How to Choose the Right Solar Company in California

Why your choice of installer matters 

Solar is a 25- to 30-year decision. The hardware is important, but the installer you choose determines the quality of the design, the safety of the electrical work, the accuracy of the production estimate, and the responsiveness if anything ever goes wrong. The “right” company will size the system properly for your usage, model savings under California’s current net-billing rules, secure permits smoothly, install cleanly, and service the system over its life. The wrong one can leave you with roof leaks, tripped breakers, missed inspections, disappointing savings, or a customer support black hole.

Start with your goals and constraints.

Before you collect bids, define what you want your solar project to accomplish. Clear goals help you compare proposals apples-to-apples.

• Primary objective: Bill reduction, resilience during outages, electrification (EVs, heat pumps), or all of the above.
• Budget and ownership preference: Cash purchase, loan, or lease/PPA.
• Timeline: Do you need the system live before a remodel, a new EV delivery, or a specific season?
• Roof and property realities: Roof age and condition, shading from trees or neighboring buildings, and available space (rooftop vs. carport vs. ground mount).
• Future loads: Planned EVs, pool equipment, or HVAC upgrades can change ideal system size. Tell bidders up front.

Having these points written down will save time and force any prospective installer to respond to your objectives—not just push a cookie-cutter package.

Verify licensing, insurance, and local experience.

In California, solar work is regulated. Reputable companies won’t hesitate to share credentials.

• State licensing: Look for a valid CSLB license—typically C-46 (Solar Contractor) and/or C-10 (Electrical Contractor). Ask for the license number and check it.
• General liability and workers’ comp insurance: Request certificates that list you (or your property) as the certificate holder.
• Local authority familiarity: California has hundreds of Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Each city or county has nuances around plan sets, fire setbacks, main panel upgrades, and inspection sequencing. The right installer knows your AHJ’s process and timelines and can speak to them confidently.
• Roofing know-how: If penetrations are involved, ask who performs the roofing work and what roof warranty remains or is provided post-install.

Demand a site-specific design, not a napkin sketch.

A credible proposal reflects your roof geometry, shading, electrical service, and usage history.

• Load analysis: Provide 12 months of utility bills. The designer should model your consumption by season and time-of-use period.
• Shading and layout: Expect a shade study using on-site measurements or reputable software that accounts for obstructions and seasonal sun paths. Panel placement should respect fire setbacks and roof pathways.
• Electrical assessment: A licensed electrician should review your main service panel rating, breaker space, service conductor limits, grounding, and any need for a main panel upgrade (MPU) or line-side tap.
• Production estimate: Annual kWh production, monthly shape, assumed system losses, and degradation should be disclosed. If the proposal doesn’t state assumptions (tilt, azimuth, shading %, inverter clipping, temperature coefficients), ask for them in writing.

If a salesperson can’t explain the design choices clearly or dismisses detailed questions, keep looking.

Evaluate equipment with clarity, not brand hype.

California offers a wide equipment landscape. Rather than chasing brand names, focus on the performance and protection that affect you.

• Modules (panels): Compare wattage, efficiency, temperature coefficient, and product/performance warranties (years and degradation schedule).
• Inverters/optimizers: Microinverters (e.g., per-panel) vs. string inverters with DC optimizers. Microinverters excel on complex roofs or shading; string systems can be cost-efficient on simple roofs. Look for strong warranties and local service support.
• Racking and attachments: Ask what roof attachments are used, how flashing and waterproofing are handled, and whether the hardware has third-party testing for uplift and corrosion.
• Monitoring: Ensure module-level or system-level tracking is included, with homeowner access. Make sure you understand what you’ll see and who will monitor performance long-term.
• Batteries (optional but increasingly valuable): If you want backup power or to shift energy under California’s net-billing, compare battery usable kWh, power (kW) for starting loads, round-trip efficiency, warranty cycles, and integration with your inverter and backup panel. Ask for a backup loads analysis to confirm that critical circuits (fridge, lights, internet, some outlets, and possibly HVAC) are supported.

Understand California’s net-billing reality (formerly “net metering”)

Under today’s rules, exported solar power earns variable credits based on the hour of day and season rather than a simple one-to-one retail credit. This changes how systems should be sized and often makes solar + Storage more attractive. Your installer should:

• Model hourly production against your time-of-use rate plan.
• Show the difference in savings between solar-only and solar + battery.
• Explain how a battery can shift solar to peak-price evening hours and provide resilience during outages.
• Walk you through the utility interconnection steps and timeline.

If a proposal still uses outdated “net metering” math or only shows a single annual savings number without hourly modeling, that’s a red flag.

