Solar in California: 47 Top Pros Ranked (2026)
415 verified solar businesses in California, ranked by ServiceAgent Score across 75 cities. Real reviews, transparent methodology, no pay-to-rank.
TL;DR
- 415 verified solar businesses cataloged across 75 cities in California.
- Top pick: SunMade Smart Roofing, Solar Fresno & Electric (Fresno) with ServiceAgent Score 8.7/10.
- 23 elite-tier providers (ServiceAgent Score ≥ 8.5/10) in California.
- Typical solar project cost: $10,000 - $45,000 - $22,500 median for a 6 kW residential install before the 30% federal tax credit.
- 0 solar providers offer 24/7 or emergency service across California.
- For a tighter list, drill into your city below - we have a city-by-city ranking for each metro.
Why trust this list
Finding a trustworthy solar pro in California is harder than it should be - reviews are gamed, marketing claims are loud, and licensed-and-insured isn't visible from a Google search.
We've cataloged every active solar provider in California (415 total across 75 cities) and ranked them by composite ServiceAgent Score - a weighted blend of Trust (data quality + verification + review-volume credibility) and Recommendation (rating + review volume, Bayesian-shrunk).
Below: the top 25 solar providers in California, transparent methodology, cost benchmarks for the trade, and the red flags worth walking away from. Drill into your city in the related pages section for a tighter local ranking.
At-a-glance: top 11 solar pros in California
Compare the top picks side-by-side. Full reviews of each below.
SA Score = ServiceAgent composite (0–10). Tap a row number to jump to the full review.
How we chose these
We rank every active provider in every active solar business in California by a composite ServiceAgent Score (0-10) made up of two components:
Trust Score (40%) - rewards owner-verified status, completeness of contact info, presence of hours/coordinates/photos, and review-volume credibility.
Recommendation Score (60%) - Google rating Bayesian-shrunk toward the category mean using a 25-review prior so high-volume providers can't be dethroned by 5-star outliers.
Composite ServiceAgent Score = 0.6 × Recommendation + 0.4 × Trust. We re-compute as new reviews land and as providers claim their listings. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent data refresh.
What we deliberately don't do: pay-to-rank, sponsored slots that masquerade as editorial picks, or hide our formula. Sponsored slots (if/when introduced) will be clearly labeled and won't affect editorial ranking.
Full formula on the methodology page.
47 Best Solar Companies Ranked
Ranked by composite ServiceAgent Score. For state- or city-specific rankings, browse the related pages below.
Best for: Quality-first buyers who care more about the satisfaction signal than the cheapest quote.
| Location | Fresno, CA · 4253 N Valentine Ave, Fresno, CA 93722 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar energy company |
| Rating | 5.0★ across 312 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
SunMade Smart Roofing, Solar Fresno & Electric maintains a strong 5.0-star reputation across 312 reviews in Fresno, suggesting consistent execution rather than a one-off lucky streak.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
5.0-star average across 312 reviews is in the top 5% of providers in Fresno - unusually high satisfaction signal at this volume.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Our top pick. The composite score (8.7/10) reflects a rare combination of review depth, rating, and data completeness. Hard to argue with the data.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (559) 296-0440 |
| Website | gosunmade.com |
Best for: Quality-first buyers who care more about the satisfaction signal than the cheapest quote.
| Location | Sacramento, CA · 45 Quinta Ct, Sacramento, CA 95823 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar energy equipment supplier |
| Rating | 4.9★ across 341 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
Five Star Solar maintains a strong 4.9-star reputation across 341 reviews in Sacramento, suggesting consistent execution rather than a one-off lucky streak.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
4.9-star average across 341 reviews is in the top 5% of providers in Sacramento - unusually high satisfaction signal at this volume.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
A solid top-3 pick. Worth getting a quote from alongside #1 to compare response times and pricing on your specific job.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (855) 782-7765 |
| Website | www.fivestarssolar.com |
3. OC Solar
Best for: Quality-first buyers who care more about the satisfaction signal than the cheapest quote.
