Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Sonoma, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, regional provider with deep roots in Southern California that has successfully expanded its services to Northern California, including Sonoma County. They are known for high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and being a premier installer of premium brands like SunPower. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance and are well-versed in local incentives.
As one of the largest dedicated residential solar companies in the U.S., Sunrun has a significant presence in Sonoma. They are a major player in solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. They also offer purchase options and their own Brightbox battery storage solution.
One of the original solar installers in the U.S., with decades of experience. They have a strong operational history in California and offer custom-designed systems for grid-tied and off-grid applications. Their long tenure in the industry provides a track record of stability and expertise, particularly in system design for complex roof types and energy goals.
** The home solar market in Sonoma, California, is robust and highly competitive. The average quality of installers is high, as the informed and environmentally conscious consumer base demands expertise and reliability. Competition is fierce between large national providers (like Sunrun and Tesla) and established regional/legacy contractors (like Baker Electric Solar and RGS Energy), which generally benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and improved service. Typical pricing for a residential system in Sonoma ranges from **$3.00 to $4.00 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average 6 kW system can cost between $18,000 and $24,000 gross. However, the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces the net cost. Sonoma County and PG&E also offer various rebates and incentives, particularly for pairing solar with battery storage, which is increasingly popular due to concerns over Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Most reputable providers in the area are experts in navigating these local incentive programs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Sonoma regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Sonoma, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Sonoma, 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), and Sonoma County homeowners may also qualify for additional local rebates. The net cost after the ITC typically falls between $12,600 and $17,500, making solar a strong financial investment given our high electricity rates and abundant sunshine.
Sonoma's excellent solar insolation means your system will produce ample energy most of the year. However, due to PSPS events and wildfire risk, pairing your solar panels with a battery storage system is highly recommended. A battery like the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery will keep your essential loads running during grid outages, providing critical backup power that standard grid-tied solar alone cannot offer.
Installation requires permits from both your local city or county building department and approval from PG&E, your utility provider. Sonoma County has specific building and electrical codes that account for fire safety, especially in wildfire-prone zones, which may affect equipment placement. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process, including navigating any potential homeowners association (HOA) rules, which in California cannot unreasonably restrict solar installations.
Prioritize local, established companies with strong reputations and crews familiar with Sonoma County's specific permitting and climate challenges. Verify they are licensed (California C-10 or C-46), insured, and have positive reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) directory. Always get multiple detailed quotes and ask for references from recent installations in your specific neighborhood.
Yes, but the economics now strongly favor adding battery storage. Under NEM 3.0, the credit you receive for exporting solar energy to the grid is significantly lower, especially during our sunny afternoons. By storing your excess solar in a battery and using it in the evening during peak rate periods, you maximize self-consumption and achieve much greater utility bill savings, making a solar-plus-storage system the most financially sound choice under the new policy.