Should I Lease or Buy Solar Panels?

Should I Purchase Batteries?

Solar Roof Shingles vs. Panels

Costs and Savings of Solar

Choosing the Best Solar Company for You

Which Solar Panels are Best for Me?

Tesla

Tesla is the nation’s largest full-service solar installer. It’s also one of the most innovative, with products like rooftop solar tiles and its Powerwall storage device that have revolutionized the residential solar market.

Tesla’s solar tiles, announced in late 2016, have revolutionized the solar industry. This product and innovative solar storage products like the Powerwall (for residential use) and Powerpack (for commercial use) have solidified Tesla as national leader in solar energy solutions.

Innovation is the hallmark of Elon Musk, the company’s CEO. Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity in 2016 has resulted in a fully-integrated renewable energy solution that includes panels and tiles, home battery storage systems, electric cars, and charging stations.

Tesla has installed hundreds of thousands of residential solar panel systems across the country. It’s also a prominent commercial installer.

Tesla can be reached through its website at https://www.tesla.com/energy.

Vivint Solar

Vivint Solar is a leading residential solar provider and innovator that has been featured by TechCrunch, Fortune Magazine, and Forbes. Founded in 2011, Vivint now serves 14 states, and is preparing to expand into the smart home space.
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In January 2017, Vivint Solar announced plans to partner with Vivint Smart Home. Customers will be able choose an integrated energy management system later this year, complete with a smart thermostat, home sensors, and control panel.

Vivint designs custom solar systems and uses its own installers, rather than subcontracting the work. It also offers a 20-year warranty. Customers monitor system production and energy use by logging into the Vivint Solar website, or using the mobile app. Homeowners can choose to pay zero down with a solar PPA or lease, take out a loan, or purchase the system outright.

The company is rated 4.3 out of 5-stars on Consumer Affairs. It also has an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau. Vivint’s growth and popularity may be the best gauge of consumer satisfaction.

Vivint Solar can be reached through its website at vivintsolar.com, or by phone at (877) 404-4129.

SunPower

SunPower is the first and only company within the solar industry to receive landfill-free verifications from NSF Sustainability. It is also the only company to earn the Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Silver designation because it uses environmentally sustainable practices to create its solar panels.

SunPower possesses over 750 patents for its innovations within the solar energy industry and recently developed the world’s first solar-powered plane to cross the globe without requiring a supplementary fuel source. The firm serves individual residences, commercial enterprises, and entities interested in developing solar power plants in San Francisco and the surrounding area.

The qualified employees and specialists with SunPower provide a variety of services, including the determination of whether or not a property can handle a solar energy system, the design and creation of customized systems, full installation, and regular maintenance. The firm features a 25-year Combined Power and Product warranty and claims that its solar panels produce up to 70% more energy than other brands on the market.

SunPower can be reached through its website at https://us.sunpower.com/ or its phone number 1-800-786-7693.

Sunrun

With more than 100,000 solar customers nationwide, Sunrun is one of the best-known residential installers. Its popularity is largely due to its low prices and reasonable payment options. In 2016, bestcompany rated Sunrun its #1 solar company of the year.
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Sunrun designs a custom system for each site that maximizes performance and minimizes the homeowners’ energy bills. Once the solar panels are in place, customers can count on a lifetime warranty and free support. Choose from standard lease, loan, and purchase options; Sunrun makes it easy to identify the best option through its exceptional transparency regarding payment plans.

Sunrun’s BrightboxTM battery storage system is an add-on that stores excess solar energy for use during outages — something that California homeowners in particular may want to consider. The company’s highly-rated mobile app allows users to track system output, view account information, and pay bills.

The Better Business Bureau gives Sunrun an impeccable A+ rating for quality and customer service.

Sunrun can be reached through its website at sunrun.com, or by phone at (888) GO-SOLAR.

Baker Electric Solar

Solar Power World named Baker Electric Solar its #1 Solar Electrical Contractor and #4 Rooftop Solar Contractor in the U.S. because of its quality, customer service, and dedication to innovation.
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The firm additionally won the Better Business Bureau’s 2016 Torch Award in Marketplace Ethics and has installed over 7,000 residential solar systems in San Francisco and the nearby region. Baker Electric Solar provides a variety of services, including property evaluations and consultations, the creation and design of a customized solar energy seal, full equipment installation, the initial power-up for the system, and system monitoring to check performance.

Baker Solar Electric additionally sells high-quality backup battery systems designed to store extra energy from the solar system to power a property during blackouts and brownouts. The company takes pride in its photovoltaic solar panels and uses high-purity silicon cells. Much of the firm’s equipment and workmanship can be covered under a 25-year warranty.

Baker Electric Solar can be reached through its website at https://www.bakerelectricsolar.com/ or its phone number 760-546-6091.

