensed companies Average system cost: $2.50-$3.50 per watt Typical installation time: 1-3 months Market maturity: Highly developed with extensive experience
Top national solar companies in California
SunPower
Market position: Premium solar provider California presence: Statewide coverage Specialization: High-efficiency panels and complete energy solutions
Strengths:
- Industry-leading panel efficiency (22.8%)
- 25-year comprehensive warranty
- Strong financing options
- Extensive California experience
- Premium customer service
Best for: Homeowners wanting maximum efficiency and comprehensive warranties Typical cost: $3.00-$3.50 per watt Customer rating: 4.6/5 (based on 2,000+ California reviews)
Sunrun
Market position: Largest residential solar company California presence: Statewide coverage Specialization: Solar leases and power purchase agreements
Strengths:
- No upfront cost options
- Extensive financing choices
- Large installation volume
- Established track record
- Comprehensive monitoring
Best for: Homeowners wanting no upfront costs and flexible financing Typical cost: $2.75-$3.25 per watt Customer rating: 4.4/5 (based on 3,500+ California reviews)
Tesla Solar
Market position: Technology-focused solar provider California presence: Major metropolitan areas Specialization: Solar + storage integration
Strengths:
- Seamless battery integration
- Competitive pricing
- Strong technology platform
- Brand recognition
- Integrated energy solutions
Best for: Homeowners wanting solar + battery storage solutions Typical cost: $2.50-$3.00 per watt Customer rating: 4.3/5 (based on 1,800+ California reviews)
Top local California solar companies
Northern California
Solar Optimum (Sacramento)
- Service area: Sacramento Valley, Bay Area
- Specialization: Residential and commercial installations
- Experience: 15+ years in California
- Customer rating: 4.8/5
- Typical cost: $2.60-$3.10 per watt
Baker Electric (San Diego)
- Service area: San Diego County, Orange County
- Specialization: High-end residential installations
- Experience: 80+ years in California
- Customer rating: 4.7/5
- Typical cost: $2.80-$3.20 per watt
SolarCraft (Marin County)
- Service area: Bay Area, North Bay
- Specialization: Custom residential systems
- Experience: 35+ years in California
- Customer rating: 4.9/5
- Typical cost: $2.90-$3.30 per watt
Central California
SolarMax (Fresno)
- Service area: Central Valley
- Specialization: Agricultural and residential
- Experience: 20+ years in California
- Customer rating: 4.6/5
- Typical cost: $2.50-$2.90 per watt
Valley Solar (Bakersfield)
- Service area: Kern County, Central Valley
- Specialization: Residential installations
- Experience: 12+ years in California
- Customer rating: 4.5/5
- Typical cost: $2.45-$2.85 per watt
Southern California
Semper Solaris (Los Angeles)
- Service area: Greater Los Angeles
- Specialization: Residential and commercial
- Experience: 10+ years in California
- Customer rating: 4.4/5
- Typical cost: $2.70-$3.10 per watt
SunPower by Stellar Solar (San Diego)
- Service area: San Diego County
- Specialization: Premium residential systems
- Experience: 25+ years in California
- Customer rating: 4.8/5
- Typical cost: $3.00-$3.40 per watt
How to evaluate California solar companies
Essential credentials
Licensing requirements:
- C-10 electrical license: Required for solar installations
- General contractor license: May be required for complex projects
- Solar contractor certification: NABCEP certification preferred
- Insurance coverage: General liability and workers' compensation
Experience factors:
- Years in business: Minimum 5 years recommended
- California experience: Specific knowledge of local regulations
- Installation volume: 100+ installations per year
- Project portfolio: Similar projects to yours
Customer satisfaction indicators
Review platforms to check:
- Google Reviews (minimum 4.0 rating)
- Better Business Bureau (A+ rating preferred)
- SolarReviews.com (California-specific ratings)
- Yelp (local customer feedback)
- Angie's List (verified customer reviews)
Red flags to avoid:
- Multiple complaints about poor workmanship
- Unresolved warranty issues
- Communication problems
- Delayed installations
- Hidden fees or charges
Warranty and service
Panel warranties:
- Performance warranty: 25+ years
- Product warranty: 10+ years
- Workmanship warranty: 5+ years
- Inverter warranty: 10+ years
Service commitments:
- Response time: 24-48 hours for issues
- Maintenance programs: Annual inspection services
- Emergency support: 24/7 monitoring support
- Upgrade options: Future system expansion
Getting quotes from California solar companies
Request for proposal (RFP) checklist
Company information:
- Company name and contact information
- Years in business and California experience
- Licenses and certifications
- Insurance coverage details
- References from recent customers
System specifications:
- Panel brand, model, and efficiency
- Inverter type and specifications
- Mounting system details
- Monitoring system features
- Expected energy production
Installation details:
- Project timeline and milestones
- Crew qualifications and experience
- Permitting and inspection process
- Cleanup and site restoration
- Post-installation support
Financial information:
- Total system cost breakdown
- Available financing options
- Payment schedule and terms
- Warranty coverage details
- Maintenance costs and services
Comparing quotes effectively
Cost comparison:
- Price per watt: Standardized comparison metric
- Total system cost: All-inclusive pricing
- Financing terms: Interest rates and payment schedules
- Warranty value: Extended warranty costs
- Maintenance costs: Ongoing service expenses
Quality comparison:
- Equipment quality: Panel and inverter specifications
- Installation quality: Crew experience and training
- Service quality: Customer support and response times
- Warranty coverage: Comprehensive protection
- Company stability: Financial health and longevity
California-specific considerations
Local regulations and codes
Building codes:
- California Building Code: Solar-specific requirements
- Electrical Code: NEC compliance requirements
- Fire safety: Roof access and ventilation requirements
- Seismic considerations: Earthquake-resistant mounting
Permitting requirements:
- Building permits: Local jurisdiction requirements
- Electrical permits: State electrical board approval
- Utility interconnection: Grid connection approval
- HOA approval: Community association requirements
Utility requirements
Interconnection standards:
- PG&E: Specific technical requirements
- SCE: Interconnection application process
- SDG&E: Grid connection standards
- Municipal utilities: Local requirements
Net metering programs:
- NEM 3.0: Current program requirements
- Time-of-use rates: Rate plan optimization
- Demand response: Utility program participation
- Battery storage: Grid services integration
Making your final decision
Decision matrix factors
Weighted criteria:
- Cost (30%): Total system cost and financing terms
- Quality (25%): Equipment and installation quality
- Service (20%): Customer support and warranty coverage
- Experience (15%): California market experience
- Reputation (10%): Customer reviews and references
Scoring system:
- Excellent (5 points): Exceeds expectations
- Good (4 points): Meets expectations
- Average (3 points): Acceptable performance
- Below average (2 points): Some concerns
- Poor (1 point): Significant issues
Final verification steps
- Check references: Contact recent customers
- Verify licenses: Confirm with state licensing board
- Review contracts: Understand all terms and conditions
- Confirm timeline: Realistic project schedule
- Document everything: Keep all communications and agreements
Next steps for choosing your California solar company
Ready to get started? Here's your action plan:
- Research companies: Review top national and local options
- Get multiple quotes: Request proposals from 3-5 companies
- Compare options: Use decision matrix for objective comparison
- Check references: Verify customer satisfaction
- Make your choice: Select the best company for your needs
Related resources:
- California solar costs - Detailed pricing analysis
- California solar incentives - Complete incentive guide
- Solar calculator - Estimate your potential savings
- Solar panel sizing guide - Determine your ideal system size
Return to: California solar overview