Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in San Lorenzo, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the nation's largest dedicated residential solar companies. They are a major player in the California market, known for their flexible financing options, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leases, as well as cash purchases and loans. They offer comprehensive services from design to maintenance and have strong partnerships with equipment manufacturers.
A highly-rated, local Bay Area company known for exceptional customer service and high-quality installations. Baker focuses on custom system design and integrates leading technologies like Tesla Powerwall and Span Smart Panels. They are particularly strong in complex roof installations and energy efficiency assessments.
A well-established Northern California installer with a long track record and a strong focus on the East Bay. They emphasize education and consultation, helping homeowners choose the best system for their needs. Solar Technologies offers a full range of services from installation to maintenance and repair, with expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
** The home solar market in San Lorenzo is mature and highly competitive, characteristic of the broader San Francisco Bay Area. The average quality of service is very high, driven by stringent state and local regulations, high consumer awareness, and the technical demands of the market. San Lorenzo's climate, with abundant sunny days, makes it an ideal location for solar, and high electricity rates from PG&E provide a strong financial incentive for homeowners. **Competition** is fierce, with a mix of large national providers (like Sunrun) and highly specialized local/regional installers (like Baker and Solar Technologies) competing for business. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a strong emphasis on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** For a standard 6kW system in San Lorenzo, pre-incentive costs typically range from **$18,000 to $28,000**. The final price is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, roof complexity, and whether battery storage is included. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Most reputable companies offer free consultations and detailed quotes that clearly outline available state and federal incentives.
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 Lorenzo regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in San Lorenzo, California.
For a typical 6kW system in San Lorenzo, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and you may also qualify for California-specific programs like the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) for paired battery storage. Additionally, San Lorenzo's abundant sunshine means your system will generate significant power, improving your long-term return on investment.
The full process typically takes 3 to 6 months. After design and permitting, the key local step is obtaining interconnection approval from PG&E, which can take several weeks. The physical installation often takes just 1-3 days, but the timeline can be affected by Alameda County permit review speeds and PG&E's current workload for the final inspection and "Permission to Operate."
San Lorenzo is an unincorporated community governed by Alameda County, so you must comply with the county's building and electrical permit requirements. California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) significantly restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar installations, but they may have reasonable rules about panel placement for aesthetic uniformity. It's always wise to review your HOA's CC&Rs and engage with them early in the process.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Alameda County and a strong track record with PG&E interconnection. They should be familiar with the specific micro-climate (marine layer in mornings, sunny afternoons) for optimal system design. Always verify they are licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and check reviews on platforms like Yelp or the California Contractors State License Board website.
Yes, solar remains an excellent investment, especially under the current Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0). While the export rates are lower, maximizing your system's self-consumption is key. Pairing solar with a battery storage system is now highly advantageous in San Lorenzo; it allows you to store excess daytime energy to use during expensive evening peak hours and provides crucial backup power during PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, which have affected the area.