Best Solar Installers
North Bay

83 companies analyzed in your area

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Amy's Roofing and Solar

4+ YEARS

Amy's Roofing and Solar earned our strongest recommendation after we analyzed dozens of reviews spanning roofing, solar, and battery projects. We found a company whose core advantage is rare: they handle both the roof inspection and the solar installation, which means no finger-pointing if something goes wrong and no conduit snaking awkwardly around your gutters because the solar crew didn't talk to the roofers. One customer hired them after another solar company vanished overnight mid-project, and Amy's picked up a half-finished battery installation without hesitation. Another watched the crew drill through a roof tile directly above the breaker panel instead of running conduit around the overhang, a small detail that separates contractors who care about how your house looks from those who don't. We couldn't find a single complaint about workmanship, and 48 reviews specifically praised the quality of the finished work. The team includes a licensed electrician on every solar job, they show up when promised, and they've walked customers through insurance deadlines and NEM2 approvals without drama. If you want an installer who'll answer the phone when you call and won't vanish after cashing your deposit, Amy's has earned that trust across years of local projects.

Avg Rating4.9/5
Reviews Analyzed66
Trust Score
99
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First Response Solar

8+ YEARS

First Response Solar will show up at 10 p.m. on a Saturday to troubleshoot your system, then refuse payment for diagnosing faulty house wiring they had nothing to do with. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found zero complaints about workmanship, follow-through, or communication. Dylan and Chaz (the owners) do the installations themselves rather than subcontracting, which means the person quoting your project is the same person on your roof. In one case, they coordinated a solar install around a simultaneous roof replacement, mounting the brackets between tear-off and reshingle so the homeowner's warranty stayed intact. No other installer was willing to thread that needle. Reviews show they spend initial meetings educating customers on equipment trade-offs instead of upselling bigger systems, and 33 reviewers specifically mentioned post-install support that rivals pre-sale attention. One customer's power generation jumped 50% after First Response flagged dirty panels during routine monitoring and walked them through cleaning options. If you want the cheapest quote in Sonoma County, keep shopping. But if you want an installer who'll coordinate with your roofer and chase down PG&E permitting snags without charging extra, the modest premium pays for itself the first time something goes sideways.

Avg Rating4.9/5
Reviews Analyzed50
Trust Score
98
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Michael & Sun Solar

9+ YEARS

Michael & Sun Solar earned perfect workmanship scores across dozens of reviews, and we found zero complaints about quality or follow-up. One homeowner watched the owner and his crew discuss their installation plan on-site before starting work, and said it built confidence in a way no contract could. Another praised the team for diagnosing why a 7.2kW system only produced 6.1kW at peak (turns out the system uses some of its own power, good to know). We noticed 30 reviews singling out the craftsmanship and 19 specifically mentioning post-installation support without a single negative among them. The company stands out in two areas. First, they educate rather than upsell. Five reviewers mentioned Michael & Sun was the only installer to request a full year of electric bills before sizing the system, ensuring you don't overpay for capacity you'll never use. Second, they troubleshoot connection problems themselves instead of punting to the utility. When one customer hit a snag going online, the team walked them through every hiccup until the system worked. If you want the cheapest quote in Sonoma County, keep shopping. But if you want a local crew that will show up when your inverter throws an error two years later, this is the team.

Avg Rating4.8/5
Reviews Analyzed47
Trust Score
97
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Taylor Energy Solar & Batteries

9+ YEARS

Taylor Energy delivers installations that work better than promised. We analyzed dozens of reviews and couldn't find a single complaint about workmanship, missed timelines, or installation quality. One homeowner's system generated 12% more energy than the initial estimate, enough to power an EV charger without touching the grid. Another received a follow-up inspection two years post-install when Sean spotted a potential issue while driving through the neighborhood. We found 15 reviews praising fast, efficient installs with meticulous attention to detail. Sean Taylor physically climbs onto roofs with measurement tools rather than relying on satellite photos, then graphs your hourly PG&E usage against projected production so you can see exactly how the system will perform across a full year. Of the 29 reviews mentioning project management, all 29 praised on-time completion and clean job sites. One couple hired Taylor after a competitor left them waiting 13 months with an unapproved battery system. Taylor got them to Permission to Operate in four months during their busiest season. (When your redemption story involves solar panels, you've found the right installer.)

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed38
Trust Score
97
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Solar Santa Rosa

2+ YEARS

Solar Santa Rosa delivers what most installers only promise: a fast, transparent process and a system that actually cuts your bill. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a consistent pattern. One homeowner went from $600 monthly to $100 after installing 30 panels and two Powerwall 3 batteries. Another saw their electric bill drop to under $15 for the month. Across the board, customers praised Rami and his team for explaining options clearly without pressure, then finishing installs in under two months. (One reviewer noted friends waiting a year and a half with Tesla, which makes Rami's timeline look like a sprint.) What sets this company apart is follow-through. Rami monitors systems after activation, calls Tesla directly when batteries glitch, and reviews your bill post-install to ensure you're maximizing savings. He even helped a van-conversion DIYer source cables and adapters for free, treating a tiny job with the same care as a 30-panel install.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed33
Trust Score
97
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Northern Pacific Power Systems

LICENSEDBBB A+15+ YEARS

Northern Pacific Power Systems turns out installations that don't look like installations. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found an installer who treats hiding conduit like an art form, who declines work if the math doesn't favor the customer, and who still answers emails eight years after the sale. One homeowner called his city inspector to schedule a battery final and learned that the inspector considers Northern Pacific so reliable he'd let them sign off on their own work. Another had six microinverters fail four years post-install and watched the team strong-arm the manufacturer into a warranty replacement despite a disputed power-outage claim. The consistency is unusual: 154 reviews mention workmanship quality, and exactly two are negative. We noticed 86 mentions of post-sale support with only 4 complaints, most involving permitting delays rather than the company ghosting anyone. The trade-off is price. Multiple reviews note Northern Pacific wasn't the cheapest bid, sometimes by a wide margin, but they explain the premium with specifics like reverse-tilt panel arrays on north-facing roofs or in-attic wire runs so clean one reviewer called them "slick." If you're optimizing purely for the lowest quote, you'll find it elsewhere. But if you want an installer who'll show up same-day when a breaker fails mid-summer, or who'll turn down your deposit because your roof can't support a system worth installing, the extra cost buys you a team that acts like they'll be around to fix it in 2032.

Avg Rating4.9/5
Reviews Analyzed213
Trust Score
97
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Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems

LICENSEDBBB A+12+ YEARS

Synergy Solar runs one of the tightest operations we've seen. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and couldn't find a single complaint about workmanship or installation quality. One homeowner who added battery storage seven years after their initial install mentioned Synergy discovered and fixed a dangerous wiring problem left by another contractor during the upgrade work. Reviews consistently highlight direct access to owners Jeff and Mike, who design systems personally rather than relying on cookie-cutter iPad apps. Sixteen reviewers specifically noted the company helped coordinate roof repairs before installation or advised builders on panel placement to avoid gaps. The owner involvement shows in unexpected ways: one homeowner mentioned Jeff attended two separate HOA meetings to address neighbor concerns, and multiple customers report the team still responds to technical questions years after install. One customer rebuilt after the Tubbs Fire and called them "the most professional, responsible builders we had," noting they beat the estimated six-year payback timeline.

