Best Solar Companies in Oakland, California

We compared 13 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Soleeva
      4.1(53)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,996)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Oakland, California

      Our top solar company picks for Oakland

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

      To pick the best solar companies in Oakland, 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.
      • 4,547,329 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare the top 3 solar companies in Oakland

      The best solar companies in Oakland

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

      Our top pick overall
      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 Bay Area.

      • “Soleeva seems to be more straightforward in answering our questions and addressing the things that we want and what we're interested in. They were easy to communicate with and more trustworthy. The customer service reps sometimes take a bit long to get back to us but if it’s very urgent and I let that be known, they seem to get back in a reasonable time.” — Kerry in Oakland
      • “Soleeva is a little expensive on the side but way better than the other vendors which I evaluated. I had a very good experience talking to their agents. They were very elaborative, honest and clear. They gave me a personal visit before I signed the contract. They did the site survey and evaluated my energy meter. They did the initial pre-check before I finalized with them. That gave me confidence in going with them. So far, good.” — Nagananda in Oakland

      “Installation-wise, our experience with Soleeva was perfect,” Jeffrey in San Mateo, California, told us. “But communication-wise and the follow-up, I would give that a much lower rating.”

      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.

      • “Sunrun took care of me and everything was smooth. The rep who came out explained everything down to the point, answered all my questions, and was there to answer my emails and any questions I had. Also, he was there for everything. He showed up for inspection and for any technical issues.” — Juan in Oakland
      • “I wanted to get rid of my PG&E bill. Sunrun at the time was the best and the best installer and service provider, and it still is. Their sales rep was very professional and patient, and he knew what he was doing. He explained everything. As far as Sunrun was concerned, everything went very smoothly.” — Rokay in Oakland

      Basel in Oakland, who installed a Sunrun system a few years ago, wants future customers to be aware of something: “If you install a battery with the solar system it is not under your control. PG&E controls the battery and how/when will discharge. Every time when I had outages in my area, the battery did not kick in and I was told by Sunrun that the battery is not for me and it only feeds the grid. So you pay for the battery and yet can't use it when needed,” 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

      ShopSolar

      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      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 Oakland

      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 Oakland, 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

      Oakland solar panel buyers guide

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Oakland 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 $15,529 in Oakland.

      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 Oakland may falsely claim to be affiliated with an Alameda County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Oakland

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Oakland are comparable, ranging from $8,260 to $23,600.

      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 Oakland household needs a system with a capacity of 6.58 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 Oakland

      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 Oakland?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Oakland homeowners with solar panels can avoid $53,748 in total utility costs over 25 years.

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

      Solar power can be a good investment in Alameda County because of high electricity prices and available incentives. However, before deciding, homeowners should consider the effects of new NEM 3.0 rules, the benefits of adding batteries and how much sun their home gets. With good planning, solar can save money and provide energy independence in the long run.

      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. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Oakland

      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 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.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      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.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

      Oakland 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 Oakland?

      Residents can 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. Check with the City of Oakland for the current availability of the SunShares' Solar + Storage discount program, the East Bay Community Energy (EBCE)'s Resilient Home program and the GRID Alternative’s Energy For All Program.

      The California Energy Commission (CEC) also offers 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 Oakland?

      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.

      Is my house a good candidate for solar?

      A relatively slanted roof with plenty of unshaded space is best. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch (very steep). Here are a couple of other questions to ask yourself:

      • How much sunlight do I get? Oakland gets a good amount of sunlight. The state averages 5 to 7.5 peak sun hours every day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, whether from trees or tall buildings, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home.
      • How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.

      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.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Oakland

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