Best Solar Installers in California (2026)
Compare 23 top-rated solar companies in California. Average cost: $2.82/W · 6-year payback.
Get Free California Solar Quotes →All Solar Installers in California
Escondido, CA · Founded 2003 · 15,000+ installs
Baker Electric Home Energy is San Diego County's most award-winning solar installer, operating since 2003 as part of the Baker Electric family of companies that has been serving Southern California si...
San Luis Obispo, CA · Founded 1977 · 4,000+ installs
Solarponics is one of the oldest solar companies in California, operating on the Central Coast since 1977. With nearly five decades of experience, they have literally watched the solar industry evolve...
Palm Desert, CA · Founded 2006 · 5,000+ installs
Renova Energy is the Coachella Valley's leading solar installer, serving the desert communities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and surrounding areas since 2006. In one of the sunniest regions in the Un...
San Francisco, CA · Founded 2006 · 3,500+ installs
Luminalt is San Francisco's original solar installer, serving the city and northern peninsula since 2006. As a woman-owned, Certified B Corporation, they bring a mission-driven approach to solar insta...
Glendale, CA · Founded 2008 · 12,000+ installs
Solar Optimum is one of Southern California's largest and most respected solar installers. Based in Glendale, they have completed over 12,000 installations across the Greater Los Angeles area since 20...
Orange, CA · Founded 2010 · 6,000+ installs
Forme Solar Electric is Orange County's top-rated local solar installer. Since 2010, they have built a sterling reputation for quality installations and honest, no-pressure sales. As a locally owned a...
Bakersfield, CA · Founded 2004 · 5,500+ installs
Bland Solar & Air is Bakersfield's top-rated solar installer, offering both solar energy and HVAC services since 2004. In the southern San Joaquin Valley, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 10...
San Jose, CA · Founded 1985 · 50,000+ installs
SunPower is one of the most recognized names in solar energy worldwide. Headquartered in San Jose, California, they manufacture the highest-efficiency solar panels available to consumers and have been...
El Cajon, CA · Founded 2012 · 8,000+ installs
Semper Solaris is a veteran-owned solar company based in El Cajon, California, founded by a retired Marine. The company's name reflects their military values of commitment, excellence, and integrity. ...
Riverside, CA · Founded 2009 · 9,000+ installs
NRG Clean Power is the Inland Empire's largest solar installer, serving the Riverside and San Bernardino County communities since 2009. Their deep knowledge of the region's hot climate and specific ut...
Sacramento, CA · Founded 2008 · 6,500+ installs
Pacific Solar is the Sacramento region's premier solar installer, serving the state capital and surrounding communities since 2008. As a SMUD-approved installer, they understand the unique aspects of ...
Murrieta, CA · Founded 2001 · 5,000+ installs
HelioPower has been installing solar systems in the Inland Empire and Temecula Valley region since 2001. As one of California's most experienced solar companies, they bring over two decades of experti...
Fremont, CA · Founded 2006 · 4,500+ installs
While Enphase Energy is primarily known as a leading microinverter and battery manufacturer, their certified installer network in the Bay Area delivers top-quality installations exclusively using Enph...
Vacaville, CA · Founded 2005 · 7,000+ installs
Citadel Roofing & Solar is a dual-service company offering both roofing and solar installation throughout Northern California's Bay Area and Wine Country regions. Since 2005, they have completed over ...
Anaheim, CA · Founded 2015 · 4,500+ installs
SunLux Energy serves northern Orange County from their Anaheim headquarters. Since 2015, they have grown rapidly by focusing on customer experience and competitive pricing. Their bilingual team (Engli...
Fresno, CA · Founded 2011 · 5,500+ installs
Cali Solar is the Central Valley's largest solar installer, headquartered in Fresno and serving communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Since 2011, they have leveraged the Valley's intense suns...
Roseville, CA · Founded 2002 · 8,000+ installs
Sunworks (formerly iSun Energy) is a publicly traded solar company headquartered in Roseville, California. Since 2002, they have been one of the region's most experienced installers, with particular s...
Rancho Cordova, CA · Founded 2008 · 8,500+ installs
Horizon Solar Power serves the Sacramento metro area from their Rancho Cordova headquarters. Since 2008, they have installed over 8,500 residential solar systems, making them one of the region's most ...
San Francisco, CA · Founded 2007 · 100,000+ installs
Sunrun is the nation's largest residential solar company, headquartered in San Francisco. In California, they have installed over 100,000 residential solar systems, making them by far the most experie...
Los Angeles, CA · Founded 2010 · 15,000+ installs
Palmetto Solar is a technology-forward solar company that has grown rapidly in California since 2010. Their app-based approach to solar allows homeowners to get instant estimates, track project progre...
Irvine, CA · Founded 2009 · 10,000+ installs
Momentum Solar is one of the nation's largest residential solar providers with a significant presence in Southern California. Their Orange County operation, based in Irvine, serves communities through...
Palo Alto, CA · Founded 2016 · 80,000+ installs
Tesla Energy brings the company's innovative technology approach to solar energy in California. With over 80,000 installations in the state, they are one of the largest solar providers. Tesla's integr...
Los Angeles, CA · Founded 2011 · 25,000+ installs
Vivint Solar, now part of Sunrun, continues to operate as a distinct brand in California. With over 25,000 installations across the Los Angeles metro area, they bring massive scale and experience. The...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best solar installer in California?▼
Get at least 3 quotes from different California solar installers. Verify licensing and insurance, check reviews on Google and BBB, ask about NABCEP certification, and compare warranty offerings. Look for installers with at least 5 years of experience and knowledge of California's specific permits and incentives.
How much does solar cost in California?▼
The average cost of solar in California is $2.82 per watt before incentives. For a typical 8kW system, that's approximately $22,560 before the 30% federal tax credit. Get multiple quotes to ensure you're getting a fair price.
What solar incentives are available in California?▼
All California homeowners can claim the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additional incentives include: SGIP battery rebate. Solar installations are exempt from property tax increases.
How long does solar installation take in California?▼
The physical installation typically takes 1-3 days. However, the full process from contract signing to system activation usually takes 4-12 weeks, with most of that time spent on permitting and utility approval. Timelines vary by installer and local jurisdiction in California.
Should I get a solar lease or buy in California?▼
Buying (with cash or a solar loan) typically provides the best long-term value since you own the system and receive all incentives. However, leases and PPAs require no upfront cost and still save on electricity. In California, with a 6-year average payback period, buying usually makes financial sense if you can afford the upfront investment.