Types of Solar Energy Companies
Solar financiers, dealers, installers, manufacturers, and brokers in California.
Key Points
The California solar industry consists of various types of companies. They include:
- Solar Financing Companies
- Solar Dealers
- Solar Installation Companies
- Solar Equipment Manufacturers
- Solar Brokers
- Solar Lead Generation Companies
- Solar Sales Companies
- Vertically Integrated Solar Companies
Understanding the distinctions between the various types of companies in the solar industry is essential. Knowing their differences can save you time and money while providing a better experience on your journey to going solar.
California Solar Financing Companies
What Are Solar Financing Companies?
Switching to solar energy can help you save a lot of money, but it requires high upfront costs. Solar financing companies assist homeowners in obtaining the finance for purchasing and installing your solar system.
Financing companies often collaborate with solar dealers and installers to make solar more accessible. Many institutions offer solar financing solutions, including state programs, solar developers, private financing companies, banks, credit unions, and utilities.
Depending on how you finance your system, you may or may not require the services of a financing company. There are three main solar financing options: loan, lease, and power purchase agreement (PPA).
Solar loans are like traditional loans but for acquiring a solar system. You will receive the money to buy the solar system upfront and spread the loan repayment over some time. You will be the owner of the solar system.
Solar leases and PPAs are similar. A third party owns and maintains the solar system; you only enjoy the benefits of using the solar system and avoid the high upfront costs of the system. You will make periodic payments to the third party that owns the system.
How Do You Choose a Solar Financing Company in California?
When choosing a solar financing company, you need to first determine the type of financing solution you want: loan, lease, or PPA. Next, compare and review the terms of different companies. In addition to the financing agreements, check to see whether you need security for the transaction.
Carefully review the payment periods and interest rates, and ensure you thoroughly read the contract before signing.
Finally, always read the evaluations and reviews of previous clients to get a clearer picture of the customer support before making a decision.
California Solar Panel Dealers
What Are Solar Panel Dealing Companies?
Solar panel dealing companies promote and sell the products and services of specific manufacturers. Some solar dealers work exclusively for a solar equipment manufacturing company, while others work for more than one manufacturing company. Solar panel dealing companies engage in the sale of solar panels at a retail level.
How Do You Choose a Solar Panel Dealer in California?
When choosing a solar panel dealer, you need to consider dealers with a minimum of three years of experience. You should also engage the services of dealers that are insured and bonded. Finally, ensure that the dealer has great customer reviews.
Solar Panel Dealers in California
Suite 235
108 Whispering Pines Drive
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(877) 297-0014
(831) 462-8243
Suite 200
775 Fiero Lane
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(800) 777-6609
NRG Clean Power
(800) 698-6627
Suite 104
43445 Business Park Drive
Temecula, CA 92590
(888) 557-6431
Soligent
Suite 201
1400 N McDowell Boulevard
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-967-6917
Suite C
4291 Pell Drive
Sacramento, CA 95838
(916) 504-5000
Unit 3
13112 Santa Ana Avenue
Fontana, CA 92337
(909) 637-2005
Unit C #737
1043 Garland Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126-3159
California Solar Panel Installation Companies
What Are Solar Panel Installation Companies?
Solar installation companies usually buy solar equipment from manufacturers or distributors and train contractors to install the equipment. Hence, they can sell the solar equipment you need as well as physically install it.
You're most likely to interact with solar installers when switching to solar.
They also handle other logistics involved with going solar, like applying for permits, working with utility companies to get your system active, and filing for solar incentives. Some solar installation companies are small, local businesses that focus on a certain service area. Others are large companies that provide services across various states.
How Do You Choose a Solar Panel Installation Company in California?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a solar installer. Some of these include:
Expertise
Always ensure that the installer has the required expertise to meet your demands. Every installation is unique, and working with an installer with the required expertise to meet the demands of the installation is important.
Licenses and certification
Installers must be licensed to install in your locality. Preferably, they should have a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification or a California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC) certification. You should also engage the services of a bonded and insured installer.
Warranties
Most solar installers provide warranties. You should verify the availability, duration, and coverage of the solar installer’s workmanship warranty. These warranties protect you if anything goes wrong with your installation. Some issues that may arise is bad installation and installation of bad equipment.
Experience
Ideally, the solar installer should have a minimum of three years of experience installing solar equipment.
Customer reviews
Check reviews of the activities of the solar installer by previous customers. Ensure that the installer installs high-quality solar and storage equipment and has a reputation for high-quality installations.
Incentives
Incentives can help you save. Some solar installation companies offer financing options to make their services affordable. Others have referral deals that help you save if you refer their services to your friends. Some provide bundle packages, like when you buy some equipment together, you save more.
Transparency
Your installer needs to address any queries you might have and be open and honest about the installation procedure. Regarding the work that needs to be done on your home, there should not be any ambiguity or uncertainty. Additionally, if your installer plans to use subcontractors, make sure you are informed of the tasks they will be in charge of and the level of oversight they will receive.
