California solar decisions
Compare solar companies in California
The best solar company for your home has to fit the property, the electric bill and the work you need done. Start there. A statewide ranking cannot verify who will install your system or answer a service call.
Updated September 10, 2026 · California Rate Relief is a private solar referral service.
Solar companies to compare
These are starting points for collecting comparable proposals. The published services below were checked September 10, 2026. They do not establish a current license, price or acceptance of your address. The list is unranked; inclusion does not mean California Rate Relief has a referral agreement with a company.
| Company and source | Published options | Check in the proposal |
|---|---|---|
| NRG Clean Power | Its California site lists solar, storage, roofing and panel cleaning. | Confirm which work the contracting business performs, the crew assigned to your address and the separate roofing and solar warranty terms. |
| OC Solar | Its site lists Southern California service areas and an online solar and storage quote process. | Check your address against its service area. Have the site assessment confirm roof condition, electrical work and the final installed price. |
| Sunrun | Its California page describes a solar subscription and ownership through a cash purchase or loan. | Compare ownership with the subscription using the same equipment. Ask for total payments, service obligations and home-sale terms. |
| Tesla | Its purchasing guide describes cash, financing and lease options. | Confirm address availability, the business doing the installation, the final equipment scope and the service process before choosing a payment option. |
Add a local contractor to the comparison. Search the CSLB license lookup using the exact business name on the bid, then compare its scope and service terms with the other proposals. Online ratings can suggest questions to ask. They do not replace the contract or a current license check.
Choose by scope and evidence
Ask whether the bidder performs the installation, uses a subcontractor or supplies financing only. Get the legal names of the installer and service provider. Have each confirm your address, roof type, equipment and schedule in writing.
Check the CSLB record for the business on the contract. This page does not assign invented ratings or certify a company’s current coverage.
Put the quotes on the same basis
A smaller monthly payment can hide a longer contract, less equipment or a larger remaining electric bill. Ask each bidder to fill the same gaps.
| Compare | Get it in writing |
|---|---|
| System and output | Same DC system size, module/inverter models and roof layout; monthly production with shading and losses shown. |
| Battery and backup | Usable kWh, continuous output, backed-up circuits, reserve setting and expected replacement costs. |
| Price and scope | Separate solar, battery, roof, panel upgrade, permits and interconnection. Compare cash prices before financing. |
| Utility bill | Same usage history and tariff; separate onsite use, grid imports, export credits and remaining fixed/delivery charges. |
| Contract and service | Who installs and who services it; written coverage by address, insurance, license record, exclusions and warranty claim process. |
| Payment and transfer | Cash, loan, lease or PPA; upfront costs, APR or escalator, total payments, home-sale and end-of-term terms. |
| Option | What you pay for | Compare before signing |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | You buy the system. | Itemized installed price, maintenance, equipment replacement and warranties. |
| Loan | You buy the system with borrowed money. | Cash price versus financed price, APR, fees, payment changes, loan term and total repayment. |
| Lease | The provider owns equipment you rent. | Monthly rent, escalator, service obligations, buyout, removal and home-sale terms. |
| PPA | The provider owns the system; you buy its generated electricity. | Starting price per kWh, annual escalation, estimated production, purchase options and contract duration. |
Local details change the comparison
Before you request a proposal
Have your electricity usage, rate plan, roof age and expected changes in consumption ready. Ask for a solar-only price and a solar-plus-battery price using the same usage history. Use the cost and sizing guide to organize the inputs.
Want to discuss your solar options?
Send your project details to California Rate Relief. We collect the information for a solar referral; the provider confirms availability, design and price. The calculator and checklist are yours to use without submitting.