Avg Rating4.9/5
Reviews Analyzed99
Trust Score
97
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Earthwise Energy

LICENSEDBBB A+10+ YEARS

Earthwise Energy handles the entire install start to finish without you lifting a finger. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found two customers who'd bailed on Tesla and SunRun mid-quote, frustrated by the maze of hoops and vague timelines, then hired Earthwise and closed the job in weeks. Reviews show 27 mentions of workmanship quality with zero negative comments, and 47 reviewers praised the no-pressure sales approach by name. The standout pattern is follow-through after the system goes live. In one case, Earthwise called a customer months post-install to troubleshoot a production dip the homeowner hadn't even noticed yet. Another hired them to fix inverters that the original contractor (Solarcraft) had bungled, and the contrast was stark enough to earn a multi-year loyalty. The county permit process drags on for months no matter who you hire (one customer had to chase the office themselves when Earthwise got too busy), but the actual installation and post-sale monitoring consistently deliver. If you want an installer who'll check in on your system's output without being asked, the premium over a national chain is worth it.

Avg Rating4.9/5
Reviews Analyzed59
Trust Score
97
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Taylor Energy Systems

LICENSEDBBB A+8+ YEARS

Taylor Energy talks you out of solar when it makes no sense for your house. We analyzed reviews where owner Sean Taylor recommended against installations due to too much shade or unsuitable roof layouts, even after customers were already motivated to buy. That honesty carries through every stage: 42 reviewers highlighted fair pricing and flexible system designs tailored to actual usage rather than upsells. The company reached a perfect workmanship score because installers explain their routing plans before drilling a single hole, then the owner inspects each job personally and fixes even minor aesthetic issues without charging extra. One customer who got burned by another installer and waited a year and a half for permits hired Taylor Energy in February and had a working system by June, while neighbors who started two months earlier with a competitor were still waiting. Reviews show the team completed installs in three months during the NEM 2 deadline rush when other companies quoted a year. The wiring stays invisible, the monitoring walkthroughs are thorough, and nobody mentioned a single follow-up issue left unresolved.

Avg Rating4.9/5
Reviews Analyzed101
Trust Score
97
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Symmetric Energy

7+ YEARS

Symmetric Energy solves the problems other installers can't figure out. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found two customers whose experiences reveal why this company stands out: One homeowner watched multiple installers walk away from a project requiring panels on a detached guesthouse with battery backup to both structures, while Symmetric mapped a workable solution immediately. Another paid less for a complete off-grid system than PG&E quoted just to run new service lines. The company's unusual flexibility with equipment brands means they're not locked into one manufacturer's limitations, and 13 reviews specifically praised their straightforward sales process with zero pressure tactics. We noticed one recurring scenario across reviews: customers who hired Symmetric for a first home, then called them again when they moved. (One even had the second system installed a week after closing on the new house.) Eight reviewers mentioned measurable savings on utility bills, and three praised ongoing support years after installation, with one noting that questions still get answered promptly three years later.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed18
Trust Score
96
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Greenlief Energy

LICENSEDBBB A+7+ YEARS

Greenlief Energy gets solar installations right where bigger contractors fumble. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found zero complaints about workmanship, timeline slippage, or bait-and-switch pricing. One homeowner in Healdsburg hired Chad after five other contractors left him confused with contradictory advice and upselling tactics. Chad walked him through battery backup trade-offs, quoted thousands less than the national brands, and finished the job so cleanly that neighbors showed up with frozen food and sleeping bags during the next outage. Fourteen reviewers specifically called out the crew's craftsmanship, and a city inspector unprompted told one customer what a good job they did (inspectors never say that). Chad answers his phone, honors his quotes, and explains technical decisions in plain English. The only downside: if you're shopping purely on brand recognition or need an installer who operates outside Sonoma County, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Avg Rating4.6/5
Reviews Analyzed19
Trust Score
96
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Sunrise Solar

LICENSEDBBB A+12+ YEARS

Sunrise Solar puts its certified owners on your roof instead of sending a crew you'll never meet. We found 16 reviews praising the workmanship, and every one mentioned Kevin or Steve personally handling the installation. One customer watched them mount a complete array in a single day, then noticed competing installs in the neighborhood looked sloppier by comparison. When winter storms opened a roof leak around a vent that had nothing to do with the panels, Kevin and Steve showed up mid-storm to seal it anyway, then sealed two other vents as a preventive measure. Of 17 sales reviews, not one complained about pushy upselling. Instead, we saw the opposite: a project planner advised a customer she needed fewer panels than she'd budgeted for, costing the company a sale but earning a long-term advocate. (Apparently turning down revenue is one way to stand out in solar.) Twelve reviewers cited strong value and 11 specifically mentioned responsive post-install support, often monitored remotely by the same people who did the install.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed19
Trust Score
96
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Esquared Electric

BBB A+11+ YEARS

Esquared Electric earns our strongest recommendation for electrical work. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a company that treats complex commercial upgrades and simple fixture replacements with the same meticulous care. One property manager described a multi-building electrical conversion that involved coordinating with PG&E crews, staging installations to keep all buildings powered during the work, and presenting options in plain language throughout. Eighteen reviewers specifically praised workmanship quality, and we couldn't find a single complaint about follow-through or communication. What sets this team apart is how they handle education: multiple customers mentioned technicians taking time to explain maintenance tips and walk through each repair step, not just fixing the problem and leaving. One nonprofit called six other companies before reaching Esquared, then got next-day service and a thorough job. (Apparently being the seventh call works in your favor here.)

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed26
Trust Score
96
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Tyler Rodrigues Electric

8+ YEARS

Tyler Rodrigues Electric is a rare find: a local contractor who consistently undercuts national installers on price while using top-tier equipment. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found zero complaints about workmanship, project management, or follow-up support. One homeowner received bids from six companies and chose Tyler for both lower cost and better hardware, a combination you don't usually see. Another customer watched the crew finish the entire installation within days of permit approval, calling the experience 'no muss, no fuss.' What stands out most is Tyler's willingness to tackle warranty work other companies won't touch. When one homeowner's decade-old inverter failed and four local installers refused the small repair job, Tyler diagnosed the issue in minutes (a dusty viewing window and a loose Bluetooth module), charged only the $100 trip fee, and helped the customer navigate the manufacturer's warranty process. If you want an installer who'll spend an hour on hold with a manufacturer to save you a parts replacement, this is the rare crew that actually does it.

Avg Rating4.5/5
Reviews Analyzed16
Trust Score
95
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Ohmic Electric

14+ YEARS

We analyzed dozens of reviews for Ohmic Electric and found the same story again and again: Oliver picks up the phone, shows up when promised, and solves problems other electricians either miss or make worse. One reviewer lost power for a week after two contractors failed to fix it, then Oliver arrived the next day, restored the power, and stayed to check every outlet and smoke detector in the house. We couldn't find a single complaint about pricing, and 10 reviewers went out of their way to call his rates fair or reasonable without being prompted. The pattern that sets Ohmic apart is speed paired with rigor. Reviews mention same-day estimates, next-day installations, and jobs finished in "record time," but also thorough safety checks that catch hazards left by previous builders. If you're looking for the cheapest bid in Northern California, you may find one. But if you want an electrician who'll catch a fire hazard behind your wall while installing a bathroom fan, the modest premium is worth it.