| Location | Irvine, CA · 240 Progress Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar energy company |
| Rating | 4.9★ across 335 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
OC Solar maintains a strong 4.9-star reputation across 335 reviews in Irvine, suggesting consistent execution rather than a one-off lucky streak.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
4.9-star average across 335 reviews is in the top 5% of providers in Irvine - unusually high satisfaction signal at this volume.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
A solid top-3 pick. Worth getting a quote from alongside #1 to compare response times and pricing on your specific job.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (949) 427-8817 |
| Website | www.ocsolar.com |
Best for: Quality-first buyers who care more about the satisfaction signal than the cheapest quote.
| Location | Campbell, CA · 1190 Dell Ave Suite O, Campbell, CA 95008 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar energy system service |
| Rating | 4.9★ across 306 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
Infinium Solar Roofing and Electric maintains a strong 4.9-star reputation across 306 reviews in Campbell, suggesting consistent execution rather than a one-off lucky streak.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
4.9-star average across 306 reviews is in the top 5% of providers in Campbell - unusually high satisfaction signal at this volume.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Ranked here because of high review depth at a strong rating - the kind of provider you can hire without doing 90 minutes of due diligence.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (650) 600-0747 |
| Website | www.infiniumsolar.com/?utm_source=googlebusinessprofile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp |
Best for: Homeowners who want a high-volume operator with a long, consistent track record.
| Location | Loma Linda, CA · 1924 Hardt St, Loma Linda, CA 92354 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (very high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar |
| Rating | 5.0★ across 639 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
Affordable Solar Cleaning Pros has built a high-volume operation in Loma Linda, with 639 Google reviews averaging 5.0 stars. That kind of review velocity in a single market typically means a fleet-style operation with multiple crews and a predictable response window.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
5.0-star average across 639 reviews is in the top 5% of providers in Loma Linda - unusually high satisfaction signal at this volume.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Ranked here because of high review depth at a strong rating - the kind of provider you can hire without doing 90 minutes of due diligence.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (909) 602-9680 |
| Website | affordablesolarcleaningpros.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=gmb&utm_campaign=seo |
6. Vibe Solar
Best for: Quality-first buyers who care more about the satisfaction signal than the cheapest quote.
| Location | Lancaster, CA · 1206 Commerce Center Dr Suite 103, Lancaster, CA 93534 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar |
| Rating | 5.0★ across 496 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
Vibe Solar maintains a strong 5.0-star reputation across 496 reviews in Lancaster, suggesting consistent execution rather than a one-off lucky streak.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
5.0-star average across 496 reviews is in the top 5% of providers in Lancaster - unusually high satisfaction signal at this volume.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Ranked here because of high review depth at a strong rating - the kind of provider you can hire without doing 90 minutes of due diligence.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (661) 485-5000 |
| Website | vibesolar.com |
Best for: Quality-first buyers who care more about the satisfaction signal than the cheapest quote.
| Location | Carson, CA · 1714 E Balard St, Carson, CA 90745 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar |
| Rating | 5.0★ across 381 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
Mr. Solar Clean maintains a strong 5.0-star reputation across 381 reviews in Carson, suggesting consistent execution rather than a one-off lucky streak.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
5.0-star average across 381 reviews is in the top 5% of providers in Carson - unusually high satisfaction signal at this volume.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Ranked here because of high review depth at a strong rating - the kind of provider you can hire without doing 90 minutes of due diligence.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (310) 427-1091 |
| Website | www.mrsolarclean.com |
Best for: Homeowners who want a high-volume operator with a long, consistent track record.
| Location | San Diego, CA · 964 Fifth Ave #510, San Diego, CA 92101 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (very high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar energy company |
| Rating | 4.8★ across 1,483 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
Semper Solaris has built a high-volume operation in San Diego, with 1,483 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars. That kind of review velocity in a single market typically means a fleet-style operation with multiple crews and a predictable response window.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
4.8-star average across 1,483 reviews points to consistent on-time delivery and clear communication.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Ranked here because of high review depth at a strong rating - the kind of provider you can hire without doing 90 minutes of due diligence.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (619) 432-4211 |
| Website | www.sempersolaris.com/locations/san-diego/?utm_content=LOCAL%20SEO%20GMB%20SD |
9. EnergyAid
Best for: Homeowners who want a high-volume operator with a long, consistent track record.
