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Best Solar Companies in San Jose, California

We compared 23 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

  • Top overall
    Sunlux
    4.0(580)
  • Great warranty
    Ameco Solar
    4.6(48)
  • Innovative tech
    Soleeva
    3.9(53)

Best Solar Companies in San Jose, California

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

Our top 3 solar company picks for San Jose

  1. Best overall: Sunlux
  2. Great warranty: Ameco Solar
  3. Innovative tech: Soleeva

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 San Jose

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

Our top pick overall
Sunlux
Sunlux
4.0
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 with a range of equipment options. We also like that its 24/7 monitoring app lets you easily track your system’s performance, and tech support is on standby if anything goes wrong.

  • “I recently completed my solar project with SunLux. They did a great job with my installation. They set the proper expectation on start and end times of the install and the communication throughout the project was excellent. Freddy and Liz were always quick to respond to questions and were so helpful all along the way!” I did have one issue with the wiring I wanted corrected. The owner of the company contacted me directly and personally ensured that the issue was addressed. For me it is great to see the owner backing up the work first hand ensuring the customer is happy when the work is done. I would highly recommend SunLux. Oh, and their prices were far better than any other I received. Bring them in without hesitation.” — Dave in San Jose

We’ve heard some minor complaints about installation delays, communication issues or billing problems. Solar panel installations are complicated projects, and there’s always the chance of mix-ups or misunderstandings.

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 Platinum Protection, 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

  • Great customer service
  • Accurate cost estimates
  • Quality solar equipment
  • Lots of local experience

Cons

  • Occasional installation delays
  • Some communication issues
Our pick for great warranty
Ameco Solar
Ameco Solar
4.6
48 reviews
Max. panel efficiency
Varies
Panel warranty
40 years
Payment options
Cash, loan, lease
Year founded
1974
Learn More Read Reviews

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.

  • “The entire process was smooth! The workers had good communication with me and ask if I am satisfied with everything.” — Celion in San Jose
  • “Ameco Solar provided exceptional service and quality solar roofing solutions. Their team's professionalism and attention to detail ensured a seamless installation process. I highly recommend Ameco Solar for anyone seeking reliable and efficient solar energy solutions.” — Hillary in San Jose
  • “The Ameco employees were really helpful and guided us through the procedure. I'm glad I decided to put my trust in them since they made it possible for us to comprehend why they acted the way they did.” — Abhinav in San Jose

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. Ameco generally charges between $25,000 and $30,000 for residential solar installations (before any financial incentives are applied).

  • Services: Solar panels, composite shingle roofing, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and roof 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: 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
Our pick for innovative tech
Soleeva
Soleeva
3.9
53 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 Bay Area.

  • “Soleeva has a good price point compared to a few others. They were also very helpful. It was a smooth experience. Having Soleeva, there's been a drop in our energy bill.” — Nelson in San Jose

Installation is generally smooth, although some customers have reported broken tiles or difficulty with the wireless connection. “One aspect that I wish they could have done better was the cleanup part because they did not do such a great job,” according to Ivano in San Jose.

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

How we chose the best solar companies in San Jose

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 San Jose, 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 San Jose Buyers Guide

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San Jose solar panel buyers guide

ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what San Jose 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 $16,163 in San Jose.

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 San Jose may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Santa Clara County or California government agency.

Jump to insight

Solar panel costs in San Jose

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in San Jose are comparable, ranging from $8,295 to $23,700.

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 San Jose household needs a system with a capacity of 6.82 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 San Jose

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.
  • 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 San Jose?

Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, San Jose homeowners with solar panels can avoid $55,993 in total utility costs over 25 years.

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

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 3.9 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 Irvine 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.

How to find a reputable solar company in San Jose

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 Santa Clara County

San Jose has various local programs that incentivize solar energy use, including those managed by Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), which offers rebates and incentives for residential battery storage systems, promoting energy independence and savings during peak times. Additionally, the city runs initiatives to streamline the solar permitting process, reducing installation costs.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked 5th in 2024

San Jose 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, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

Are there any other solar incentives in San Jose?

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.

Additionally, the California Energy Commission (CEC) offers various incentives for 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 San Jose?

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 PG&E’s Net Energy Metering program (NEM 3.0). This 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?

No. 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 San Jose

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 San Jose, 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 San Jose 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. Ameco Solar
  3. Soleeva

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