Avg Rating4.6/5
Reviews Analyzed16
Trust Score
95

Bella Hem Solar

6+ YEARS

Bella Hem Solar earns our recommendation. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and found an installer who moves fast when others stall. One customer switched from a competitor who sat on their contract for six months, and Peter had panels on the roof in under a month. Another called out his willingness to handle design changes while they cared for a newborn, managing city approvals on their behalf. The company installs SunPower equipment exclusively, which costs more upfront but earned 31 mentions of flawless workmanship and zero complaints about installation quality. We noticed reviewers valued Peter's patience during the decision phase (he spent 20 minutes understanding one family's timeline before recommending a system size) and his follow-up after activation. The pricing drew one sharp complaint about transparency and commissions running 50% higher than self-spec alternatives, so if you plan to comparison-shop inverter models and negotiate line items, request detailed quotes early. If you want an installer who'll answer questions at 9 p.m. and clean your panels a year later, the premium buys you that kind of access.

Avg Rating4.9/5
Reviews Analyzed93
Trust Score
94

Sustainable Living Builders

7+ YEARS

Sustainable Living Builders earned our recommendation by nailing the two things that derail most solar projects: keeping homeowners informed and coordinating multiple trades without drama. One couple signed separate contracts for a new roof and a Tesla Powerwall system and received daily updates from their business manager tracking every punch list item across both jobs. Another homeowner watched crews notice mid-install that the old roof needed plywood reinforcement, communicate the issue within hours, and complete the extra work the same day. We found 75 reviews mentioning project management by name, with crews consistently showing up on time, finishing roof-and-solar combos in two to three days, and leaving yards cleaner than they found them. The company handles permits, utility approvals, and city inspections in-house, which reviewers say removed the usual bureaucratic headaches. (One reviewer admitted they can't find a single nail on the ground after the crew left, which either means excellent cleanup or they're hiding the evidence somewhere creative.) If you need both a roof and solar and want one team managing the whole mess instead of juggling two contractors who blame each other when things go sideways, this is the company to call.

Avg Rating4.8/5
Reviews Analyzed94
Trust Score
94

Sun Solar Electric

LICENSEDBBB A+9+ YEARS

Sun Solar Electric is one of the most reliable installers we've analyzed. In over a hundred reviews we found zero complaints about their follow-up support, and 61 reviewers went out of their way to praise their workmanship. When a homeowner's Enphase battery turned out to be defective a year after install, the crew troubleshot the problem for weeks, handled the warranty claim start to finish, and didn't bill a penny for the extra visits. Another customer had circuit breakers trip on Christmas and got walked through a fix over the phone the next morning at no charge. The pattern we see is a crew that treats problems like puzzles to solve, not billable hours to rack up. We did find one reviewer frustrated by sparse communication during a complicated electrical retrofit that dragged eighteen months, so if your project involves major panel upgrades expect to chase updates yourself. But 59 reviews mention strong project management, and systems installed three years ago are still running without a glitch. If you want an installer who'll show up to fix an inverter issue without pressuring you into a premature replacement, this is your crew.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed104
Trust Score
92

Vital Energy

BBB A+8+ YEARS

Vital Energy delivers on installation promises even when everything goes sideways. We analyzed over a hundred reviews and found that clients consistently praised this company for staying engaged through utility delays, permit snags, and HOA roadblocks—without ever dumping problems back on the homeowner. One customer watched PG&E throw up an 18-month delay, yet Vital honored the original pricing and worked the problem daily until the system went live. That kind of follow-through isn't typical. The company's project managers (Frankie and Dre appear in dozens of reviews) respond after-hours, chase down rebates clients didn't know existed, and handle every permit themselves. Workmanship scored 4.8, anchored by 75 mentions of quality installations and zero complaints about shortcuts. Field crews showed up on rainy days, finished in one day, and passed inspection without revisions. One reviewer sent a 3 p.m. Friday email about a minor issue and had it resolved by 4:40 the same day. The owner is a licensed electrician with decades of local experience, which explains why the company doesn't farm work out to subcontractors.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed118
Trust Score
92

Mother Nature Solar

12+ YEARS

Mother Nature Solar is the company you call when you want the same top-tier equipment the big names use, but at a price 30% lower. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a consistent pattern: customers report paying roughly the same *before* rebates as national installers charge *after* rebates. One homeowner compared bids for an identical REC-and-Enphase system and paid thousands less upfront, then pocketed the full 30% federal credit. Another reviewer switched from Sunrun after discovering Mother Nature quoted a fraction of the price for the same materials. The trade-off is straightforward. Mark, the owner, runs a lean one-person operation with subcontracted install crews. That keeps overhead low, but it also means appointments can slip if crews face conflicts or bad weather. One customer waited months for installation due to scheduling hiccups and a combiner box that needed rework. Once the system is up, though, post-install support is fast. Mark diagnosed a mystery production drop over the phone within an hour, coordinated directly with the panel manufacturer, and walked the customer's general contractor through the fix, all in a single afternoon. If you can tolerate some calendar uncertainty and want to avoid paying a 30% markup for a corporate logo, the savings here are real and the workmanship holds up.

Avg Rating4.6/5
Reviews Analyzed22
Trust Score
92

Ron Dorris Electric & Solar

LICENSEDBBB A+16+ YEARS

We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and found Ron Dorris Electric excels at responsive emergency work but stumbles on follow-through for bigger projects. One homeowner called at 8 a.m. with a dead outlet and had an electrician on-site within an hour, a pattern we saw repeated in 38 reviews praising fast turnaround. On workmanship, 59 reviews highlight experienced crews who spot code violations other contractors miss. One customer had a main panel replaced by a competitor that turned out to be dangerously miswired; Ron Dorris's electrician identified every issue, pulled permits, and rebuilt it to code over three days. But 12 reviews describe missed appointments, canceled visits, and post-install issues left unresolved. In one case, an oil cap came loose on a generator install and the company said servicing wasn't their responsibility, leaving the customer to clean up the mess. If you need a breaker replaced today, they'll likely arrive before lunch. If you're planning a generator or solar job that requires coordination across weeks, expect to chase them for updates.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed96
Trust Score
92

Pure Power Solutions

13+ YEARS

Pure Power Solutions earned our unreserved recommendation. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found sixteen customers praising their workmanship with zero complaints about installation quality. One homeowner called the conduit work so precise it looked like art, then watched the system produce exactly the projected savings nine years later. That second part matters more than curb appeal. Reviews show Pure Power designs systems to match your actual energy needs, not to maximize their sale. When one customer needed batteries for a yurt, they lost the job to communication breakdowns and a departing employee. That's worth knowing. But fifteen other reviews mention project management that stuck to quoted prices even when surprises crept in, and ten highlight post-sale support that answered calls years later to troubleshoot a loose modem connection. One customer vetted five competitors and chose Pure Power for competitive pricing and depth of pre-install consultation. If you want an installer who'll replace a melted display screen a decade after the sale, the handful of process hiccups won't erase that loyalty.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed24
Trust Score
91

