Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Fairfax, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated Marin County company specializing in custom-designed residential solar and storage systems. They are known for exceptional customer service, high-quality craftsmanship, and deep expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
A full-service provider that combines solar installation with roofing expertise, which is a significant advantage for integrated projects or homes needing roof work. They offer comprehensive services from consultation and design to maintenance and repair.
A national leader in residential solar with a strong local branch. Sunrun is a top choice for homeowners interested in solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), offering a low-upfront-cost path to solar. They also provide robust monitoring and maintenance services.
** The home solar market in Fairfax, CA, is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a population that is environmentally conscious and technologically savvy. The average quality of providers is high, as companies must meet stringent state licensing requirements and the high expectations of Marin County residents. Competition is strong among local, regional, and national installers, driving innovation in both products and customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Fairfax is in line with the high cost of living in the Bay Area, generally ranging from **$20,000 to $45,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, depending heavily on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage (which is increasingly popular for backup power). Homeowners have access to a wide range of financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs, in addition to California-specific incentives like Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0). The market is currently seeing a significant shift towards systems paired with batteries to maximize savings under the new NEM 3.0 rules.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Fairfax regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Fairfax, California.
For a typical Fairfax home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system currently ranges from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Beyond the 30% federal tax credit, California's Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0) program is crucial, and Marin County residents can benefit from Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. Additionally, you may qualify for specific rebates from Marin Clean Energy (MCE), our local Community Choice Aggregation provider, which can further reduce upfront costs.
Fairfax's microclimate is excellent for solar. While morning fog may slightly delay production, the vast majority of days are clear and sunny by midday, providing strong, consistent sunlight. Modern high-efficiency panels perform very well in diffuse light and cooler temperatures, which actually improve panel conductivity. The seasonal variation means you'll generate the most power in the long, clear summer days, which helps offset higher usage from air conditioning.
Yes, Fairfax has local planning requirements. All installations require a building permit from the Town of Fairfax. If your home is in a designated historic district or has a heritage tree, there may be additional design reviews to ensure panels are not prominently visible from the street or don't impact protected trees. Working with a local installer familiar with the Town's planning department can streamline this process significantly.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Marin County, as they will understand Fairfax's specific permitting and climate. Ensure they are licensed (C-10 or C-46), bonded, and insured in California. Ask for references from recent Fairfax or nearby installations and verify they handle the entire process, including interconnection with PG&E and submitting paperwork for Marin Clean Energy (MCE) programs. A strong local track record is often more valuable than the lowest bid.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a critical consideration for Fairfax homeowners. A battery stores excess solar energy, allowing you to power essential circuits during PSPS events or other outages, providing significant energy resilience.