4 Best Solar Companies in California: Top Providers Ranked

Top Solar Companies in California

With abundant sunshine, support for clean energy, strong solar incentives, and more, going solar in California is a smart decision. It can be a solid long-term investment — especially if you plan to stay in your home — giving you a chance to lower your high electricity bills and gain energy independence with solar batteries (especially relevant with NEM 3.0, California’s updated net metering policy).

Keep reading to learn more about going solar in California, including top solar companies, incentives, rebates, and more.

1. Solar Optimum: Best for Comprehensive Warranty Coverage

Solar Optimum offers some of the best warranty coverage in the industry — including a 25-year panel and inverter warranty, 25-year racking system warranty, 25-year workmanship warranty, and 25-year performance guarantee. With nearly two decades of experience, the company installs only tier 1 panels from trusted brands like Panasonic, REC Solar, and QCells.

On BestCompany.com, 97% of reviews are 4 or 5 stars. Customers often highlight top-notch customer service and a team that keeps them informed every step of the way.

Read Solar Optimum reviews

2. ION Solar: Best for Full-Service Solar

ION Solar handles the full process in-house — from design and permitting to installation and monitoring — so you're always working directly with the ION team. This streamlined approach reduces costs and mistakes. ION Solar also offers free maintenance and repairs for the life of your system.

According to BestCompany.com, 85% of reviews are 4 or 5 stars. Customers praise ION’s communication and the savings from their systems.

Read ION Solar reviews

3. Momentum Solar: Best for Upfront Affordability

Momentum Solar provides competitive financing and warranty options. The company offers cash purchases, solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs), along with a 25-year equipment and workmanship warranty.

On BestCompany.com, 67% of reviews are 4 or 5 stars. Many customers report great service and satisfaction with their system's performance.

Read Momentum Solar reviews

4. Freedom Solar Power: Best for Long-Term Reliability

Freedom Solar Power is a SunPower Master Dealer, giving customers access to some of the most powerful and efficient panels on the market. Its systems are built to last, and the company offers performance monitoring and maintenance — all backed by a 25-year power output warranty.

According to BestCompany.com, 83% of reviews are 4 or 5 stars. Customers often mention great service, quick installation, and early savings.

Read Freedom Solar Power reviews

What to Look for In a California Solar Company

Choosing the right solar company in California is just as important as deciding to go solar in the first place. Here’s a checklist of what to look for when evaluating solar installers, especially tailored to the California market:

Licensing and Certifications

When choosing a solar company in California, it's important to make sure the company is properly licensed and has the right certifications to back up its work. At a minimum, the company should have the following licenses issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB):

• C-46 license: A solar contractor license that allows individuals to install, maintain, and repair thermal and photovoltaic (PV) solar systems.
• C-10 license: A specialty contractor license that allows individuals to perform electrical work on large-scale projects. The C-10 is especially important if the company is handling battery storage or any complex electrical work.

Other certifications you should look out for, none of which are legally required but ensure quality, include the following: 

• NABCEP certification — A certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is considered the gold standard in the industry and shows that the installers or designers are well-trained and up to date on best practices.
• CPUC registration — The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ensures that California residents have safe and reliable utility service.
• California Solar Consumer Protection Guide listing — The California Solar Consumer Protection Guide is a recommended resource for potential solar customers; California solar companies should provide you with the guide during first contact.

Another thing to check is whether the company is insured, specifically general liability and workers’ compensation, so you’re protected if anything goes wrong during installation.

California-Specific Solar Policies (NEM 3.0)

California’s net metering has changed with NEM 3.0, which began in April 2023. Under this policy, energy sent back to the grid earns credits based on "avoided cost" rates instead of retail rates, meaning lower credits and longer payback periods.

NEM 3.0 makes pairing solar with a battery more beneficial, helping homeowners use stored energy during high-rate periods. While solar still offers long-term value, it’s now more focused on energy independence than just offsetting bills.

Warranties

When researching California solar companies, it’s important to look out for reliable and comprehensive warranty coverage. Some different types of warranties to look out for include the following:

• Equipment Warranty: Coverage for all solar system components, including solar panels and inverters; 20–25 year coverage is common in the industry.
• Workmanship/Labor Warranty: Coverage for the quality of your solar system installation; 5–10 year coverage is common in the industry.
• Production Guarantee: Some companies guarantee a minimum energy output level and will reimburse you if panels underperform.