Solar Installation Companies in California
Better Earth
1815 E Wilshire Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(888) 373-9379
American Array Solar and Roofing
2021 Las Positas Court
Livermore, CA 94551
211 Oak Street
Manteca, CA 95337
10174 Highway 41
Madera, CA 93636
21617 Nordhoff Street #250
Chatsworth, CA 91311
5401 Business Park South
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(844) 347-6527
Future Energy Savers
9721 Kent Street
Elk Grove, CA 95624
(800) 985-0733
G C Electric Solar
934 South Andreasen Drive
Suite E
Escondido CA 92029
8 Corporate Park, Suite 300
Irvine, CA 92606
(858) 999-3929
Next Solar Inc
1098 San Mateo Dr,
South San Francisco, Ca 94080
170 Glenn Way #1
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 375-2430
ArtGreen Solar
Suite 703
18375 Ventura Boulevard
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 995-0552
Cali Energy
Unit E
19145 Parthenia Street
Northridge, CA 91325
(323) 844-7777
Mega Power Electric Inc
Suite 6
7661 Densmore Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(800) 528-0655
Nationwide Sun
4470 Yankee Hill Road
Rocklin, CA 95677
(855) 582-8453
JDC Energy
Suite B
10373 Trademark Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 295-6600
Photon Brothers
Suite. 310
3566 South Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 351-3371
Axiom 360
981 Highland Way
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 710-4884
Forme Solar
Suite A
1211 East La Habra Boulevard
La Habra, CA 90631
Suite A
607 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Suite 232
9431 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(877) 288-1097
(714) 694-2262
NRG Clean Power
(800) 698-6627
Sunergy, Inc.
1641 Commerce Street
Corona, CA 92880
20601 Highway 18
Apple Valley, CA 92307
31744 Castaic Rd, Ste 220b
Castaic, CA 91384
(844) 435-8500
Evolution Energy
Suite G
9102 Firestone Boulevard
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 923-0110
California Solar Panel Equipment Manufacturers
What Are Solar Panel Equipment Manufacturers?
Solar equipment manufacturers build the physical components that make up a solar system. These include solar panels, inverters, batteries, electrical panels, electric meters, monitoring systems, etc.
Solar equipment manufacturers offer various models and products. Each product offered has its benefits and drawbacks. They vary in performance, capacity, and prices. Some manufacturers make all of these components in-house, but most companies specialize in creating one type of solar equipment.
Most solar panel manufacturers do not offer solar panel installation or financing services.
How Do You Choose a Solar Panel Equipment Manufacturer in California?
When choosing a solar panel manufacturer, you need to consider the cost, capacity, efficiency, features, durability, and warranties of the equipment. These factors all contribute to the overall quality of the solar equipment.
You should also consider the brand’s reputation and experience. Some manufacturers are considered industry leaders. Generally, customer reviews are helpful in choosing solar equipment manufacturers.
Solar Panel Equipment Manufacturers in California
SunPower
(800) 786-7693
Suite 704-706
Building G
38340 Innovation Court
Murrieta, CA 92563
(866) 450-1012
NRG Clean Power
(800) 698-6627
(866) 634 5291
265 Via Del Monte
Oceanside, CA 92058
(866) 787-6527
SunRun Solar
225 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
(916) 431-0220
1805 John Towers Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 357-4142
Suite 104
43445 Business Park Drive
Temecula, CA 92590
(888) 557-6431
(800) 552-9970
(818) 804-3122
901 East Cedar Street
Ontario, CA 91761
(866) 777-6527
California Solar Brokers
Who Are Solar Brokers?
Solar brokers are agents-intermediaries who assist buyers with purchasing solar equipment. They guide the buyer’s purchase process, carry out shopping, handle inquiries and concerns, and represent their interests to the solar companies. They function like real-life agents. They get paid in commission. They partner with solar companies (installation and manufacturing) and help you shop for solar products and services.
How Do You Choose a Solar Broker in California?
A solar broker should have at least three years experience. This is enough time to establish partnerships with solar companies and understand the solar industry. Past client reviews also come in handy when you want to choose a solar broker. Furthermore, you should consider the benefits of working with that solar broker or the deals they are offering. In addition, you can consider solar brokers with certifications and licenses as persons that have built credibility and expertise and can represent you excellently. Ensure that the solar broker works with top quality companies.
Solar Brokers in California
Suite 200
12707 High Bluff Drive
San Diego, CA 92130
Suite 428
3887 Pell Place
San Diego CA, 92130
(619) 946-8339
21410 Chase Street #4
Canoga Park, CA 91304
1850 Ventura Drive,
Pittsburg, CA 94565
12194 Gladys Lane,
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(855) 884-4790
13232 Creek Park Lane
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 433-6997
5045 Archcrest Way
Sacramento, CA 95816
(800) 815-9358
23742 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(818) 745-7657
14 Beta Court
San Ramon, CA 94583
(831) 205-4354
705 North Branciforte Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 200-8956
Suite 106
23 Las Colinas Lane
San Jose, CA 95119
(408) 357-2706
