Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in San Leandro, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated, full-service solar installation company with deep roots in the Bay Area. They are known for personalized service, high-quality craftsmanship, and expertise in both residential and commercial projects. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
A well-established, family-run business specializing in residential solar and battery systems. They are praised for their transparent communication, technical expertise, and clean installations. They offer robust financing options and are highly knowledgeable about local incentives.
While headquartered in a nearby city, Solar Harmonics is a top-rated, employee-owned company that serves San Leandro extensively. They are recognized for exceptional customer service and are a Premier Partner with SunPower, offering some of the highest-efficiency panels on the market with strong warranties.
** The home solar market in San Leandro is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a mix of long-standing local installers and large national companies vying for business in the sunny East Bay. The average quality of providers is high, driven by stringent California licensing requirements and a knowledgeable consumer base. High electricity rates from PG&E continue to be a primary motivator for homeowners to adopt solar. The market offers a full spectrum of solutions, from basic grid-tied systems to advanced setups with battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall), which are increasingly popular for backup power. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, depending on system size, panel quality, and installation complexity. Companies that can expertly navigate local permitting, PG&E interconnection, and available incentives like the SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program) for batteries have a distinct advantage.
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 Leandro regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in San Leandro, California.
For a typical 6kW system in San Leandro, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, San Leandro residents benefit from Alameda County's streamlined permitting process, which can lower soft costs, and you should also explore Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) solar rebate programs that are occasionally available for customers in our area.
San Leandro's mild, Mediterranean climate is excellent for solar, with abundant sunshine, especially from May to October. While summer fog can occasionally reduce morning output, panels still generate significant power. The cooler temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hotter inland valleys, and you can expect strong production nearly year-round, with a predictable dip during shorter, rainier winter days.
You will need an electrical and building permit from the City of San Leandro's Community Development Department. The city participates in the SolarAPP+ automated permitting platform for standard rooftop installations, which can approve permits instantly online. For more complex systems, a manual review is required, but the city is generally efficient, with the entire permitting and inspection process typically taking 2 to 6 weeks from application to final approval.
Prioritize local, licensed C-10 or C-46 solar contractors with extensive experience navigating PG&E interconnection and San Leandro's specific permit requirements. Always check for strong reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Contractors State License Board website. Major red flags include high-pressure sales tactics, refusing to provide a detailed contract, or lack of proper licensing and insurance, which is critical for your protection.
Under California's NEM 3.0, which took effect in April 2023, the credit you receive for exporting solar energy to the grid is significantly lower, making it more advantageous to consume your solar power directly or store it. This makes adding a battery storage system highly recommended for San Leandro homeowners to maximize savings, increase energy independence during PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff events, and still achieve a strong return on investment over the system's lifetime.