Solar Works

BBB NR13+ YEARS

We recommend Solar Works without reservation. We analyzed dozens of customer accounts spanning two decades and found a near-spotless record of quality work and follow-up care that outlasts the sale. One homeowner paid out-of-pocket to have Solar Works reinstall panels during a settlement because he trusted them more than the free option. Another returned after 20 years for a third major upgrade, citing the same physics-obsessed attention to detail that defined his first install. Reviews show 27 mentions of workmanship quality and zero complaints about shoddy execution. The standout pattern is post-installation support: 22 reviewers praised follow-up visits, free monitoring fixes, and reliable system performance years later. We also noticed exceptional communication during the install phase. Sixteen reviewers highlighted responsive sales teams who refined plans over weeks, answered endless questions, and delivered detailed quotes instead of lowball estimates. One off-grid project that larger installers turned down was completed ahead of schedule at half the quoted cost, with a faulty product replaced under warranty days after the call.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed45
Trust Score
90

Sustainable Energy Group

13+ YEARS

Sustainable Energy Group consistently delivers clean installations backed by uncommonly attentive service. We reviewed nearly a hundred customer accounts and found that 35 reviewers singled out their workmanship, often mentioning that crews leave roofs cleaner than they found them. One customer watched installers track down scattered wire insulation cutoffs after finishing a deck-mounted array. Another discovered a switch turned off on their inverter, canceled an inspection appointment, and received an immediate refund with zero pushback. The company's follow-up separates it from cheaper competitors: crews monitor system output remotely and call homeowners when generation dips below projections, a level of proactive care we saw praised in 28 reviews. They also chase down warranty issues with unusual persistence. When a battery failed at the one-year mark, the team worked through pandemic supply-chain chaos to replace it and then monitored the new unit for weeks to confirm stable performance. The owner is a California-licensed mechanical engineer with three decades in solar, and it shows in the design work. Systems routinely match or exceed projected output, even during stormy weather. (One homeowner was genuinely shocked their panels kept generating watts through a rainstorm.) If you want the lowest bid in town, you'll find it elsewhere. But if you value an installer who refunds inspection fees when the problem turns out to be user error, the premium is worth it.

Avg Rating4.6/5
Reviews Analyzed74
Trust Score
90

Green Stock Solar

13+ YEARS

Green Stock Solar does solid work at a fair price. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a pattern: fast installs, careful roof work, and a no-pressure sales approach that educates instead of upsells. One homeowner had seven panels sitting dead for months after a competitor's botched wiring; David crawled into the attic, traced the faulty connections, and doubled the system's output in a single afternoon. Workmanship scores high because the crews pass city inspections without re-dos, and 19 reviewers mentioned professional planning that avoided surprises. The owner answers technical questions himself rather than routing you through a call center. One gap worth noting: a long-term customer reported unanswered calls when requesting panel removal for a roof replacement nine years after install. If you want an installer who'll sell you exactly the system you need (not the one with the highest margin) and who can troubleshoot weird voltage drops years down the road, the track record here is strong.

Avg Rating4.3/5
Reviews Analyzed25
Trust Score
89

Solar Optimum

BBB NR12+ YEARS

Solar Optimum is a safe bet for solar. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found the company delivers quality work at competitive prices, but you'll need patience for communication hiccups. One homeowner watched their neighbor's install so closely they chose Solar Optimum themselves after comparing local options. Another called with a battery issue six years post-install and got same-day service at no charge, even though a different contractor had worked on the system in between. Reviewers consistently praise the equipment quality (REC panels, Enphase microinverters, Panasonic-backed warranties) and workmanship (528 mentions of solid value, 575 of clean installation). Communication is the weak point. One city inspector made four trips because minor tasks like bonding and stucco kept getting delayed between visits. Several reviews mention unanswered emails and callback delays. If you value rock-bottom pricing over hand-holding, Solar Optimum undercuts national chains without sacrificing the install itself. If you expect every email answered within the hour, you may find the lag frustrating.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed1,247
Trust Score
89

Halvorsen Solar Service

14+ YEARS

Halvorsen Solar Service is a one-person operation run by Richard Halvorsen, and he's built a quiet reputation as the guy who fixes what other installers break. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found 25 separate mentions of his workmanship, with zero complaints. One homeowner watched him diagnose a 12-year-old arc fault in minutes (a split conduit the original installer left behind), then run monitoring cable through a crawl space so the system could send daily performance alerts. Another had SunPower refuse warranty service for over a year; Richard showed up and restored full output in three hours. What stands out is how many customers return to him across multiple projects. He removed and reinstalled panels during three separate roof phases for one client, coordinated timing with the roofing crew, discovered a faulty part after reinstall, and handled the manufacturer claim at no extra charge. The only reservation we spotted: one reviewer on a steep roof felt the price was a bit high relative to electricity savings, though they still recommended him.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed33
Trust Score
89

Citadel Roofing & Solar

10+ YEARS

Citadel handles the full install competently and stays involved after. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found consistent evidence of professional work and reliable follow-through, though not the standout performance that earns our top recommendation. One homeowner's system has produced $16,800 worth of electricity over 30 months with zero repair needs. Another saw their battery rebate approval drag on for 18 months, multiple data requests from the utility, and Citadel's coordinator navigated every clarification without dropping the ball. The company's service techs show up within days when something breaks, even for systems they didn't originally install. Seventy-five reviews mention technician Tyler by name for methodically diagnosing issues and actually fixing them the first time. (One customer watched him spend hours on the phone with LG to restore battery monitoring after a unit swap.) Citadel's project coordinators send progress emails, answer late-night calls, and handle permit red tape so you don't have to chase down paperwork yourself. The workmanship scores well. Installation crews clean up thoroughly and complete roof-plus-solar jobs on schedule, even when rain threatens the timeline.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed668
Trust Score
89

Nor Cal Solar Construction

11+ YEARS

Nor Cal Solar delivered solid installations for most customers we analyzed, but their back-office coordination lagged behind. We found 18 reviewers who specifically praised the installation work itself, with zero complaints about the physical quality of the panels or wiring. One homeowner in Petaluma reported a system running flawlessly for 18 months straight, producing exactly the output promised at signing. The company's pricing consistently beat door-to-door competitors without cutting corners on equipment. Where things stumbled: scheduling. In one case, a customer couldn't get a clear timeline from the office staff and had to keep rescheduling time off work for the crew's arrival. The owner stepped in personally after installation to walk the system through three months late. We noticed 10 reviews highlighting post-installation follow-up, but two reviewers flagged communication gaps that required owner intervention to fix.

Avg Rating4.5/5
Reviews Analyzed27
Trust Score
89

B Henry's Quality Electric

12+ YEARS

B Henry's Quality Electric nails the basics. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found zero complaints about shoddy work or blown timelines. One homeowner hired them for what seemed like a simple outlet repair, only to watch the electrician spend five hours tracing wiring through old walls until he found the actual problem, a corroded junction box three rooms away. Bill's crew responds fast, usually within a day for urgent calls, and 393 reviewers specifically praised their follow-up support after jobs wrapped. What stands out most is their troubleshooting skill on older homes. We saw 58 reviews describe complex panel upgrades or antique wiring fixes where the team diagnosed problems other electricians missed, then explained the repairs in plain terms. One customer watched Bill stay until 11 p.m. coordinating with PG&E to prove the utility's connection was the real culprit, not the panel he'd just installed. They leave job sites cleaner than they found them, a detail 90 reviews mentioned unprompted.

