Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lagunitas, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, locally-owned and operated solar installer serving Marin County for over two decades. They are renowned for high-quality custom designs, exceptional customer service, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid battery systems, which is highly relevant for the wooded, sometimes grid-sensitive areas of West Marin.
A leading North Bay solar and battery storage company known for its strong technical expertise and comprehensive service offerings. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and robust warranties. They provide extensive financing options and are experts in navigating Marin County's specific permitting and incentive programs.
A well-established, full-service solar provider with a strong presence in the North Bay. They handle the entire process in-house, from design and engineering to installation and maintenance. They are a Tesla Powerwall certified installer and place a strong emphasis on system monitoring and long-term customer support, including maintenance and repair services.
** The home solar market for Lagunitas, CA, is characterized by high-quality, specialized service providers rather than high-volume, low-cost national companies. The market is moderately competitive among a select group of established regional installers. The unique environmental factors of West Marin—including wooded lots, potential for wildfire-related power outages (PSPS events), and a community with high environmental consciousness—drive demand for robust, reliable systems with battery backup. **Average Quality:** Very high. The leading contractors are often NABCEP-certified, use top-tier equipment (SunPower, Panasonic, Tesla, etc.), and have extensive experience with the specific challenges of the area. **Competition Level:** Moderate. A handful of highly reputable companies compete for projects, focusing on service quality, technical expertise, and long-term relationships rather than price undercutting. **Typical Pricing:** Premium. Given the high cost of living in Marin County, the quality of the installers, and the complexity of some installations (e.g., dealing with trees, off-grid components), system costs are typically above the national average. A typical residential system before incentives can range from $25,000 to $45,000+, heavily dependent on system size and the inclusion of battery storage, which is a very common add-on.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lagunitas regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lagunitas, California.
While Lagunitas experiences significant summer fog and tree cover, modern high-efficiency panels perform well in diffuse light, and the cooler temperatures actually improve panel output. A professional site assessment is critical to identify sun-exposed roof planes, and you may need a slightly larger system or micro-inverters to manage partial shading. The area's clear, sunny afternoons, especially from late spring through fall, provide excellent generation potential once the morning fog burns off.
Installing solar in Lagunitas requires permits from the Marin County Building Inspection Division and interconnection approval from PG&E. The process involves submitting detailed plans, including a structural review for your roof. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process, which typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from contract signing to permission to operate. Marin County has streamlined its solar permitting to support state climate goals, but planning for this timeline is essential.
For a typical home in Lagunitas, a 6-8 kW system can range from $18,000 to $30,000 before incentives, depending on system size, equipment, and roof complexity. The key incentive is the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, you benefit from California's property tax exclusion for solar systems and net energy metering (NEM 3.0) with PG&E, which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid, crucial for offsetting higher local electricity rates.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience in Marin County, as they understand local microclimates, permitting, and PG&E interconnection. Look for certified, licensed installers (C-10 or C-46) with strong references in West Marin. Several well-regarded local and regional companies serve Lagunitas. Always get 3 detailed quotes, verify their license on the CSLB website, and ask for local case studies, especially for homes with tree shading considerations.
No, a standard grid-tied system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power, you must pair your solar panels with a dedicated battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a critical consideration for many Lagunitas homeowners, and batteries are now eligible for the same 30% federal tax credit, making them a more viable investment for resilience.