Compare proposals the right way.

Price is important—but so is value. Compare in a structured way so you don’t pick a low bid that actually costs you more in the long run.

• System DC size (kW) and expected annual kWh: Bigger wattage doesn’t always mean better if shading is mishandled or if production assumptions are unrealistic.
• Price per watt is not everything: A lower $/W can hide inferior equipment, minimal warranties, or poor workmanship. Always weigh the 25-year cost of ownership.
• Warranties:
  • Workmanship/labor warranty (who pays if there’s a roof leak or inverter swap in year 7?).
  • Roof penetration warranty, where applicable.
  • Monitoring and service response commitments (define SLAs in writing).
• Degradation and energy guarantees: Some installers backstop production with an energy guarantee. If offered, read eligibility requirements (e.g., keeping monitoring online, performing maintenance).
• Battery transparency: Backup duration depends on weather, loads, and discharge settings. Serious installers provide a load-based backup estimate and explain how you’ll manage usage during outages.

Financing: cash, loan, or lease/PPA—what’s right for you

Each path has trade-offs. A trustworthy company explains them without pressure.

• Cash: Lowest lifetime cost and maximum control over equipment and incentives.
• Loans: Look beyond the monthly payment. Compare APR, dealer fees, prepayment rules, and term length. A “low payment” often hides steep dealer fees. Ask for the cash price and the financed price side by side.
• Lease/PPA: You don’t own the system; you buy power or rent equipment. This can work for some, but scrutinize escalators, early-termination terms, transfer rules if you sell the home, roof work requirements, and what happens after the term.

Whichever you choose, insist on clear, written terms and avoid signing anything you don’t fully understand.

Permitting, inspections, and interconnection: who handles what

California projects typically require:

• Structural and electrical plan sets stamped as needed,
• City/county permits,
• Utility interconnection approval, and sometimes
• Fire department review and final inspection.

A seasoned installer manages this end-to-end. Ask for an estimated schedule, what could delay it (e.g., main panel upgrades, utility meter appointments), and how they’ll keep you informed. If your property is in a wildfire-prone region or special zone, confirm any extra requirements early.

How to spot quality workmanship before you sign

You can’t see inside conduit runs on a proposal, but you can look for the habits that lead to clean, durable installs.

• Conduit routing: Preference for attic runs where feasible; neat exterior conduit runs parallel and tight to surfaces; matching paint when exposed.
• Roof penetrations: Proper flashing and sealants; attachment points aligned; minimal cable slack; no trip hazards or blocked roof pathways.
• Labeling: Code-compliant placards at the service equipment and combiner points.
• Array aesthetics: Balanced row spacing, even wire management, and consistent rail overhangs.
• Commissioning checklist: Ask to see a sample checklist the crew uses to verify torque specs, polarity, breaker labeling, and monitoring activation.

Request photos from a few recent projects—ideally on similar roof types to yours.

Check references and reputation—beyond star ratings

Online reviews are a start, but they can be noisy. Ask for three recent customers—ideally one older install (2–5 years) and two recent. Questions worth asking:

• Did the production match the estimate?
• How did the company handle change orders or unforeseen issues (e.g., bad wood under shingles, panel upgrade surprises)?
• Was the communication steady from contract to PTO (permission to operate)?
• Have you used a warranty or service? How fast was the response and resolution?

Patterns matter more than any single review.

Red flags that should make you pause

• Pressure tactics (“this price is good today only”).
• Vague proposals without production assumptions or line-item equipment.
• Unlicensed subs doing core electrical or roofing work.
• Promises that ignore your utility rate plan or today’s net-billing structure.
• Financing that’s discussed before design, or financing terms that shift between the sales call and the contract.
• No mention of inspection or interconnection steps.

Questions to ask every California solar company

Use these to structure your conversations and to document answers:

1. What CSLB license(s) do you hold, and who will be the qualifying individual on my permit?
2. Who performs the roofing penetrations, and what roof warranty will I have post-install?
3. Please walk me through your shade analysis and the key assumptions behind the production estimate.
4. Will you model my savings under my current time-of-use plan and today’s net-billing credit structure?
5. Do you recommend microinverters or string + optimizers for my roof, and why?
6. If I add an EV or electrify heating later, what’s the best plan to expand or integrate Storage?
7. If a main panel upgrade is needed, who handles it and how will it affect schedule and price?
8. What are your workmanship and roof-penetration warranties, and what’s the typical service response time?
9. Can I see photos of two recent, similar roof installations and speak to those homeowners?
10. What monitoring will I have, and who watches for faults after installation?