Avg Rating5.0/5
Reviews Analyzed495
Trust Score
89

Sun First

15+ YEARS

Sun First delivers clean, efficient installations but won't hold your hand through the process. We analyzed dozens of reviews spanning nearly two decades and found a company that excels at technical work while relying on customers to drive follow-up. One homeowner who installed panels in 2003 still generates $200 in annual surplus with zero service calls. Another had to chase down the sales rep multiple times when ready to sign, then again to locate panels suddenly "available" after he complained about shortages. Workmanship scored 4.7 out of 5, anchored by repeat customers who returned for battery additions and panel expansions over 8 to 12 year spans. The installation crews route conduit to match roof colors, honor special requests like dog potty breaks during work hours, and finish most jobs in a single day. But project coordination lags: 16 reviewers praised the actual installers while 6 noted delays between proposal and start date, missing city permits on install day, or weeks of silence after submitting quote requests. One woman documented six contact attempts over two weeks before anyone called back. If you value hands-off reliability once the system is running, Sun First's long-term performance justifies the occasionally bumpy road to get there.

Avg Rating4.7/5
Reviews Analyzed65
Trust Score
89

All Star Electric

LICENSEDBBB A+16+ YEARS

All Star Electric is a safe, no-drama choice. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and couldn't find a single complaint about project management, sales pressure, or follow-up support. Brian quotes fast (one homeowner got a number 30 minutes after the initial visit, versus 7 days from a larger competitor), shows up when he says he will, and won't upsell you into work you don't need. In one case, he spent hours troubleshooting a circuit problem unrelated to the HVAC install he'd just finished and refused payment for the repair. In another, he walked a panicked homeowner through resetting a tripped breaker over the phone on a Sunday rather than charge for an unnecessary site visit. The only real limitation is availability. Brian runs a small operation, so during busy periods you may wait longer than you would with a staffed-up firm. If you want an electrician who'll pick up the phone and tell you the truth even when it costs him a job, this is your guy.

Avg Rating4.8/5
Reviews Analyzed75
Trust Score
87

SolarCraft

LICENSEDBBB A+16+ YEARS

SolarCraft handles the basics well but doesn't deliver the standout experience you'll find at top-tier installers. We found a company where individual salespeople shine (Robert Arnold earned mentions in 50 reviews for accurate sizing and realistic timelines) but the operational backbone shows cracks. One reviewer waited six months from signing to activation, triple the promised timeframe, while their entire home renovation stalled because SolarCraft delayed a panel upgrade that should have happened immediately. Another discovered that claiming a 25-year panel warranty meant paying SolarCraft up to $2,000 for testing with no guarantee of a favorable outcome. The workmanship itself scored a 4.7, anchored by installers who ran clean conduit and delivered systems that perform as promised. In 25 reviews about post-installation issues, technicians resolved equipment failures quickly and often at no charge. But project management earned mixed marks: 101 positive mentions against 18 complaints about missed schedules and serial handoffs between project managers. If you value local expertise and can stomach the occasional coordination fumble, SolarCraft's employee-owned model and multi-decade track record in the North Bay make it a defensible choice. Just don't expect the white-glove reliability that defines premium installers.

Avg Rating4.4/5
Reviews Analyzed155
Trust Score
86

Pac Solar

BBB A+12+ YEARS

Pac Solar nails the installation but stumbles on follow-through. We found 83 reviewers who praised the workmanship itself, and zero who complained about shoddy panel placement or electrical work. One homeowner coordinated a roof replacement, old panel removal, and new system install all at once, and owner Eric Miller kept every contractor on schedule without a single missed deadline. Another had Eric design a system using six years of utility data, something none of the big-name competitors bothered to pull. The problem surfaces after the panels are running. Seven reviewers described unanswered calls when a monitoring component failed or a warranty repair was needed. One woman tried for eight months to get Eric to finalize city permits he'd started, leaving her with panels the municipality considered illegal. Another waited months for a replacement part Enphase had already shipped, never hearing back despite repeated outreach. If the system works flawlessly, you'll love the experience. If something breaks, you may find yourself stuck.

Avg Rating4.5/5
Reviews Analyzed121
Trust Score
84

Vince Sigal Electric

15+ YEARS

Vince Sigal Electric handles solar installs competently but won't wow you. We found no disasters in their work, just solid execution: one homeowner mentioned a full install wrapped in a week including city permits and PG&E coordination, another praised clean panel work completed in two days. The company earned consistent marks for workmanship (10 positive mentions, 1 negative) and follow-up support (8 positive, 1 negative). Where they stand out is emergency response. A winery manager called at 10 PM on a Saturday after his high-voltage grid failed mid-crush season. Vince arrived in 30 minutes, had the facility running on generator power by 11:30 PM, and replaced the transformer the next day. The flip side: they also employ a driver who cracked a customer's windshield doing 95 MPH on I-5, then flipped them off when confronted. (PG&E trusts them to fix grid failures. Apparently highway etiquette is optional.) For solar specifically, we saw clear communication during sales, right-sized system proposals based on actual usage history, and thorough permitting work. What's missing: any evidence they'll compete aggressively on price or bring innovative tech to the table.

Avg Rating4.2/5
Reviews Analyzed22
Trust Score
83

Suntrek Solar

LICENSEDBBB A+19+ YEARS

Suntrek Solar has been around long enough to build a loyal base, especially for pool heating. One homeowner came back to them after 13 years because the first install never leaked; another said their pool finally became usable after three summers of sitting empty. We noticed 196 reviewers praised their workmanship, and more than 220 commented on solid post-installation support. But we also found a cluster of angry customers facing roof leaks years after install, denied warranty claims, and repair quotes that felt like upsells. One homeowner said the owner blamed "poor installation" for failed panels, then admitted his own crew did the work. (The cognitive dissonance is impressive.) If you're weighing Suntrek, know that their long-term service exists, but whether it's responsive or evasive seems to depend on which side of the warranty line you fall.

Avg Rating4.6/5
Reviews Analyzed423
Trust Score
82

Napa Electric

LICENSEDBBB A+18+ YEARS

Napa Electric does solid work, but you'll pay for it. We found consistent praise for their technical skill (17 reviewers mentioned workmanship quality) and their ability to solve tricky problems that stump other electricians. One business owner called them after PG&E confirmed a sky-high bill was accurate. The technician noticed the meter number on the bill didn't match the actual meter, a detail no one else caught, saving the customer thousands of dollars. Another homeowner had a fast response when they called late in the afternoon with an urgent issue. The dispatcher checked in multiple times with ETAs, and the electrician diagnosed the problem almost immediately. That said, invoicing can drag (one reviewer waited over two months for a lamp repair with zero follow-up), and you're paying premium rates. If you need an electrician who can troubleshoot a problem that's stumped everyone else and you're willing to pay extra for that expertise, they're a safe choice.