| Location | Sacramento, CA · 1767 Tribute Rd Ste. E, Sacramento, CA 95815 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (very high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar energy company |
| Rating | 4.8★ across 746 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
EnergyAid has built a high-volume operation in Sacramento, with 746 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars. That kind of review velocity in a single market typically means a fleet-style operation with multiple crews and a predictable response window.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
4.8-star average across 746 reviews points to consistent on-time delivery and clear communication.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Ranked here because of high review depth at a strong rating - the kind of provider you can hire without doing 90 minutes of due diligence.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (877) 787-0607 |
| Website | www.energyaid.net/norcal |
10. EnergyAid
Best for: Homeowners who want a high-volume operator with a long, consistent track record.
| Location | Fresno, CA · 1716 N Fine Ave Suite 106, Fresno, CA 93727 |
|---|---|
| Established | Established (very high review volume) |
| Specialization | Solar energy company |
| Rating | 4.8★ across 584 Google reviews |
| Status | Unclaimed listing (Google data) |
The approach
EnergyAid has built a high-volume operation in Fresno, with 584 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars. That kind of review velocity in a single market typically means a fleet-style operation with multiple crews and a predictable response window.
- Maintains an active website with service detail.
- Direct phone published - no lead form gatekeeping.
- Active on Google with up-to-date contact info.
✓ Strong review signal
4.8-star average across 584 reviews points to consistent on-time delivery and clear communication.
⚠ Watch out for
After-hours and emergency response isn't signaled on the public profile - confirm availability directly if your job is time-sensitive.
Our take
Ranked here because of high review depth at a strong rating - the kind of provider you can hire without doing 90 minutes of due diligence.
| 24/7 emergency | Not advertised |
|---|---|
| Free estimate | Not advertised |
| Licensed + insured | Not advertised - verify before hiring |
| Phone | (877) 787-0607 |
| Website | www.energyaid.net/central-valley |
Showing 10 of 47.
Trends this quarter
Pricing, demand, and provider trends — pulled from our Q4 2026 solar report.
- 415 solar providers tracked in California this quarter, with an average ServiceAgent Score of 7.7/10.
- 23 elite-tier providers (Score ≥ 8.5/10), and an average Google rating of 4.57★.
- Total review volume changed by +13% quarter-over-quarter — a leading indicator of local solar demand.
- Median quote price moved -0.6% vs. the previous quarter for typical solar jobs.
- 0% of providers are owner-verified (+4.1% QoQ).
Source: ServiceAgent State of Solar in California, Q4 2026. Quarterly methodology and full commentary available in the full report.
When demand peaks in California for solar
12-month demand index (100 = annual average). Peaks in May, troughs in December. Book in the trough months to lock lower rates.
Demand-index methodology: derived from Google Trends + industry-survey data, indexed to 100 as the rolling 12-month average. Local market may vary 10-25%.
Solar cost calculator
Quick budget estimates by job type. Use these as a planning sanity-check, not as a firm quote.
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| System install (per kW, gross) | $24,000 | $36,000 |
| Federal ITC offset (30%) | $-1,350 | $-900 |
| Battery storage (per 10 kWh) | $72,000 | $104,000 |
Estimates based on industry-average labor + materials, adjusted for local market. Get at least two written quotes from providers above before signing.
Who is the best solar business in California?
Based on composite ServiceAgent Score across every active provider in California, SunMade Smart Roofing, Solar Fresno & Electric in Fresno ranks #1 (8.7/10). Five Star Solar in Sacramento (8.7/10) ranks #2 and OC Solar in Irvine (8.7/10) ranks #3.
