15 Best Solar Companies in San Jose, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in San Jose based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for San Jose, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average San Jose homeowner saves $2,717/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Jose
When you’re trying to find the best solar companies in San Jose, combing through all the options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many great perks. What's especially making many homeowners consider going solar is their high energy bills that continue to increase each year.
The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly based on your home’s layout and your overall energy usage.To get an estimate of what it might cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Jose
SunPower
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
TN Electrical and Solar Services
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Highlight Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Infinium Solar, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
- Battery Storage
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Soleeva
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Sunternal
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
Clean Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
Semper Solaris
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Bright World
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Shadowfax Roofing and Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Simply Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
NRG Clean Power
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
SunWork Renewable Energy Projects
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Jose
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Jose based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in San Jose
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in San Jose
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your panels.There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, such as:
- Incentives: One thing that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can generate an average of $32,000 of savings over 20 years.
- The type of solar panels you want to get: Higher-efficiency panels are more expensive, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Your location: This affects how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Your power bills: This will affect how much money you might save. In San Jose, the average resident can save about $1,500 a year on their electricity bills.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the Earth.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to find out how much installing a solar panel system could affect the Earth and your wallet. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for San Jose, CA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in San Jose
If you’re planning on making the switch to solar energy, a number of government incentives and tax credits can drastically reduce your project costs and speed up the return on your investment.State and city solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For more information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Jose
There are a few important reasons why people want to invest in solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in San Jose, though. An important thing to be mindful of is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if your commute is very long, your footprint may be bigger, so adopting solar power for your home can help offset that.In San Jose, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. For homeowners who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's San Jose, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installation company in San Jose?
In San Jose, SunPower is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.50 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 7.2 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover how much energy they need.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.