California solar decisions
Compare solar companies in Petaluma, California
A useful Sonoma County quote starts with the actual property, electric bill and scope of work. Compare the same system. Then compare the contract.
Updated September 12, 2026 · California Rate Relief is a private solar referral service.
Verify the company behind each Petaluma quote
This page does not rank or confirm local companies. Ask each bidder for the legal business name, license number, written address coverage and the person responsible for installation and later service. Check the current record through the CSLB license lookup before signing.
Start with your Petaluma electricity bill
Petaluma customers may see Sonoma Clean Power generation and PG&E delivery on the account. Use the actual providers, rate plan and solar enrollment shown on the bill. A generation-only rate or a neighboring bill is not a complete solar comparison.
Local permit and project checks
Petaluma's Building Division lists SolarAPP+ and solar-permit information alongside its residential permit and inspection resources. Ask the bidder to identify the permit path, responsible business, submitted plans, inspection schedule and any roof or electrical work excluded from the proposal.
What a Petaluma quote needs to explain
| Check | Ask each bidder |
|---|---|
| Generation and delivery | Identify the generation provider, PG&E delivery service, rate plan and solar enrollment from the current account before modeling a proposal. |
| Permit and inspection | Ask who uses the City permit path, submits documents, schedules inspections and holds responsibility for revisions. |
| Comparable contract | Compare roof scope, electrical scope, equipment, warranty responsibility and all payment obligations on the same written basis. |
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. |
A comparison to ask for
Run every bid from the same bill history and roof layout. Keep solar, storage, roof repair, electrical work, permits and warranty terms distinct. Then compare the written contract total and the remaining-bill assumptions for the actual account.
Verify the company behind the quote
Ask for the legal business name, installer license number, written address coverage and the company responsible for repairs. Match the proposal to the CSLB license record. A brand appearing in search results is not proof that it currently serves your home.
No company list establishes acceptance of your address. Use the checklist to compare the bids you receive; ask for project references you can check directly.
Next: work through the bill and system assumptions
Use the bill and quote calculator to compare your own inputs.
Petaluma solar quote questions
Does Sonoma Clean Power replace PG&E on a Petaluma solar account?
Sonoma Clean Power's tariff describes generation service while PG&E continues other electric services. Use the current account to identify the providers, rate plan and solar enrollment before comparing bids.
Does every Petaluma proposal include the same City permit work?
No. Ask the bidder to identify the actual permit path, submitted plans, inspection duties, roof work and electrical work for the property in writing.
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.