Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

Advertiser Disclosure

Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.

The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.

10 Best Solar Companies in Alameda, CA

Join more than 640 people who have gotten a free quote in the past week.

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated June 2024

A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a qualified solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most dependable solar Installers in Alameda. These top providers offer high-quality and dependable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Advertisement This site receives compensation from some of the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. When you click "Get Quote," you will be connected with partners who may contact you with information related to your inquiry. This listing doesn't feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Top Pick
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance
Best Customer Service
3.9/5
  • Great customer service
  • Good warranty options
  • Excellent industry reputation

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Alameda

Advertisement This site receives compensation from some of the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. When you click "Get Quote," you will be connected with partners who may contact you with information related to your inquiry. This listing doesn't feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.

SunPower

SunPower Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1414 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 260-8200 us.sunpower.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Panel installation

SunPower by The Solar Quote

SunPower by The Solar Quote Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
2819 W March Ln #154, Stockton, CA 95219 (888) 944-6765 sunpowerbythesolarquote.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Grid-tied solar system
Consultation

SolarUnion

SolarUnion Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1700 Montgomery St Suite 108, San Francisco, CA 94111 (888) 815-6633 solarunion.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Solar panel upgrades
Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Cleaning and maintenance

Save a Lot Solar

Save a Lot Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1201 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94706 (833) 876-5272 savealotsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage
Permit assistance
Off-grid solar systems

CivicSolar, Inc

CivicSolar, Inc Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
304 12th St #3b, Oakland, CA 94607 (800) 409-2257 civicsolar.com

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage

GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1171 Ocean Ave UNIT 200, Oakland, CA 94608 (510) 731-1310 gridalternatives.org

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage

Ally Electric And Solar Inc

Ally Electric And Solar Inc Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
855 Marina Bay Pkwy #280, Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 559-7700 allyelectricandsolar.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Solar panel upgrades
Cleaning and maintenance
Battery storage
Tesla powerwall

CITY SOLAR

CITY SOLAR Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
140 Richland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 (209) 273-1605 citysolarca.com

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

All Bay Solar Construction

All Bay Solar Construction Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
5809 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 624-3535 allbaysolar.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Tesla powerwall
Panel installation

SolarLine SolarPanals

SolarLine SolarPanals Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1266 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 406-8791 topofthelinesolarpanel.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when researching local solar installers are as follows.

Check Licensing

Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. There are five distinct classifications of solar contracting licenses in California: boilers, PV electrical, HVAC, thermal, and pool heating. To earn licensure, an installer must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar company that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar panels can help reduce your electricity costs in the long run. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for upfront or financed through a loan or lease. Confirm important financing details such as fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for total solar system costs until 2032. Many states also offer incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar panels. Check the eligibility rules and rebate values with your local power company to find out what your savings could be.

Cost of Solar Installation in Alameda

In Alameda, solar panels cost an average of $3,470 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 3.0 kilowatts. The typical Alameda homeowner spends $7,314 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's capacity, panel type, size, and required preliminary work. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Alameda Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: boe.ca.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment

Incentive Type: PACE Financing

Website: wrcog.us

Incentive Amount:

Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.

Incentive Type: PACE Financing

Incentive Amount:

Locally determined

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: selfgenca.com

Incentive Amount:

For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.

Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff

Website: cpuc.ca.gov

Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff

Website: ladwp.com

Incentive Amount:

$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov

Incentive Amount:

Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Alameda, CA

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. With the winter months in California being very mild, you have significant leeway to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Alameda, the average amount someone can save is $1,054 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.

You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. In perennially-sunny Alameda, you could make enough from your solar panels to recoup your investment in 6.9 years per 5 kW of rated capacity at maximum.

While solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

Solar panels can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have inexpensive upkeep and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.

Other Alameda, CA Home Services