Petersen Dean

The December issue of the Silicon Review named Petersen Dean to be one of the top 50 leading companies in the Bay Area due to its scope and dedication to offering high-quality solar energy systems and products to residential and commercial clients alike.
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Petersen Dean opened in 1984, takes pride in only using products made in the United States to boost local industries and prosperity, and serves residents of san Francisco. Some of the available services from the company include initial consultations to determine if a property can handle a solar energy system, the creation of a customized design, full equipment installation, and the initial powering up of each system.

Petersen Dean offers free initial solar estimates and can help interested individuals determine what kinds of rebates they could qualify for by switching to an environmentally friendly energy system. The firm features Solar Workmanship Warranties which last for up to 25 years and can be transferred to the new owner of a property if the original owner decides to sell.

Petersen Dean can be reached through its website at https://petersendean.com/ or its phone number 877-552-4418.

Sullivan Solar

Solar Power World recognized Sullivan Solar as #8 on the 2016 list of Top 500 Solar Contractors, and the firm retains membership in the prestigious North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners because of its quality and dedication to developing innovative technologies.
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Sullivan Solar opened in 2004 and has installed over 7,000 customized solar energy systems for residential properties, businesses of all sizes, and other institutions in San Francisco and the nearby region. The firm offers a variety of services such as permitting, consultations to determine if a property can handle solar energy, the creation of a unique system, equipment installation, and system monitoring to check for errors and healthy function.

The company only uses tested products made by North American companies and guarantees the kilowatt hour production of its solar panels for the first ten years. Interested individuals can also take advantage of equipment and workmanship warranties which last for up to 25 years.

Sullivan Solar can be reached through its website at https://www.sullivansolarpower.com/ or its phone number 858-271-7758.

SolarMax

SolarMax customizes each of its residential solar energy systems and takes pride in using equipment which is manufactured locally in California to boost regional industry.
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SolarMax features employees who provide a variety of services, including free initial consultations. These consultations include a property energy consumption audit and determine whether or not the residence can handle the rigors of a solar energy system. SolarMax will also design and create a custom system, handle the permitting, and install the equipment.

The firm primarily uses PV solar panels and offers a range of additional equipment like the FLEX Energy Storage System. The battery can store 5 kWh of energy should the system temporarily fail. Interested individuals can sign up for a 25-year warranty on workmanship and seek in-house financing to make a new system more affordable. The company serves residents of San Francisco and the nearby area.

SolarMax can be reached through its website at https://www.solarmaxtech.com/ or its phone number 855-279-2103.

Smart Energy Today

Smart Energy Today specializes in installing partial solar energy systems for residents of San Francisco and the nearby area. The firm regularly patents new technology and recently developed the Smart Air Ventilation solar fan.
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The Smart Air Ventilation solar fan forms a partial solar energy system which keeps the attics or upper levels of properties cool and dry. Smart Energy Today claims the equipment helps reduce the energy bills of properties which can’t handle the rigors of a full solar energy system. The company additionally works with other state-of-the-art equipment, including photovoltaic solar panels, skylight tubes, and mass or reflective insulation.

The firm features numerous employees who offer a variety of services, including full property inspection to determine its viability, the design and creation of a customized solar energy system, and the installation of the equipment. Smart Energy Today opened in 2008 and was recently listed as the 4th fastest growing private company by Inc. Magazine.

Smart Energy Today can be reached through its website at http://www.smartenergytoday.net/or its phone number 888-405-8689.

Luminalt Solar Energy

Founded in 2004, this locally owned and operated contractor is now a leading solar installer in San Francisco. The company infuses its operations with a local and sustainable perspective, which helps Luminalt and the community thrive together.
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Luminalt Energy sets the standard for community-first local business in San Francisco. It was the first solar contractor to become workforce development certified by sourcing 60% of its employees from the local community. It uses its expertise in San Francisco’s solar industry to integrate local warehouses, workforce development, and community service projects.

Luminalt also contributes training, time, and other resources to public outreach projects. For example, the company partners with organizations like GRID Alternatives to provide solar power for low-income housing.

Luminalt prides itself on serving its customers, rather than its shareholders. The company is also proud of its contribution to the local economy and the environment. Luminalt is a great choice for customers who value sustainable business practices and low-impact, locally-focused development.

Luminalt can be reached through its website at luminalt.com, or by phone at (415) 641-4000.

The Solar Company

This family-owned venture is owned by native Californians who changed their business focus to solar after installing it on their own home. What began as a five-person team in 1990 has become a well-established company of more than 100 employees.
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The Solar Company is Diamond Certified, a distinction limited to Bay Area companies rated Highest in Quality for customer satisfaction and helpful expertise. The firm installs SunPower solar panels for both residential and commercial sites. All of its installers have trained at SunPower University. Customers also have the peace of mind of knowing that The Solar Company is a NABCEP-certified installation professional with over ten years of solar installation experience.