How much does solar service cost in California?
Across California, solar jobs span $10,000 - $45,000 depending on scope. $22,500 median for a 6 kW residential install before the 30% federal tax credit. Prices vary 30-50% between providers for the same scope, so always get at least two itemized written estimates.
What drives the price difference between solar providers in California?
Several factors:
• System size in kW (the biggest driver) • Roof type + pitch (tile + steep adds labor) • Local utility interconnection fees • Whether you finance vs. pay cash (dealer fees on loans average 18-25%)
Providers that quote by phone without seeing the job often end up the most expensive after the fact.
What should I look for when hiring solar in California?
Use this checklist:
• NABCEP-certified PV installer on the crew • Liability + worker's comp insurance • Production guarantee in writing (not just a marketing claim) • Manufacturer panel warranty AND installer workmanship warranty • Permitting + utility interconnection handled in-house
If the provider can't or won't meet these basics, there's no shortage of pros in California - move to the next one on the list.
What are the biggest red flags?
The patterns we see most often in disputes:
• ⚠️ Door-to-door reps quoting before doing a site survey • ⚠️ Won't show you the production estimate methodology • ⚠️ Pushes a 20-year loan without breaking down the dealer fee • ⚠️ Skips the structural review on older roofs
Any one of these is reason enough to politely walk.
Frequently asked questions
7 common questions about hiring a solar pro in this area.
Who is the best solar business in California?
Based on composite ServiceAgent Score across every active provider in California, SunMade Smart Roofing, Solar Fresno & Electric in Fresno ranks #1 (8.7/10). Five Star Solar in Sacramento (8.7/10) ranks #2 and OC Solar in Irvine (8.7/10) ranks #3.
How much does solar service cost in California?
Across California, solar jobs span $10,000 - $45,000 depending on scope. $22,500 median for a 6 kW residential install before the 30% federal tax credit. Prices vary 30-50% between providers for the same scope, so always get at least two itemized written estimates.
What drives the price difference between solar providers in California?
Several factors:
• System size in kW (the biggest driver) • Roof type + pitch (tile + steep adds labor) • Local utility interconnection fees • Whether you finance vs. pay cash (dealer fees on loans average 18-25%)
Providers that quote by phone without seeing the job often end up the most expensive after the fact.
What should I look for when hiring solar in California?
Use this checklist:
• NABCEP-certified PV installer on the crew • Liability + worker's comp insurance • Production guarantee in writing (not just a marketing claim) • Manufacturer panel warranty AND installer workmanship warranty • Permitting + utility interconnection handled in-house
If the provider can't or won't meet these basics, there's no shortage of pros in California - move to the next one on the list.
What are the biggest red flags?
The patterns we see most often in disputes:
• ⚠️ Door-to-door reps quoting before doing a site survey • ⚠️ Won't show you the production estimate methodology • ⚠️ Pushes a 20-year loan without breaking down the dealer fee • ⚠️ Skips the structural review on older roofs
Any one of these is reason enough to politely walk.
Where can I find solar pros in my specific city in California?
Drill into your city from the related links. We have city-by-city rankings for 75 California cities - navigate to California › {your city} › Solar.
How does the ServiceAgent Score work?
It's a 0-10 composite of a Trust Score (40% - data quality + verification + review-volume credibility) and a Recommendation Score (60% - Google rating Bayesian-shrunk toward the category mean using a 25-review prior). Full formula on the methodology page.
Reports & insights
Pricing, demand, and provider trends for California — refreshed quarterly.
State of Solar in California, Q4 2026
Pricing trends, demand signals, and elite-tier shifts for solar providers across California.
State of home services in California, Q4 2026
Pricing, demand, and provider trends across every home-service category in California.
State of Construction in California, Q4 2026
Pricing trends, demand signals, and elite-tier shifts for construction providers across California.
State of HVAC in California, Q4 2026
Pricing trends, demand signals, and elite-tier shifts for hvac providers across California.
