Best Solar Companies in Berkeley, CA

A typical solar panel installation in California costs $12,224 to $24,449. Prices in Berkeley are comparable, ranging $12,294 to $24,587 on average.

Your solar costs will depend on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. The estimated costs below do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Berkeley

Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.

1. Know what you want

If you’re going solar to save on energy costs, you have to make sure your system can generate enough power.

A typical California household needs a 7.2 kW system to offset energy costs enough to make going solar worth it. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How do I know what size system I need?

On your electric bill, it should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW). For example, if you used 12,000 kWh last year, you need a 10-kW system.

Recent changes to California’s net metering make proper system sizing critical: use your past 12 months of energy data to avoid installing more solar capacity than you can benefit from, since oversizing won’t provide extra value under Berkeley’s net-metering rules.

What to know about solar batteries

Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. A solar battery stores the extra energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during a power outage.

Without a battery, that unused energy goes to the grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.

Adding a battery can provide backup power and reduce electricity costs, but it comes with a higher upfront price. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances before going solar. A more eco-friendly water heater, refrigerator or clothes dryer reduces how much electricity your household needs. That means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.

2. Read reviews

Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and other forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

• Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
• Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
• Billing and contract issues

3. Check credentials

California requires solar contractors to hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. Make sure your installer also has:

• Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
• NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

4. Compare quotes

Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in California. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In California, the average cost per watt is $2.44.

Make sure the quoted price includes installation, permits and grid hookup, and watch for hidden fees like monitoring or service charges.

5. Read the fine print

The contract should be easy to understand. Focus on warranties for panels, inverters and installation workmanship, as well as any performance guarantees.

If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. The good news is you don’t have to pay it all upfront. In fact, people rarely do.

Financing options and leasing programs make solar more affordable for Berkeley homeowners. In an ideal scenario, your solar savings offset your monthly loan payment.

• Solar financing: A solar loan works like any other home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
• Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains the panels on your property, and you pay a monthly fee to use them.