Record answers and compare across bidders; the best companies welcome informed customers.

Solar + Storage: when a battery makes sense

In many parts of California, a battery improves the economics and resilience of a solar project. Consider Storage if you:

• Experience frequent outages or want backup for medical devices, refrigeration, or home offices.
• Want to shift solar energy to high-price evening hours under time-of-use.
• Plan to electrify (heat pumps, EVs) and want to maximize self-consumption.

Be wary of generic “whole-home backup” promises without a load analysis. Most homes benefit from a critical loads panel strategy that keeps essentials running efficiently.

HOA and aesthetic considerations

California law limits how HOAs can restrict solar, but you still want a smooth process:

• Submit the design early to the HOA with clear drawings showing panel placement and conduit routing.
• Request black-frame modules and low-profile racking for street-facing arrays if aesthetics are sensitive.
• Confirm any setback or visual screening requirements that might influence array size.

Maintenance and long-term service

Solar is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Expect:

• Monitor alerts for inverter or module issues; address them promptly.
• Visual inspections every few years to confirm wire management, roof attachments, and debris control.
• Cleaning only when soiling is significant (dusty regions, near freeways, or agriculture). Many systems don’t need regular washing, but ask your installer what they recommend for your area.

Pick a company that offers clear service routes, not just a cheerful handoff once the inspection is signed.

What a professional timeline looks like

While each AHJ and utility differs, a realistic high-level flow is:

1. Consultation & data collection (utility bills, site photos).
2. Preliminary design & ballpark pricing.
3. Site visit to validate roof and electrical details.
4. Final design, contract, and financing (if applicable).
5. Engineering and permitting submission.
6. Installation (often one to three days for residential solar-only; more with storage or panel upgrades).
7. Inspections & utility interconnection steps.
8. Permission to Operate (PTO) and monitoring handoff.

A competent firm will share expected durations and communicate delays proactively.

How to choose between a local and a national provider

Large national installers may have buying power and established processes. Local companies often offer faster communication, owner-level accountability, and nuanced knowledge of city permitting and utility quirks. What matters most is verifiable quality: licensing, references, workmanship photos, and transparent proposals. Many Californians prefer local providers because service over 25 years is easier when your installer is rooted in the community.

Turning three quotes into a confident decision

When you have two or three proposals that meet your technical needs, pick based on:

• Clarity: Which company explained your design and savings model best?
• Fit: Who engaged with your goals (EVs, electrification, outage backup) instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all kit?
• Trust signals: Licensing, insurance, references, and workmanship warranty strength.
• Service promise: Who commits in writing to response times and monitoring support?
• Total value: Equipment quality, design quality, service commitment, and price—together.

If you’re still torn, request a brief proposal review call with each contender. Pay attention to how they handle hard questions about assumptions, warranties, and financing terms.

Checklist: what your winning proposal should include

While you’ll likely favor paragraphs over paperwork, make sure the final package includes these essentials:

• System size (kW), equipment models, layout drawings, and shading assumptions.
• Annual and monthly kWh projections with degradation and losses disclosed.
• Clear statement of the utility rate plan assumed and modeling under current net-billing.
• All permits, inspections, and interconnection are included or itemized.
• Workmanship, roof, equipment, and monitoring warranties are spelled out.
• Scope for a main panel upgrade (if needed): price and schedule impact.
• Financing terms in plain language, with cash price vs. financed price.
• Service commitments: response time, contact information, and monitoring support.

If anything is missing, ask for it. Good companies view detailed documentation as standard, not as a special request.

Conclusion: A practical path forward—and why many Californians choose JJ Energy

Choosing the right solar company in California boils down to diligence and alignment. Define your goals, verify licensing and insurance, insist on a site-specific design, compare full-lifecycle value (not just $/W), demand clear modeling under today’s net-billing rules, and select a partner who promises—and proves—long-term support. When you do, you’ll get the outcome solar is meant to deliver: lower bills, cleaner power, and a safer, more resilient home or business.

If you’re looking for a team that embraces this approach, transparent designs, careful electrical work, and responsive service, JJ Energy is a strong choice. They focus on thoughtful system design tailored to your usage and roof, explain savings under California’s current utility structures in plain English, and prioritize workmanship and post-install support so you’re not left on your own after PTO. Whether you’re a homeowner planning for an EV, a business aiming to control demand charges, or a property owner seeking dependable backup power, JJ Energy can walk you through options, provide a clear proposal, and deliver a clean, code-tight installation.

Ready to evaluate your property with a no-pressure, site-specific design? Contact JJ Energy to schedule a consultation and get a proposal tailored to your goals, budget, and timeline.