The 5 best solar installers in California
A geographically diverse top 5 spanning Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and the Central Coast — so homeowners across California have a local-to-them option in the top picks. California's market shifted significantly after NEM 3.0 (April 2023) and the August 2024 SunPower Corp bankruptcy — the installers below have all adapted to the post-NEM-3.0 solar-plus-battery economics and are independent of the defunct SunPower entity.
NRG Clean Power Local
Why listed: California-only installer with 30+ years in business and a 4.9-star public review average. Full-service installs using Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, and REC. Strong NEM 3.0 design experience — sizes for self-consumption rather than legacy retail-credit export math. Active across NorCal and SoCal.
Solar Optimum Local
Why listed: Operating since 2008 — long-tenured Glendale-based residential and commercial installer. Panasonic Premium Installer + Tesla Powerwall Premier Certified. 25-year workmanship warranty, BBB A+ rating, NABCEP-certified design staff. Among the few CA installers carrying both Panasonic and Tesla manufacturer-level certifications post-SunPower exit.
Stellar Solar Local
Why listed: Founded 1998 — among San Diego's longest-running residential solar installers. 10,000+ installs, 4.9-star average across SolarReviews/Google/Yelp, BBB A+. CSLB-licensed (#779462). Maxeon Authorized Dealer and Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer — strongest in-state SunPower-equipment alternative for San Diego homeowners.
Cinnamon Energy Systems Local
Why listed: Founded by Barry Cinnamon (industry veteran, former Akeena Solar CEO and a recognized voice on California solar policy). Specializes in solar + battery + EV-charger packages tuned for PG&E NEM 3.0 economics. NABCEP-certified, BBB A+. The strongest Bay Area option for homeowners who want a credentialed boutique installer rather than a national sales operation.
Sandbar Solar & Electric Local
Why listed: California Certified B Corp (employee-owned) operating since 2004. Licensed C-10 electrical contractor plus C-46 solar contractor — handles main-panel upgrades, EV charger installs, and battery backup in-house. NABCEP-certified, Enphase Platinum installer, Tesla Powerwall Certified. Pairs cleanly with PG&E NEM 3.0 design.
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
California solar economics in 2026
| Metric | California average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.30–$0.45 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $24,000–$32,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $3.00–4.00 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,500–1,700 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net billing (NEM 3.0) — exports paid at avoided-cost rates |
| Average cash payback | 9–11 years (with battery) |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
California solar incentives and rebates (2026)
California stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
California state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: Active solar exclusion under CA Rev & Tax Code §73 — system value excluded from property assessment for new construction (verify 2026 extension status).
- Sales tax: No statewide sales-tax exemption for solar equipment.
Net metering & utility programs in California
NEM 3.0 / Net Billing Tariff (NBT): for systems interconnected after April 14, 2023 — exports valued at avoided cost (~25–30% of retail). Pre-NEM-3.0 systems retain NEM 2.0 grandfathering for 20 years from PTO. See also net metering explained.
- PG&E: NEM 3.0 / NBT customer; SGIP for batteries. www.pge.com
- Southern California Edison (SCE): NEM 3.0 / NBT; SGIP. www.sce.com
- San Diego Gas & Electric: NEM 3.0 / NBT; SGIP. www.sdge.com
- LADWP: Retail-rate NEM in LADWP territory; rules differ from IOU NBT. www.ladwp.com
- SMUD (Sacramento): SolarShares + battery rebate; verify 2026 program year. www.smud.org
California battery storage incentives
SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program): Standard residential ~$200/kWh; Equity Resilience tier (low-income / wildfire-zone / medical baseline) up to $1,000+/kWh.
California EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many California utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- California Energy Commission: www.energy.ca.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=CA — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in California
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from California installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any California installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong California-based alternatives spanning the major metros. California is huge — Northern, Southern, and Central California each have local specialists. Each utility (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, LADWP, SMUD) runs a separate interconnection process, so picking an installer with hands-on experience in your utility's territory matters.
Other California-based installers
LA Solar Group Local
Why listed: Founded 2011, one of SoCal's higher-volume residential installers. Competitive pricing, efficient install timelines, full-service solar + battery + EV charging. Spanish-language sales support. Good fit for homeowners optimizing on price within the LA / IE / OC corridor.
Ameco Solar Local
Why listed: Founded 1974 — one of California's longest-running residential solar installers. BBB A+, family-owned across multiple generations. Solid customer-service track record across LA / OC.
Sunlight Electric Local
Why listed: Operating since 2001 — Marin-based engineering-led residential and commercial installer. NABCEP-certified, no door-to-door sales, no in-house financing markup. Strong fit for North Bay homeowners who want a credentialed boutique alternative to a national operation.
Solar Technologies Local
Why listed: Operating since 1998, 25,000+ installs across NorCal. Tesla Powerwall Certified, NABCEP-certified, BBB A+. Covers both PG&E NEM 3.0 territory and SMUD's separate Sacramento program.
SunSolar US Local
Why listed: Sacramento-based residential installer with hands-on SMUD interconnection experience (SMUD operates outside the PG&E NEM 3.0 framework with its own program rules). Useful Sacramento-region option for homeowners on the SMUD grid rather than PG&E.
Regional installers serving California
Worth a quote if you're near a state border or want a regional comparison point. Expect them to focus on specific California sub-regions rather than statewide coverage.
Baker Electric Home Energy Regional
Why listed: Part of Baker Electric (founded 1938) — among the largest electrical contractors in Southern California. 25,000+ residential solar installs since 2007. Licensed C-10 electrical contractor handling solar, battery, panel upgrades, and EV chargers in-house. BBB A+.
Semper Solaris Regional
Why listed: Veteran-owned multi-office California installer. Solar + battery + roofing + HVAC under one roof — useful if you're combining solar with a roof replacement. Higher-volume sales operation than the boutique picks above, so confirm crew assignments and warranty terms in writing.
Tip: Under NEM 3.0 / Net Billing, exports earn far less than retail (typically 25–30% of retail rate). The right system in 2026 California is almost always solar + battery, sized for high self-consumption. Make sure every CA bid you receive models payback under NEM 3.0 export pricing, not the legacy NEM 2.0 retail-credit assumption. CA also has the SGIP battery rebate ($1,000+/kWh for low-income / wildfire-zone / medical baseline customers) that should appear in your incentive line if you qualify.
Frequently asked questions about California solar
Does solar make sense in California?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. California's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical California solar install cost in 2026?
$24,000–$32,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable California solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in California; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.