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Best Solar Companies in Fresno, CA

Soleeva, Sunrun and ShopSolar are our top picks

    • Top overall
      Soleeva
      4.5(57)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.3(3,574)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(218)

    Best Solar Companies in Fresno, CA

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
    Author picture
    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our top 3 solar company picks for Fresno

    1. Best overall: Soleeva
    2. Solar leases: Sunrun
    3. DIY projects: ShopSolar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 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 we make solar company recommendations.

    The best solar companies in Fresno

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

    Our top pick overall

    Soleeva

    Soleeva
    4.5
    57 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    30 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2010
    Read Reviews

    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 Central Valley.

    • “Soleeva gave me a good deal for the price that they charged me compared to other places. I paid it all in cash. It's producing good and saving up some money here and there. Hopefully, in another eight years, it will pay for itself. When the installers went up the roof, they had the decency to tell me that three tiles were broken. After all the rain, I looked at the panels and they had a big layer of dirt on them. So I bought some stuff from Lowe’s, went up there, cleaned them up, and then it's good as new now. But in they claimed that they don't need to be cleaned up. They have some kind of chemical sprayed on them but that is not true. Since I bought it, I've cleaned it up twice. Other than that, everything else is fine. The guy that I spoke to was very helpful. I'll be recommending Soleeva to friends and co-workers.” — Alireza in Fresno

    Installation is generally smooth, although some customers have reported broken tiles or difficulty with the wireless connection.

    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

    Sunrun
    4.3
    3,574 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    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.

    • “Enrolling with them was great. The rep gave me his estimate and came back with two different plans. I picked the one that saved me the most money. I paid too much for it but it has worked great and with the system, I don’t pay any for electricity.” — Andrew in Fresno
    • “So far, Sunrun has been very good. Installation was very well done. We're happy we decided to go solar. We haven't had any bills for the last three months.” — M. in Fresno

    “I had an $800 electric bill for three months and with Sunrun, my electric bill’s $100 a month,” Cliff in Fresno told us. However, Cliff wasn’t totally happy with his power purchase agreement. Make sure you read the fine print carefully — others have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

    Cliff also would have appreciated more training on the system. “I thought it was the monitoring equipment but there's actually a breaker in there. When our power went out, that caused a bit of a problem because I couldn't get anything to reset because that breaker was thrown,” he told us.

    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
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    ShopSolar offers fast delivery on equipment for DIY projects. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup. We also like that it has free shipping on all solar kits, a price match guarantee and lifetime customer support.

    Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
    • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
    • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.
    Pros
    • Great for RVs and outbuildings
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

    How we chose the best solar companies in Fresno

    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 Fresno, 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 Fresno Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Soleeva logo
    Sunrun logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Fresno 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 $16,488 in Fresno.

      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 Fresno may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Fresno County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Fresno

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,005 to $22,871 in California. Prices in Fresno are comparable, ranging from $8,027 to $22,935.

      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 Fresno household needs a system with a capacity of 7.2 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 solar panel costs by system size in Fresno

      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: These 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: These 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.
      • Free solar panels: The Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program, run by GRID Alternatives, offers no-cost rooftop solar installations for income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities. Find out if you live in an eligible community using this map from the California Environmental Protection Agency.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in Fresno?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Fresno homeowners with solar panels avoid $108,915 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      “We were getting higher bills especially during the summer months when the AC is on, so getting solar energy services seemed like a no-brainer,” David in Fresno told us. He said that it was easy to enroll, and he’s 100% satisfied with the decision to go solar.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5.17 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs in Fresno and elsewhere, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway.

      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. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Fresno

      In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Like with any big purchase, it’s always best to compare a few solar quotes before making a final decision. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: California requires solar contractors to 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.

      Going solar in California

      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. Additionally, 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.

      Fresno solar FAQ

      Are there any other solar incentives in Fresno?

      Residents may take advantage of statewide solar incentives in California, including Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates for homeowners who install battery storage systems with their solar panels, as well as local rebates.

      Additionally, the California Energy Commission (CEC) offers various incentives and rebates, including incentives for solar water heating systems and energy efficiency upgrades, which can be combined with solar installations to maximize overall savings​. Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.

      How does net metering work in Fresno?

      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.

      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.

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process.

      A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Fresno

      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 Fresno, 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 Fresno 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. ShopSolar

      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 Fresno, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Fresno, 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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