Avg Rating4.4/5
Reviews Analyzed30
Trust Score
82

ARS Roofing & Gutters

16+ YEARS

ARS is a safe bet for straightforward roof and gutter work. We analyzed over a hundred reviews and found zero complaints about the actual roofing once it's done. One homeowner who needed to sell fast during the 2023 rainstorms watched the owner personally shuffle the schedule to fit them in months early, and the roof went on efficiently with zero follow-up issues. Another said the crew made their 30-year replacement look like "a tank could roll over it," and reviewers consistently mention foremen securing every surface nightly so nothing leaks mid-project. But we noticed a pattern: gutter jobs don't always wrap cleanly. Three customers had to call ARS back after downspouts were installed incorrectly or gutter screens were missing entirely. The company did return to fix everything at no charge, but you shouldn't need a second trip for work that was in the original scope. Emergency repairs draw mixed reactions. Some callers get same-day patches that hold for years, others report unreturned calls or billing confusion when hourly rates don't match the estimate breakdown.

Avg Rating4.6/5
Reviews Analyzed140
Trust Score
81

Applied Building Science

12+ YEARS

Applied Building Science treats your home like a science project, which sounds nerdy but saved one client four months of permit hell in a single week. We found 15 reviews praising their thorough inspections and ability to navigate rebate paperwork for programs like BayREN and California's Earthquake Authority. The company excels at insulation work: 10 reviewers mentioned attic jobs done with zero mess, complete air sealing, and willingness to install materials you bought yourself when other contractors refused. One homeowner saw their heater run half as often after ABS insulated crawl spaces and sealed ducts, and another got a $170 check from their utility instead of a bill. What we didn't find: any mention of solar work completed after 2024, or evidence the company still handles heat pump installations. One reviewer reported a $1,500 repair bill after the business closed weeks following their mini-split install.

Avg Rating4.5/5
Reviews Analyzed41
Trust Score
81

Summit Technology Group

LICENSEDBBB A+15+ YEARS

Summit Technology Group handles the basics well, but they're not a standout in the solar space. We found 19 reviewers specifically praising their installation teams for clean work and staying on schedule, and the company's post-sale support earned the highest marks in our analysis (a 4.8 out of 5, with 21 positive mentions and only 1 complaint). One homeowner told us the permitting and accounting teams managed expectations throughout a rooftop solar install, and when they called back a year later about battery storage, a technician named Jason talked them out of an unnecessary purchase. That kind of honesty is rare. The catch is value: 9 reviews flagged pricing concerns, and we noticed a pattern of fees appearing that weren't mentioned upfront. One customer was billed $180 for diagnostics after explaining the problem on the phone, then told the charge 'shouldn't have been called that' when they complained. (The promised coupon for future work never showed up, naturally.) If you're comparing purely on price, you'll find cheaper quotes elsewhere. But if you want a team that'll send the same skilled technician back for follow-up tweaks and won't ghost you after the install, the premium buys you reliability.

Avg Rating4.6/5
Reviews Analyzed37
Trust Score
81

Westcoast Solar Energy

BBB NR15+ YEARS

Westcoast Solar Energy has a serious responsiveness problem. We found multiple accounts of quotes promised but never delivered, one prospective customer waited nearly a month just to learn the company had moved on to bigger contracts. When they do show up, the workmanship is solid: 9 reviewers praised the quality of completed installations, and we saw strong marks for post-installation support (11 positive mentions, only 1 negative). One homeowner called five years after install with questions and got immediate help. But value scores are split down the middle with 5 positive and 5 negative mentions, suggesting inconsistent pricing. The company earns points for honesty, sometimes advising clients against unnecessary installs, and their YouTube cleaning tutorials have helped renters and DIYers troubleshoot panel performance. If you're a small residential project on a tight timeline, you may get deprioritized when commercial work lands on their desk.

Avg Rating4.3/5
Reviews Analyzed25
Trust Score
77

Reid Heating & Energy

15+ YEARS

Reid Heating & Energy has serious integrity problems that outweigh their technical skill. Two separate families reported that company trucks hit their cars on the highway and drove off, and when they called the owner, he allegedly refused responsibility for the damage. One parent described their kids crying in the backseat after the mirror was destroyed. The company does radiant heating well. We found 12 reviews praising responsive service and fair pricing for radiant system repairs, with one customer noting the office tried to walk them through a phone diagnosis first to save them a service call. Their solar thermal work gets solid marks too: one 2013 install still runs perfectly seven years later. But the hit-and-run pattern is a character issue, not a workmanship issue. If a company won't own up to a fender-bender, you have to wonder how they'll handle a roof leak or an inverter failure three years in.

Avg Rating4.1/5
Reviews Analyzed19
Trust Score
76

Diablo Solar Services

LICENSEDBBB A+16+ YEARS

Diablo Solar has a long track record in the Bay Area, but our analysis found a troubling split. We reviewed hundreds of customer accounts and discovered a stark pattern: long-time customers who paid for annual maintenance calls praised the company, while those who needed ad-hoc service or callback often got ghosted. One homeowner called repeatedly to coordinate roof work and never received a response, then tried again with a $30,000 PV quote and still got ignored. Another was billed $175 for work supposedly completed before the appointment was even scheduled. The company handles 223 mentions of solid workmanship and keeps warranties honored over many years. Technicians like Zack and Uli earn repeated praise for patience and expertise. But 60 reviews describe communication breakdowns so severe that customers switched providers mid-quote. If you sign up for their recurring pool-solar service plan, you'll likely get reliable annual visits. If you ever need them outside that rhythm, prepare for radio silence.

Avg Rating4.2/5
Reviews Analyzed458
Trust Score
76

Green Energy Home Improvement

8+ YEARS

Green Energy Home Improvement presents a troubling pattern of initial competence followed by systemic neglect. One homeowner paid for a finaled permit in March 2020, only to discover three weeks later that the city inspection had never happened and wouldn't be completed for another four months. Another waited over a year for permit issues, supplier payment problems, and equipment failures that now cost thousands to fix. We found 4 reviews detailing unpulled permits, ignored warranty claims, and unresponsive service after payment. Andrew and his crew earn consistent praise for tidy installations and clear communication during the sales and construction phase. Twenty-one reviewers noted professional workmanship, with one highlighting a gorgeous GAF Master Certified roof and zero leaks after the first big rains. But the post-sale support collapses: 5 negative mentions versus 9 positive, with multiple homeowners reporting screened calls, rescheduled service visits, and oversized equipment installed without consultation. The phone number listed may not even reach an active business anymore.

Avg Rating3.5/5
Reviews Analyzed26
Trust Score
74

Simply Solar

BBB A+12+ YEARS

Simply Solar has a split personality that should give you pause. We analyzed reviews spanning nearly a decade and found a company that delivers clean installs and attentive communication when things go right, but stumbles badly when problems arise. 187 reviewers praised the workmanship itself, installers cleaned up after themselves, and 63 reviews singled out steady communication throughout the project. The trouble starts after installation. One homeowner waited a month for panel reinstallation after a roof replacement, then another month with no callbacks to fix a wiring error that left the system generating 2.8 kilowatt-hours per day instead of the expected output from 26 panels. Another customer's system went dark for six weeks while the company cycled through replacement parts, and when the inverter failed again less than a year later, they couldn't get a repair appointment scheduled. 51 reviews cite post-sale support problems, a pattern that cuts against the 180 who had no issues. If a tech has to come back to your house, you may join the group that spent weeks chasing callbacks instead of the group that got same-day fixes.

