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10 best solar companies in Berkeley, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Berkeley. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Berkeley, California, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the leading solar panel companies in Berkeley.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can pick a local Berkeley solar company or use a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy enables Berkeley homeowners to save about $1,100 per year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Berkeley
When looking into Berkeley solar companies, look for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Got Watts?
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Save a Lot Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GRID Alternatives
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
High Definition Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
solarXperts
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Source Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Complete Solar
Pac Solar Corporation
Semper Solaris
NorthStar Solar Inc
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Berkeley?
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Berkeley, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the best reasons for considering solar energy:
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by switching to solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you fuel electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
Facts about Berkeley
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkeley?
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
In Berkeley, solar panel installation costs approximately $7,314, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA.
How much can you save by going solar in Berkeley?
Installing solar panels calls for substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Berkeley from going solar
In Berkeley, you can anticipate saving money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Berkeley's average payback period for solar is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Berkeley: Berkeley homeowners can anticipate saving around $1,053 annually on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of around $20,577 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Berkeley from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Berkeley?
A variety of solar incentives are available to Berkeley homeowners. Some programs are available to all California residents, though others differ by utility company, municipality and city.
Available solar incentives for California homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | 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. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | 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. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | 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 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Berkeley solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and may require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could impact your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage could raise the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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