Best Solar Companies in Concord, CA

We compared 11 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Soleeva
      4.0(53)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.1(3,085)
    • Long warranty
      Ameco Solar
      5.0(47)
    +2 more
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Concord, CA

    Our top solar company picks for Concord

    1. Best overall: Soleeva
    2. Affordable solar leases: Sunrun
    3. Great warranty: Ameco Solar

    To pick the best solar companies in Concord, we compared popular California solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
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    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    The best solar companies in Concord

    Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Concordians’ energy needs.

    Our top pick overall
    Soleeva
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    30 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2010

    Soleeva stands out for having great reviews. We also like that its solar panels come with a special coating that makes them last longer against wear and tear, which is particularly helpful in the East Bay.

    • “I like the way they explained everything and how they are different from others. The self-cleaning panels are the biggest thing. The reps were very good. They answered questions very quickly. The crew was very attentive. They wanted to make sure 100% that there was no damage to the roof. They were detail-oriented. With Soleeva, my bill is down. I'm adding more panels.” — Sandeep in Concord

    “There were a few delays here and there, but I could understand due to supply chain issues. But overall, it looks okay,” one customer in Concord said. “The customer service was kind enough to provide me with all the information whenever I asked them to provide the information.”

    Soleeva was founded by a mechanical engineer and a manufacturing finance expert in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company specializes in residential, commercial and farming solar panel projects.

    • Services: Reps coordinate solar design, engineering and construction. The company also offers ongoing maintenance services.
    • Warranty information: Projects come with a 30-year solar panel warranty and a 25-year production warranty.
    • Payment options: Soleeva offers credit-based and non-credit-based financing options.

    Pros

    • 30-year panel warranty
    • Proprietary technology
    • Zero-down financing
    • Lots of local experience

    Cons

    • Some installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    Our pick for solar leases
    Sunrun
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007

    Sunrun's leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits.

    • “I bought a house and there was an existing contract with Sunrun that I was obligated to continue. I haven’t had any issues with them and I seemed to be saving money from what I had previously been paying when I was at a house with a standard electric. The prices seem reasonable, and the quality of the product and service has been fine. I would not hesitate to recommend Sunrun to somebody else.” — Jeffrey in Concord
    • “The process with Sunrun seemed to go fine once they did a site visit and set the system up. When they came to do it, they were here all day. We went active in April and we’re happy with it. We haven't paid PG&E since we went live. We've just had to pay the lease payment. So far, it's worked well.” — Linda in Concord

    “The only thing I wasn’t very happy about,” Linda told us, “was when we had an incident where the power went off. It wasn't out for very long but we paid extra to have the battery backup and it did not kick in. I expected it to come on right away.”

    Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

    • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
    • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
    • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

    Pros

    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring

    Cons

    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional billing issues
    Our pick for competitive pricing
    Ameco Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    40 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    1974

    Ameco Solar has a good reputation for helpful reps, fair pricing and efficient installations. It also has one of the longest warranties we’ve ever seen a solar company offer.

    • “Ameco Solar exceeded my expectations with its exceptional customer service, top-notch products, and commitment to sustainability. From inquiry to installation, their team was knowledgeable, responsive, and dedicated to finding the best solution for my needs. Choosing Ameco Solar was a decision I'm grateful for, as it has not only reduced my carbon footprint but also significantly decreased my energy bills.” — Kai in San Pablo

    You might need to replace your roof before installing solar panels, especially if you live in an older home. Solar panels last 25 to 30 years, so you need your roof to last at least as long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, replace the roof and reinstall the panels — an expensive and frustrating process.

    Headquartered in Valley Village, Ameco is available to residential and commercial customers throughout California.

    • Services: Solar panels, composite shingle roofing, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and roofing repairs or replacements are available. Post-installation, Ameco provides solar panel production tracking via app or website.
    • Warranty information: Installations come with a 40-year warranty on the solar equipment.
    • Payment options: Ameco generally charges between $25,000 and $30,000 for residential solar installations (before any incentives are applied). Reps can help you find financing through solar loans if needed.

    Pros

    • Great warranty
    • Good customer service
    • Roofing services available
    • NABCEP certified
    • Lots of local experience

    Cons

    • Possible installation delays
    • No in-house financing

    How we chose the best solar companies in Concord

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the Mediterranean-type climate, to choose the best solar companies in Concord, California, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

    • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
    • Warranty terms: 20%
    • Equipment selection: 20%
    • Financing and payment options: 20%

    » MORE: Full methodology

    Solar Companies in Concord Buyers guide

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      Concord solar panel buyers guide

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Concord residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $16,660 in Concord.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Concord may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Contra Costa County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Concord

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Concord are comparable, ranging from $8,155 to $23,300.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing. It’s worth considering if California’s net metering rates continue to decline or if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Concord household needs a system with a capacity of 7.15 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Concord

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Concord?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Concord homeowners with solar panels avoid $66,727 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      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. For Dawn in Concord, it cost more than $13,000.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Concord

      In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: California requires solar contractors hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Going solar in Contra Costa County

      Contra Costa County falls under the service territory of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), which has high electricity rates. Installing solar panels can help offset these high costs, but you need to review your current energy usage and time-of-use rate plan to calculate your potential savings.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

      Concord solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a significant incentive for most homeowners going solar. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Are there any other solar incentives in Concord?

      In addition to the federal tax credit, residents can take advantage of local and solar incentives in California, including:

      • OPUC’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) offers rebates for homeowners who install battery storage systems with their solar panels.
      • PGE’s California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program provides discounted energy rates for low-income households, potentially lowering the cost of electricity for those with solar installations.
      • The California Energy Commission (CEC) has various incentives to get energy efficiency upgrades, which help maximize solar savings. Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.

      » GREENEST STATES: California ranked 17th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Concord?

      In California, net metering lets homeowners with solar panels send excess energy into the grid in exchange for credits on their utility bills. These credits help offset future energy costs, reducing overall electricity expenses and making solar energy more affordable.

      Statewide, these credits became much less valuable under NEM 3.0. PG&E's NEM program credits excess generation at the “avoided cost” rate, which is generally lower than the retail rate and fluctuates depending on the time of day and year. It's not exactly a wholesale rate, but it is lower than what you pay PG&E for electricity.

      Will solar panels increase my property taxes?

      No. Under California law, solar installations are exempt from property tax reassessments, meaning the value added to your home by solar panels won’t increase your property taxes.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      California’s Solar Rights Act prevents homeowners associations (HOAs) from restricting residential solar panel installations. HOAs can, however, impose minor restrictions as long as they don’t reduce the system’s efficiency.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Concord

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Concord, California. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Concord customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Soleeva
      2. Sunrun
      3. Ameco Solar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. California Solar & Storage Association, “Thinking About Going Solar?” Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        2. DSIRE, "California Programs." Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Temecula, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Temecula, 2024?" Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in California.” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        6. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in California, 2024?” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        7. Solar Energy Industries Association, "California Solar." Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        8. Federal Trade Commission Consumer, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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