Avg Rating4.3/5
Reviews Analyzed345
Trust Score
74

Zero Energy Associates

12+ YEARS

Zero Energy Associates runs a tight ship on install days, but getting a callback after the crew leaves can take months. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found 14 customers praising the workmanship itself, from ductwork adjustments to heat-pump installations that dropped electric bills below $100 a month. One homeowner froze for days waiting on a furnace repair, then watched the crew troubleshoot low airflow in real time, crawl back under the house, adjust dampers, and equalize the registers in 15 minutes. That same professionalism vanishes when you need a tweak. One customer spent two and a half years on a callback list for uneven bedroom heating, finally gave up, and hired someone else. Another waited months for a simple solar follow-up. Daniel Smith's crew earns universal marks for clean installs and passing HERS inspections, but the company has downsized to two teams and the queue shows it. If you can live with a furnace that heats unevenly for a year or two, the install quality is solid. If you expect the installer to fix minor issues without a multi-season wait, look elsewhere.

Avg Rating4.3/5
Reviews Analyzed17
Trust Score
73

American Solar

LICENSEDBBB A+14+ YEARS

American Solar faces a branding nightmare that should disqualify them from your consideration. We found 29 reviews complaining about aggressive robocalls from scammers using the company's name, many from people on the Do Not Call registry who report daily harassment from spoofed numbers. One homeowner described blocking one number only to immediately receive another call, then another. While a handful of defenders insist the real American Solar is a victim of offshore spam attacks, the company's failure to distance itself from this mess speaks volumes. Among the few installation reviews we could verify, workmanship scores well (4.7 out of 5 based on 13 mentions), and several Bay Area customers report systems that met production estimates. But sales conduct drags at 2.4 out of 5 across 52 mentions, with complaints ranging from rude cold-call hang-ups to unresponsive proposals that never materialized. One couple waited four months for a quote while rebate deadlines expired. If you can't trust a company to protect its own name, you certainly can't trust them with your roof and a 25-year warranty.

Avg Rating4.1/5
Reviews Analyzed67
Trust Score
68

Bright Energy Group

LICENSEDBBB A+3+ YEARS

Bright Energy Group will get panels on your roof, but you're gambling on whether they'll answer the phone afterward. We found multiple accounts of homeowners driving hours just to speak with someone in person after weeks of ignored emails and voicemails. One customer had to chase down the company for three months over faulty wiring that left a large hole in their drywall and cost thousands in emergency electrician fees. The pattern is stark: 11 reviewers reported poor post-sale support, compared to just 15 who praised it. Installation quality itself is a mixed bag. While 13 reviewers mentioned solid workmanship (including one who appreciated seeing the exact 30-degree panel angle during install), 3 reported code failures and wiring errors that delayed projects by months. One San Jose homeowner endured five months of repeated failed inspections, including a battery placed at six inches instead of the required three feet, and a miswired system that prevented batteries from charging. The sales experience with Rami earned consistent praise for transparency and detailed PG&E analysis, but that upfront care doesn't extend to the support you'll need when something breaks.

Avg Rating4.0/5
Reviews Analyzed68
Trust Score
63

RGS Energy

BBB NR23+ YEARS

RGS Energy appears to be a company in collapse. We analyzed over a hundred reviews and found a disturbing split between older installations that went smoothly and recent ones that never got turned on. One couple in Colorado paid almost ten thousand dollars for panels that sat inactive for a full year because RGS repeatedly failed to submit paperwork to the utility. Another homeowner spent thirty-five thousand dollars on a monitoring system that never worked from day one and discovered RGS installed a critical component into the wrong type of outlet despite manufacturer warnings against it. When he asked the company to replace the defective part, they told him to buy a new one himself for four hundred dollars. These aren't edge cases. Reviews consistently describe a company that stops responding after install, fires key staff mid-project, bills customers five thousand dollars months after work is complete, and charges hourly fees to finish installations they botched the first time. The gap between what older reviews describe (timely crews, helpful reps, systems that work) and what recent customers report (ignored calls, missing components, threats to pull out of escrow) suggests the company fundamentally changed how it operates.

Avg Rating4.1/5
Reviews Analyzed147
Trust Score
60

Enphase Energy

10+ YEARS

Enphase sells equipment, not installation services, and that distinction matters when things go wrong. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a pattern: longtime owners who chose solid installers describe years of reliable performance and quick warranty replacements when lightning takes out 32 inverters at once. But scores of others report repeated microinverter failures, installers that disappeared or went bankrupt, and months-long delays while Enphase and the contractor blame each other. One owner watched 12 inverters fail over a year while waiting for approvals that never came. Another paid for four site visits and scaffolding rentals because Enphase kept reversing its own diagnosis. The software works well (190 reviewers praised the monitoring app), but 113 reviews mentioned poor value and 79 flagged project-management chaos. Enphase's own support team is responsive and knowledgeable when you reach them, yet the company has no lever to fix bad installations. You're left mediating a warranty dispute between a manufacturer that points to wiring and an installer that may not return your calls.

Avg Rating3.9/5
Reviews Analyzed402
Trust Score
56

PetersenDean Roofing & Solar

BBB NR17+ YEARS

This company should not be on your list. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a pattern of catastrophic project failures and vanishing support once the contract is signed. One homeowner watched workers shoot nails through rotted decking that blew out the bottom of the eaves, then spent nine months sweeping rainwater off an exposed roof in the middle of the night while waiting for someone at PetersenDean to produce an actual engineering drawing. Another paid cash for a whole-house battery that caught fire twice, burning through relays and current sensors, and couldn't get anyone to return calls between repair visits. The delays are structural, not isolated. Reviews mention eight-month waits between signing and installation, systems that never get turned on, and support reps who promise follow-up then disappear from the company entirely. When things go wrong, the response is silence. We found 74 reviews describing serious roof failures, leaks, mold, and rotted decking, with customers reporting they had to leave messages for weeks before anyone acknowledged the problem. Even customers who praised the installation crews noted it took a full year of redesigns and city approvals before work could start.

Avg Rating3.2/5
Reviews Analyzed790
Trust Score
47

Devine Solar Solutions

BBB F5+ YEARS

Devine Solar Solutions isn't worth the risk. One customer waited 18 months from contract signing to activation, chasing down PG&E approvals themselves because the company never followed up. Another paid $38,000 upfront and saw zero panels installed after a year and a half. We found 10 reviews describing the same pattern: long delays to permission-to-operate (PTO), unresponsive project managers who stop replying mid-job, and customers forced to coordinate permits on their own. Post-sale support scored just 2.5 out of 10, anchored by 14 complaints about missed commitments and radio silence after installation. In one case, the team missed the installation date entirely without calling, then no-showed six more times for the same client. The company also lacks basic electrical licensing (reviewers report unqualified crews and empty warehouses with no materials), so you may end up hiring a second contractor to finish the wiring. If you need a system that actually turns on this decade, look elsewhere.

