Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in San Carlos, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A pioneering employee-owned Bay Area company with over 45 years of experience. They are renowned for their high-quality engineering, custom system design, and expertise in complex installations, including battery storage and energy efficiency upgrades. They focus on building long-term client relationships.
A premier, locally-owned solar installer with a strong reputation for customer service and high-quality craftsmanship. They offer comprehensive services from consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are certified partners with top-tier manufacturers like SunPower and Tesla.
A dedicated San Mateo County-based installer, giving them exceptional local knowledge of San Carlos's permitting process and utility (Peninsula Clean Energy) requirements. They specialize in personalized service for homeowners, offering both grid-tied and off-grid solutions with a straightforward, consultative approach.
** The home solar market in San Carlos is mature, competitive, and of high average quality. As a affluent community in the sunny San Francisco Bay Area with high electricity rates from PG&E, San Carlos is a prime market for solar adoption. Homeowners are often well-informed and value quality, reliability, and long-term service over the lowest possible price. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners can choose from a mix of large national installers and numerous established, reputable local and regional companies. The local firms often compete effectively based on their deep knowledge of local building codes, strong relationships with city permit offices, and personalized customer service. **Average Quality:** The average quality of installers serving San Carlos is very high, driven by stringent California licensing requirements (C-46 Solar License) and a customer base that demands premium equipment and workmanship. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is at a premium compared to national averages, reflecting the high cost of living and business operations in the Bay Area. However, the return on investment remains strong due to high electricity costs. A typical residential system (6kW - 8kW) can range from **$25,000 to $40,000+** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and any local incentives. The partnership between PG&E and Peninsula Clean Energy often provides additional local rebates and favorable net metering policies, improving the financial payoff. Most reputable companies offer a variety of financing options, including loans and leases, to make systems more accessible.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with San Carlos regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in San Carlos, California.
For a typical 6kW system in San Carlos, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, San Carlos homeowners benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) and the lack of local sales tax on solar equipment, making the long-term return on investment very strong.
San Carlos's Mediterranean climate, with over 260 sunny days per year, is excellent for solar energy production. Panels perform optimally during the long, clear summers, generating surplus power. While foggy mornings are common, especially in the "Fog Belt" areas west of Alameda, panels still produce significant energy, and overall annual production is very high, effectively offsetting your PG&E bills.
Yes, all solar installations in San Carlos require a building permit from the City's Community Development Department. The process is generally straightforward for standard roof-mounted systems, but if your home is in a designated historic district or has a complex roof, there may be additional design reviews. Your chosen installer should manage this entire permitting process for you.
Prioritize installers who are licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and have extensive local experience with San Carlos's specific permitting and PG&E interconnection process. Look for strong warranties (25 years on panels, 10+ years on workmanship) and read verified local reviews. It's crucial to get multiple detailed quotes that compare equipment quality, production estimates, and cash versus financing options.
While not strictly necessary, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall or similar is highly recommended under NEM 3.0 to maximize savings. Batteries allow you to store your daytime solar energy and use it during expensive PG&E peak hours (4-9 pm), drastically reducing your reliance on the grid when rates are highest. This combination provides greater energy independence and resilience during PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events.