Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Santa Clara, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A veteran-owned and operated company known for its strong customer service and comprehensive solar and battery installation services. They are a certified Tesla Powerwall installer and emphasize quality workmanship and transparent pricing.
A large, established roofing and solar contractor with a significant presence in California. They handle the entire process in-house, from design to installation, and offer robust warranty options.
A highly-rated, customer-focused local installer known for personalized service and expertise in designing efficient solar systems. They have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
** The home solar market in Santa Clara is highly competitive and mature, driven by the city's abundant sunshine, high electricity rates from PG&E, and environmentally conscious population. The average quality of installers is very high, with numerous established, licensed, and certified companies competing on service, technology, and financing. Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Santa Clara ranges from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average 6kW system can cost between $18,000 and $22,800. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), along with potential local incentives, can significantly reduce this net cost. Most providers are well-versed in the specifics of Santa Clara Municipal Electric for customers who are on the city's utility, as opposed to PG&E, which requires nuanced system design.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Santa Clara regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Santa Clara, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Santa Clara, costs range from $18,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Beyond the 30% federal tax credit, Santa Clara residents benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) and are exempt from paying sales tax on solar equipment. Additionally, you may qualify for specific rebates from Santa Clara Clean Energy (SCCE), the city's community choice aggregator, which can further reduce your upfront cost.
Santa Clara's abundant sunshine makes it excellent for solar, with peak production from April to October. While coastal "June Gloom" can cause morning fog and slightly reduce early summer output, panels still generate significant power from diffuse light, and afternoons are typically sunny. The system is designed to overproduce in sunnier months to offset lower winter production, ensuring annual energy needs are met.
Installation requires a building permit from the City of Santa Clara's Planning Division and an interconnection agreement with Silicon Valley Power (SVP), the municipal utility. A qualified local installer will manage this entire process. From signing a contract to "Permission to Operate," the timeline is typically 2 to 4 months, with SVP's interconnection review being a critical, locally-specific step.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing in Santa Clara and a strong track record with Silicon Valley Power. Check for a California C-46 Solar License, local references, and reviews. A local company has direct knowledge of city inspectors, SVP's specific requirements, and Santa Clara's microclimates, which can streamline permitting and optimize system design for your neighborhood.
While not essential, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall is highly recommended under NEM 3.0. This policy significantly reduces the credit you get for sending excess power to the grid. A battery allows you to store your solar energy for use in the evening when SVP's rates are highest, dramatically increasing your savings and providing crucial backup power during PSPS events or grid outages.