Avg Rating3.2/5
Reviews Analyzed36
Trust Score
41

Sunrun

BBB NR18+ YEARS

Sunrun will charge you while your panels sit broken. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found a company plagued by systemic breakdowns that leave customers trapped in multi-year cycles of non-functioning systems and finger-pointing. One homeowner reported paying $111 monthly for over a year while waiting for a replacement inverter, another spent nine months in 2019 without realizing their system had failed because Sunrun never monitored it despite advertising otherwise. The pattern is unmistakable: 264 reviews document service delays stretching months or years, with departmental handoffs that go nowhere. In 2025, Sunrun introduced a $580 diagnostic contract that customers must sign before the company will even investigate warranty claims, a policy that wasn't disclosed at sale. We found roof damage from botched installations (wrong brackets, failed inspections, leaks patched with no follow-up), bills sent to collections two days after project completion, and cases closed with no resolution while customers chase ghosts through a support labyrinth. The few positive stories center on individual reps, not the company's operational backbone. If you're researching Sunrun because of a Costco partnership, note that the relationship ended in 2025, and you'd be inheriting the mess without that safety net.

Avg Rating3.1/5
Reviews Analyzed28,412
Trust Score
40

Tesla Energy

BBB F18+ YEARS

Tesla Energy is gambling with your home. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found a company that can't activate systems, miscalculates energy production, and leaves customers trapped in 20-year leases with higher bills than before they went solar. One homeowner paid $78.69 into their utility's credit bank but could offset only $6.16 of their bill, discovering too late that Tesla's sales pitch about "offsetting" power was a half-truth buried in fine print. Another waited nearly two years for Tesla to acknowledge full responsibility for a roof leak, then spent four more months waiting for a subcontractor who never called, racking up $2,067 in utility bills while the removed panels sat idle. The workmanship score (3.5) is the only metric above water, but post-sale support (2.2) and project management (2.5) scores reveal a company that disappears after install. We found 1,876 complaints about support versus 838 compliments, and in one theme covering 479 reviews about performance failures, only 1% were positive. The app-only communication model means you can't reach a human when your system fails, your roof leaks, or your bill doubles. Some reviewers report threatening legal action just to get a callback.

Avg Rating3.2/5
Reviews Analyzed7,921
Trust Score
38

5 Star Energy Pros

7+ YEARS

This company is a minefield you should avoid. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a disturbing pattern: installations left incomplete, leaking roofs from botched work, and an owner who vanishes after cashing your check. One homeowner signed in March, chased the company through summer, and finally had to call the city and PG&E herself to get solar turned on in October. Another discovered a ceiling rotting from roof leaks after installation, reached out for help, and waited two and a half months with no response except hollow promises. The post-sale support score sits at 1.3 out of 10, anchored by 13 complaints about ghosting and refusal to fix problems. Multiple reviewers filed complaints with the Contractors State License Board. In one case, panels sat installed but never hooked up to the grid because the company never submitted the paperwork. The owner, Joffre, is repeatedly described as charming during the sales process, then unreachable the moment something goes wrong.

Avg Rating2.8/5
Reviews Analyzed30
Trust Score
36

Spruce Power

BBB D+6+ YEARS

Spruce Power leaves systems offline for months while continuing to bill. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found 262 complaints about panels failing or underproducing with no technician response. One homeowner waited 16 months for an inverter replacement, only to have it fail again within a week. Another was told their broken meter was "on the bottom of the priority list" after a year of back-and-forth. The billing problems are equally grim: 256 reviews describe incorrect charges, lost payments, and home-sale transfers that drag on for weeks with misspelled documents. Spruce billed one customer for two years while their system sat dark, then refused credit. A few customer-service agents earn praise for being pleasant on the phone, but they have no authority to actually fix anything. When you ask for a manager, most reps won't transfer you, and the ones who do promise an escalation that goes nowhere. The company took over leases from other installers and stopped honoring the original performance guarantees.

Avg Rating2.7/5
Reviews Analyzed2,157
Trust Score
33

smart72

11+ YEARS

This company will overcharge you and leave you stranded when things break. We found dozens of reports of surprise bills, misdiagnosed systems, and phantom repairs that made problems worse instead of fixing them. One homeowner paid $479 for a capacitor replacement after a routine service, left four messages for an explanation, and never got a callback. Another had their AC shorted out during a maintenance visit, then got charged an extra $431 for work that was never performed. The company refused to refund it. Long waits define the service experience here. One customer spent weeks without heat while the company blamed parts shortages and never communicated, forcing them to hire another contractor. Another was promised a 72-hour repair window per their service contract, only to be told the wait was actually a week (the dispatcher hung up on them). When one reviewer canceled a $12,100 ductwork replacement after an independent contractor said nothing was wrong, Smart72 took 24 days to reverse the charge. The pattern repeats across review after review: aggressive upselling during inspections, vague invoices with inflated parts charges, and techs who vanish mid-job. If you value your time and your budget, skip this one.

Avg Rating2.5/5
Reviews Analyzed189
Trust Score
32

Canopy Energy

BBB NR11+ YEARS

This company leaves customers stranded after the sale. We analyzed over a hundred reviews and found a clear pattern: responsive during sales, vanished afterward. One homeowner noticed her panels weren't working for five months before realizing PG&E's true-up bill had skyrocketed because Canopy had installed the system incorrectly to begin with. When she finally got a tech out, he confirmed faulty installation and promised monitoring setup that never happened two years later. Another customer discovered a water leak from an inverter screwed through a drain pipe—it took 10 weeks of unreturned calls, full voicemails, and a BBB complaint just to get one email reply, then silence again. The data backs this up: 75 reviews mention post-sale support problems, 79 cite value issues (broken savings promises, high bills despite panels), and 80 flag project-management chaos. We found zero positive mentions of customer service responsiveness in the 28 reviews discussing performance and support failures. Even the handful of satisfied early reviews mention vomiting installers, weeks-long blown fuses, and needing a regional manager's personal intervention to get basic work completed. The company has multiple CSLB citations, former licenses under other names, and a history of collecting illegal upfront payments.

Avg Rating2.1/5
Reviews Analyzed147
Trust Score
29

A1 Solar Power

BBB NR13+ YEARS

A1 Solar Power is not worth your time or money. We found an overwhelming pattern of deceptive sales tactics, broken promises, and systems that fail to deliver the savings customers were told to expect. One homeowner paid $36,980 for a system that required an additional $1,500 in electric bills at the end of the first year because sales reps downplayed shading issues. Another customer discovered the company had started a loan in their name before installation even began, violating their agreement with the lender. The company relies on relentless telemarketing (often spoofed numbers) that continues even after customers ask to be removed from call lists. We identified 82 complaints about sales conduct and 52 about post-sale support failures, including months-long delays in fixing malfunctioning systems and unpaid rebates. In one case, a 15-month-old system stopped working entirely and the company ignored repair requests despite a ten-year warranty. Installation crews occasionally caused roof damage that customers had to pay to fix separately. While a small minority praised knowledgeable installers, the vast majority describe a company that oversells, underdelivers, and ghosts customers the moment something goes wrong.

Avg Rating2.1/5
Reviews Analyzed101
Trust Score
29

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