Customers can get started with little to no money down. Once installed, they can track system output through an off-site monitoring service. Phone support is available during evenings and weekends. The Solar Company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Headquartered in Castro Valley, CA, The Solar Company is a major commercial installer that has completed projects for Chevron Sacramento, Comcast, Ramos Oil, Mercedes Benz of Pleasanton, and many other businesses.

The Solar Company can be reached through its website at thesolarco.com, or by phone at (877) 607-6527.

Fidelity Home Energy

Headquartered in San Leandro, Fidelity Home Energy has installed more than 25,000 solar projects throughout California. The company employs trained, insured, and certified installers with over 30 years of combined experience in solar energy. It’s known for installing best-in-class German Q-Cell solar panels for as little zero down.
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Fidelity Home Energy uses its “Solmetric SunEye” system to measure solar input for any location on a roof. Every product Fidelity installs comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. The company also offers a 10-year warranty on labor. Customers can track system output through a real-time monitoring system.

Fidelity also works on windows, HVAC, and roofing, with a focus on energy efficient products. In fact, Fidelity Home Energy is the #5 energy efficiency company in California. The firm has come a long since its founding in 2001, earning numerous accolades. ForResidentialPros.com ranked Fidelity #38 on its list of the Top 500 Qualified Remodelers of 2003. The company also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Fidelity is a good choice for homeowners who want to tackle both solar generation and energy efficiency upgrades.

Fidelity Home Energy can be reached through its website at fidelityhome.net, or by phone at (855) 844-HOME.

Occidental Power

With over 25 years experience as a local contractor, Occidental Power is San Francisco’s veteran solar installation company. Occidental specializes in photovoltaic, solar thermal, and cogeneration systems, giving it expertise in a wide range of project specifications.
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Occidental Power is a licensed California general contractor and solar contractor. General Manager Greg Kennedy founded the company next to Ocean Beach in 1989, naming it after the Latin designation for San Francisco’s iconic pelicans. San Francisco has officially recognized Occidental Power for installing the first permitted residential and commercial systems in the city, in 1996 and 1997, respectively. The firm’s long tenure as a local solar company gives it unique insight into San Francisco’s solar market, and its expertise shows in the quality of its installations.

The Better Business Bureau gives Occidental Power an A+ rating. Occidental specializes in solar applications beyond electrical systems, which makes it an ideal choice for whole-home solar projects that include natural gas cogeneration, solar thermal, and solar hot water systems.

Occidental Power can be reached through its website at oxypower.com, or by phone at (888) 49-SOLAR.

West Coast Solar

West Coast Solar is a full-service installer that works throughout northern California. The company has 10 years of experience designing and installing residential and commercial systems, including agricultural projects. Customers generate energy at 3% less per watt than the California average.
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The design team will conduct a site assessment, account for limitations such as shading, and develop a plan for maximizing solar harvest. Buyers can choose from a variety of high-quality solar panel brands. The company will check for any defects during installation and use its own NABCEP-certified installers, rather than subcontracting the work. Afterwards, customers can track system output online.

Commercial customers include the Bodega Bay Fire Protection District, which added its West Coast Solar system in the summer of 2014. The District reports that it reduced its utility bill by 80%, and received two rebate checks for selling electricity back to the grid. It expects to pay the system off in less than 10 years.

West Coast Solar holds the Better Business Bureau’s highest possible rating. Its experience, service, and commitment to quality contribute to an excellent customer experience.

West Coast Solar can be reached through its website at westcoastsolar.com, or by phone at (844) 492-7652.

Sun Light and Power

Sun Light and Power is a standout solar company in San Francisco. It boasts a long history of accolades highlighting its excellent service and expertise. Founded in 1976 at the genesis of California’s solar market, it was also one of the first fifteen socially responsible Certified B Corporations in California.
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Founder Gary Gerber is a known industry expert. He’s been an active member of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA) for over 35 years, and served as the organization’s president for four terms. Through his leadership, Sun Light and Power has received various recognitions and awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from FastCompany, a position on Solar World’s Top 400 Contractors list, and recognition on several lists of fastest-growing private companies in the Bay area.

The firm meets the highest standards of corporate responsibility, social justice, transparency, and environmental awareness. B Lab recognized Sun Light and Power on its 2015 “Best for the World” list, an achievement that highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable business.

Sun Light and Power also provides a great work environment for its employees. Team members are featured prominently in the company’s marketing materials, and job safety is a top priority for all installations and projects.

Sun Light and Power can be reached through its website at sunlightandpower.com, or by phone at (800) 223-4SUN.