Write a review
  3. Homeowners
  4. Going Solar
  5. Best Solar Companies

Best Solar Companies in Sacramento, CA

We compared 50 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      4.1(580)
    • Competitive pricing
      Sunriver Solar
      5.0(5)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.1(3,124)

    Best Solar Companies in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento

    1. Best overall: Sunlux
    2. Competitive pricing: Sunriver Solar
    3. Solar leases: Sunrun

    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 Sacramento

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

    Our top pick overall
    Sunlux
    Sunlux
    4.1
    580 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    19.7%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan and lease
    Year founded
    2012
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Sunlux is a top-rated solar company only available in Southern California. We like that it has a range of equipment options. Its 24/7 monitoring app lets you easily track your system’s performance, and tech support is on standby if anything goes wrong.

    • “We have solar on our other house and we found it beneficial by reducing the bills. Due to the cost and timing, we decided to lease the panels this time. SunLux Energy's rep was fine but when the city inspector came out we had an issue but not on SunLux's end. The installation was quick and clean. We referred SunLux to a few other people in our community.” — Deanna in Sacramento

    Sunlux's customer service is praised for being supportive and understanding. However, there may be some areas for improvement regarding communication.

    Sunlux specializes in residential solar panel installations with battery backup systems. It’s available throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine and Valencia.

    • Services: Reps can coordinate financing, EV charging and smart home solutions, as well as roofing services if needed.
    • Warranty information: Sunlux has two tiers of warranty options. The standard warranty covers your system's installation and physical components (panels, inverter and racking) for 25 years. With its Platinum Protection Package, Sunlux also covers labor for repairs and guarantees the energy your system generates for 25 years.
    • Payment options: Sunlux accepts cash and third-party loans. It also has leases and prepaid leasing plans.

    Pros

    • 24/7 monitoring app with technician support
    • Certified Tesla installer
    • Lifetime customer support
    • Flexible financing options
    • Lots of local experience

    Cons

    • No in-house financing
    • Some customer service complaints
    Our pick for competitive pricing
    Sunriver Solar
    Sunriver Solar
    5.0
    5 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2008
    Read Reviews

    Sunriver Solar is fully licensed and insured and a member of the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA). We like that it has lots of local experience and transparent financing terms.

    • “The sign-up process with SunRiver was fairly easy once we decided to go with them. … Overall, SunRiver is the most affordable and lowest pressure sales. I dealt with Peter who came out and sat down with me and went through the plan, answered all my questions, and never pushed for the next step.” — Greg in Lincoln
    • “My bill went from $400 a month down to about $8. So, I got no complaints.” — Larry in Lincoln

    Sunriver gets generally positive reviews on our site. However, we have not talked to as many verified Sunriver customers as we have for other top picks.

    Sunriver Solar is a solar panel installation company in Auburn, California. It offers solar panel and battery storage solutions in the Bay Area and Northern California.

    • Services: Sunriver Solar will design your system, secure permits and install the system. You’ll get ongoing customer support after the project is complete.
    • Warranty information: Projects are backed by 25-year workmanship and manufacturer's warranties.
    • Payment options: Sunriver Solar partners with Mosaic and Sunlight Financial to offer financing options. As of publishing, terms are between 10 and 30 years, with annual percentage rates (APRs) ranging from 0% to 6.99%. There’s no down payment required and no prepayment penalty.

    Pros

    • Zero-down financing
    • Customizable solutions
    • Ongoing service
    • Lots of local experience

    Cons

    • Possible installation delays
    • Somewhat limited customer feedback
    Our pick for solar leases
    Sunrun
    Sunrun
    4.1
    3,124 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. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

    • “The installers were very quick and efficient. Where they installed the system was right next to where my office is and I didn't hear them once. They were very quiet and discreet. It took them five hours and there were no issues.” — Gino in Sacramento

    Gino mentioned that installers left a little sawdust in the garage. “Other than that, our experience with SunRun is going alright,” he told us. “But our electricity bill hasn't gone down as far as I thought it was going to.”

    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. With leases, there’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. 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

    How we chose the best solar companies in Sacramento

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the hot Mediterranean-type climate, to choose the best solar companies in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunlux logo
    Sunriver Solar logo
    Sunrun logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      Sacramento solar panel buyers guide

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Sacramento 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 $19,656 in Sacramento. However, you can finance or lease with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      On average, Sacramento homeowners with solar panels avoid $55,145 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Sacramento County or a California state government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Sacramento

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Sacramento are comparable, ranging from $8,190 to $23,400.

      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 Sacramento household needs a system with a capacity of 8.4 kW (kilowatts) to fully offset its 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 Sacramento

      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 Sacramento?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. On the bright side, residents have multiple affordable financing options.

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

      Sacramento has a sunny, dry climate, which is ideal for solar energy production. However, summers can be particularly hot, which increases energy consumption for air conditioning. This can make solar a valuable investment for reducing high summer energy bills.

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Sacramento homeowners with solar panels can avoid $55,145 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and con

      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 Sacramento

      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 Sacramento County

      The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) offers guaranteed bill savings through its Neighborhood SolarShares program, which it describes as a “virtual solar system” that offers the benefits of solar without actual panels. Solar power comes from a solar farm in Rio Linda.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

      Sacramento solar FAQ

      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 a north-facing roof, especially if the roof has a high pitch (very steep). Here are some other questions to ask yourself:

      • What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels.
      • How much sunlight do I get? Sacramento 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 solar savings estimator.

      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 taxes by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      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.

      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. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year.

      Are there any other solar incentives in Sacramento?

      Yes, and you can combine them with federal and state incentives to maximize your solar savings.

      • SGIP: 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.
      • CEC: The California Energy Commission (CEC) offers various incentives and rebates that are applicable statewide, which Sacramento homeowners can access. Programs include incentives for solar water heating systems and energy efficiency upgrades, which can be combined with solar installations to maximize overall savings.
      • DAC-SASH: 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.
      • Property tax exemption: 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.
      How does net metering work in Sacramento?

      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.

      Under the state’s new NEM 3.0 policy, compensation for excess solar energy sold back to the grid has been reduced, which affects the overall return on investment (ROI) for solar installations. Homeowners in Sacramento will need to factor this into their financial planning, especially if they plan to rely heavily on selling excess energy to offset installation costs. This makes energy storage systems more attractive, as they allow homeowners to use stored solar power during peak hours instead of buying from the grid at higher rates.

      » GREENEST STATES: California ranked 17th in 2024

      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 Sacramento

      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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento 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. Sunlux
      2. Sunriver Solar
      3. Sunrun

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Solar Companies in Sacramento delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

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

        Read Sacramento solar company reviews

        Showing 10 of 47

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×