10 best solar companies in Berkeley, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Berkeley, California requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Berkeley to help you find the perfect installer.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Berkeley or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy enables Berkeley homeowners to save approximately $1,100 per year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Ahead of booking your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Berkeley
Search for Berkeley solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Keep an eye out for repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
SunPower
Services Offered
SolarUnion
Services Offered
CivicSolar, Inc
Services Offered
Got Watts?
Services Offered
Save a Lot Solar
Services Offered
GRID Alternatives
Services Offered
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
solarXperts
Services Offered
High Definition Solar
Services Offered
Source Energy
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Berkeley?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Berkeley, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Berkeley
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkeley?
Based on a survey we carried out in October 2023, the average cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you pick any extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Berkeley, solar panel installation costs approximately $7,314, based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
How much can you save by going solar in Berkeley?
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Berkeley from going solar
In Berkeley, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Berkeley's standard solar payback period is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Berkeley: On average, Berkeley homeowners can save $1,053 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save around $20,577 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Berkeley from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Berkeley?
Homeowners in Berkeley can enjoy several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all California residents, and others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives accessible for California residents, according to DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Berkeley solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could influence your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation levels and severe weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage might affect the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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