15 Best Solar Companies in Oakland, CA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Oakland based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Oakland, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Oakland homeowner saves $2,798/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Oakland

When choosing between the best solar panel companies, Oakland 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. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but adopting solar will save you money on your energy bills over time. In fact, you can expect to save about $33,000 over 20 years.


There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Oakland.To get an idea of what it would cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Oakland

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

SunPower

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Address: 1414 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5102608200
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by The Solar Quote

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.sunpowerbythesolarquote.com/
Address: 2819 W March Ln #154, Stockton, CA 95219
Phone: 8889446765
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Works

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects

Website: http://www.solarworksca.com/
Address: 400c Morris St, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: 7078298282
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

CivicSolar, Inc

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.civicsolar.com/
Address: 304 12th St #3b, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 8004092257
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

SolarUnion

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.solarunion.com/
Address: 1700 Montgomery St Suite 108, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 8888156633
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Source Energy

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://sourcenergy.solar/
Address: 161 N Civic Dr #400, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: 9253196634
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GRID Alternatives

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.gridalternatives.org/
Address: 1171 Ocean Ave UNIT 200, Oakland, CA 94608
Phone: 5107311310
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Save a Lot Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.savealotsolar.com/
Address: 1201 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: 8338765272
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Got Watts?

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.gotwatts.com/
Address: 2045 Commerce Ave, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9254210411
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Solar Technologies

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://solartechnologies.com/
Address: 14 Beta Ct, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 9259613756
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://solarpanelroofnsavealameda.com/
Address: 1101 Marina Village Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 5107512223
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Ally Electric And Solar Inc

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.allyelectricandsolar.com/
Address: 855 Marina Bay Pkwy #280, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 5105597700
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Bay Valley Solar Roofing

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.bayvalleyroofing.com/
Address: 1820 Arnold Industrial Way Ste A, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 9254286614
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CITY SOLAR

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://citysolarca.com/
Address: 140 Richland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 2092731605
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Solar Bill Review

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://solarbillreview.com/
Address: 11501 Dublin Blvd STE 200, Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: 9258332641

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Oakland

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Oakland 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 Oakland


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 Oakland

The cost of installing solar panels has decreased greatly in the past few years, but it’s still a significant investment for most homeowners.Some important things that impact the cost and possible savings include:

  • Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can afford.
  • Incentives: Those who install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years not including incentives.
  • Your city: This affects how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Your current energy bills: Solar panels can significantly decrease, or totally eradicate, your utility bills. In Oakland, you can save an average of $1,538 a month.

Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.

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Solar Incentives in Oakland

Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you much money over several years due to lower energy bills and government incentives.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level programs, which in most cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in your area.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Oakland

An important reason so many consider adopting solar energy is to help reduce their environmental impact.You may be trying to figure out – how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? Switching to solar power is an impactful choice for the environment, because the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.Even though making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably reducing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Oakland, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. For homeowners who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Oakland, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Oakland?

The best local solar company in Oakland is SunPower, with a rating of 4.50 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Solar panels can be harmful 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.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?

Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.