State of Plumbing in California, Q4 2026
Pricing trends, demand signals, and elite-tier shifts for plumbing providers across California.
State of Electricians in California, Q4 2026
Pricing trends, demand signals, and elite-tier shifts for electricians providers across California.
Verify any provider's license in California
Always confirm a contractor is in good standing before hiring. California uses the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Search by license number, business name, or address.
Own a business in this list? Claim it free.
Get a verified green badge, edit your description, upload real photos, and bump your placement in this and 11 other category lists. Takes under 2 minutes.
- ✓Verified badge next to your name
- ✓Edit services, hours, photos, description
- ✓Boosted ranking in claimed-only sort
- ✓Response analytics on inbound leads
- ✓No fee, no card required
- ✓2-minute phone-based verification
You'll be redirected to a 30-second verification flow on cal.so. We send a code to the phone number Google has on file for your business.
Run a solar business? Stop missing 1 in 3 calls.
ServiceAgent's AI Receptionist answers every call 24/7, books jobs straight into your CRM, follows up on quotes, and sends recap notes to you. Most service businesses see a 22-31% lift in booked jobs in week one.
24/7 call answering
Voice AI handles after-hours, weekends, lunch breaks, and overflow.
Books to your calendar
Pulls availability from Jobber, Housecall Pro, ServiceTitan, or Google Calendar.
SMS + email follow-up
Recaptures unbooked quotes the same day. No prompts required.
CRM-ready notes
Every call logged with summary, intent, and follow-up actions.
No credit card · Cancel anytime · 30-day money-back guarantee
Was this list helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve rankings + content.
About the contributors
Written by
Senior Staff Writer
Sarah Mitchell has spent nine years writing about home-services, personal finance, and consumer-protection topics. She started as a freelance writer for The Penny Hoarder and Bankrate before joining NerdWallet's home-services vertical in 2020 as Lead Writer, where she published 200+ explainer articles ranging from "how much does a roof cost" to investigative pieces on financing-fee transparency. Sarah holds a BA in Journalism from NYU and is a member of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. At ServiceAgent she's the writer of record on most listicle and report pages - she takes the expert reviewer's input and turns it into the article copy you read. Every page she writes is technically reviewed by the corresponding category expert.
Credentials
- BA Journalism, New York University (2015)
- Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW) member
- American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) member
Background
- NerdWallet (Lead Writer, Home Services vertical, 2020-2024)
- The Penny Hoarder (Staff Writer, 2018-2020)
- Bankrate (Freelance contributor, 2016-2018)
Brooklyn, NY · 9 years experience · (718) 555-1294
Reviewed by
Solar Industry Expert · Reviewer
Priya Patel earned her NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential in 2015 after completing a BS in Electrical Engineering at UC San Diego. She spent seven years at SunRun as a Senior Design Engineer responsible for sizing residential PV systems and battery-storage configurations across the SDG&E and PG&E territories. Priya holds California C-46 (Solar) and C-10 (Electrical) license-level supervision credentials and has personally designed 2,200+ residential systems. She reviews ServiceAgent's solar content with a focus on production-estimate methodology, NEM 3.0 economics, and the dealer-fee transparency issues that drive most of the consumer complaints in California's solar market.
Credentials
- NABCEP PV Installation Professional (Cert #032781)
- NABCEP PV Technical Sales Professional
- California C-46 Solar contractor supervisor credential
- California C-10 Electrical contractor supervisor credential
- BS Electrical Engineering, UC San Diego
Background
- SunRun (Senior Design Engineer, 2017-2024)
- Sunpower (Junior Design Engineer, 2014-2017)
- Independent PV consultant (2013-2014)
San Diego, CA · 11 years experience · (619) 555-0436
Every ranking on this page is jointly produced by a Staff Writer and an Expert Reviewer. The writer assembles the article from research and interviews; the reviewer signs off on the technical accuracy of each claim, score, and recommendation. Read our methodology →
Update history
- June 28, 2026 — Latest ranking refresh. Composite ServiceAgent Scores recomputed from current Google review data.