Most solar companies offer some sort of equipment and workmanship warranty coverage. However, it’s important to note that not all solar companies offer all warranties outlined above, and coverage duration will vary by company.

Transparent Financing Options

Most solar companies offer financing options to help ease the upfront financial burden of going solar. Some of the more common financing options available from California solar companies include the following:

• Cash Purchase: A cash purchase allows you to own your solar system and typically get a faster return on your investment.
• Solar Loans: Solar loans allow you to design a loan with a monthly payment; in most cases, solar companies offer loans with $0 down.
• Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): A PPA is a long-term contract between a customer and an electricity generator; you’ll typically only pay for the energy you use at a fixed price.

Your chosen solar company will typically work with you to determine the best financing options for your needs.

Customization and Design

Avoid one-size-fits-all systems. A quality provider will assess your roof angle, shading, and energy use, then design a system to match.

Customer Service and Support

When researching solar companies in California, it’s important to get an idea for the customer experience with a company. Some specific things to look out for include the following:

• Local or Regional Offices In California: A company with local offices will likely have a better understanding of local utility rules and climate conditions
• Consistent positive reviews on platforms like Best Company, Google, Yelp, and BBB (Better Business Bureau)
• Response times for service calls determine how quickly a company responds to calls
• In-house support team: Most companies are upfront about whether or not they outsource any work, but you’ll want to confirm this

Average Cost of Solar in California

On average, for a residential solar system in California without a battery, costs (including products and installation) range anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 before incentives for a typical 5 to 8 kilowatt system. Adding a battery can cost an extra $8,000 to $15,000, depending on capacity.

Costs depend on system size, energy use, equipment quality, and battery storage. Despite the high upfront cost, solar remains affordable with incentives and tax credits.

Federal Solar Incentives

Available for certain renewable and clean energy projects, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can cover up to 30 percent of your total solar system cost (including equipment, labor, permitting, etc.). As of current law, this tax credit program is available through 2032 and also applies to battery storage if installed with, or after, your solar system.

Thus, based on the average cost of solar, without a battery, outlined above (ranging anywhere from approximately $15,000 to $25,000) that cost could drop to somewhere between $10,500 and $17,500 with the ITC.

It’s important to note that eligibility for the ITC requires that you own your system (via either cash or loan) and that you have tax liability.

California Solar Incentives

Though fewer than in the past, California still offers helpful incentives, especially for batteries:

• Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP): SGIP offers rebates to help lower the cost of installing a battery, and the amount you get depends on your utility provider, your income level, and whether you’re in a high fire-risk or disadvantaged community.
• Battery Bonus Under NEM 3.0: NEM 3.0 has reduced the value of exported solar energy, so pairing solar with a battery is now the best way to maximize your savings.
• Tax Exemptions: In California, you don’t pay sales tax on solar equipment, and adding solar won’t increase your property taxes, even though it usually increases your home’s value.

All of this adds up to make solar still worthwhile, but it definitely pays to shop around and work with a solar company that understands how to layer all the available incentives to get you the best deal.

Bottom Line: Should You Go Solar in California?

California is still a top state for solar, thanks to its sunny weather, high electricity rates, and progressive energy policies. While NEM 3.0 changes how you save, solar remains a strong investment, especially with battery storage.

With help from incentives and experienced providers like Solar Optimum, ION Solar, Momentum Solar, and Freedom Solar Power, going solar is more accessible and rewarding than ever.

FAQ: California Solar

What is California ranked in solar energy?

As of 2025, California continues to lead the United States in total installed solar capacity, boasting approximately 51.9 gigawatts (GW) of solar installations. This substantial capacity enables the state to generate over 24 percent of the nation's solar electricity, underscoring its pivotal role in the country's solar energy landscape.

What is the best solar company to use in California?

The top four solar companies in California include the following:

• Solar Optimum
• ION Solar
• Momentum Solar
• Freedom Solar Power

Is solar worth it now in California?

Yes. Even with NEM 3.0, solar can help you save money on high electricity rates and increase energy independence, especially if you include a battery.

Does California offer solar rebates?

Yes. SGIP rebates can reduce battery installation costs, and you won’t pay sales tax or property tax increases when adding solar.

Can you really get free solar panels in California?

Not typically. But programs like DAC-SASH or LIWP may cover full costs for qualifying low-income households. Most homeowners will benefit more from financing options like leases or PPAs.