Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Redwood City, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the nation's leading residential solar, battery storage, and energy services companies. They are highly active in the California market and offer a comprehensive suite of services, from consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and various financing options, including their popular solar lease and PPA plans.
A well-established, privately-held company that specializes in both roofing and solar installations. They are known for handling the entire project in-house, which can streamline the process. They offer purchase, loan, and lease options and have a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service in the Bay Area.
A highly-rated, locally-focused solar installer known for personalized service and expertise in custom system design. They work with top-tier equipment and have extensive experience with both grid-tied and battery backup solutions. They are praised for their deep knowledge of local incentives and their high-touch customer experience.
The home solar market in Redwood City is mature and highly competitive, characteristic of the wider San Francisco Bay Area. The combination of high electricity rates from PG&E, abundant sunshine, and strong state and local incentives (like the Net Energy Metering program and potential local rebates) makes solar an attractive investment for homeowners. The average quality of installers is high, given California's strict licensing requirements. Competition is fierce, which can benefit consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Redwood City before incentives ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**, highly dependent on system size (typically 5kW to 10kW), equipment quality, and roof complexity. Most reputable companies offer robust warranties (25-year on panels, 10-year on inverters) and are thoroughly versed in navigating the permit process with Redwood City's Community Development Department.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Redwood City regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Redwood City, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Redwood City, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, you benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) with Peninsula Clean Energy, which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid, improving long-term savings.
Redwood City's famous "Climate Best by Government Test" is excellent for solar, with over 260 sunny days per year providing consistent energy generation. While coastal fog can reduce morning output in some neighborhoods, especially in summer, the overall high solar insolation leads to strong annual production. Systems are designed to account for local microclimates, and the moderate temperatures actually help panels operate more efficiently than in hotter inland areas.
Yes, all solar installations require a building permit from the Redwood City Community Development Department. The process is generally streamlined for standard rooftop systems, but if your home is in a historic district or has a complex roof design, review may take longer. Your installer should handle this process, ensuring compliance with the California Electrical Code, fire setback requirements, and the City's specific planning guidelines.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience, as they understand Redwood City's permit process, microclimates, and common roof types. Verify they are a licensed California C-10 or C-46 contractor and check their reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Contractors State License Board. Ask for local references and ensure they provide detailed production estimates specific to your home's orientation and any potential shading from nearby trees or structures.
Yes, solar remains an excellent investment, primarily because PG&E's rates are among the highest in the nation and continue to rise. Under NEM 3.0, it's crucial to pair your solar system with a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall) to maximize savings. A battery allows you to store excess solar energy for use in the evening during peak rate periods, dramatically increasing your bill savings and providing backup power during PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events, which can affect our area.