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 Oakland, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Oakland. 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 Oakland, California, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve compiled a list of the leading solar panel companies in Oakland.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can choose a local Oakland solar company or choose a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a major upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy allows Oakland homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Oakland
Search for Oakland solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Save a Lot Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GRID Alternatives
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Got Watts?
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Complete Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
High Definition Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
solarXperts
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.
Source Energy
Solar Bill Review
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
NorthStar Solar Inc
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Oakland?
Oakland and the nearby regions receive abundant sunshine, which makes it possible for homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. The biggest reasons to adopt solar power are these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Using your own power is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar allows you to lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Oakland
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 Oakland?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
As per numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, solar panel installation in Oakland has an average cost of $7,314.
How much can you save by going solar in Oakland?
While solar panel installation might be a big initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Oakland from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Oakland homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Oakland's standard solar payback period is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Oakland: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Oakland homeowners save around $1,053 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $20,577 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Oakland from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 48 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Oakland?
A variety of solar incentives are available to Oakland homeowners. Certain programs are open to all California residents, while others vary by municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives available to California residents, according to DSIRE.
| 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 Oakland solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The addition of battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27