Best residential solar installers?

[Fillie]

I am considering getting solar panels installed for my 1200 sq ft house. I have spoken with Solar City about leasing vs buying. Their purchase price for enough panels to cover 1/2 my electrical bill is about $12,000. I would get the $3500 tax writeoff if I purchase through them. Or, if I lease, I would pay them monthly about $50 for the lease (I think) and they would up that payment at 2.9% a year for the 20 years of the lease. They would get the tax write-off.
So I am trying to research solar companies for either leasing or buying solar service. Anyone have experience with other companies?
Thanks!

[sambacat]

Greetings,
I went through Solar City and all the other solar companies I could find before hiring John Whisman at SolarDayElectric. He is local, extremely experienced (has done major installations at wineries, etc.), and has developed a combination of products that create the most efficient, most reliable, most reasonable system. Unlike some of the other companies, he didn't "oversize" the system -- sold us only what we needed. It is set up so that you can go online and see, in real time, the output of each panel on your roof, which is cool. He'll be there promptly if there is ever any problem. We needed something to be re-wired due to some installation by Comcast -- actually we've had no problems. You'll love the system and you'll love him! We are so happy being solarized -- it makes you feel good about doing a small, but important, bit for the planet, plus our electric bills are miniscule.
John Whisman's number is: 707-694-2380 and url is: www.solardayelectric.com.
Cheers,
Lily

[Rustie]

Solar Works - https://www.solarworksca.com/about-us/our-business/

They are a locally owned & operated company
Have been in business over 20 years
Located in Sebastopol
Excellent work, great business ethic, competitively priced
They are wonderful people & they stand behind their work

[AJL]

John Whisman and Solar works are both great. I also can recommend Jeff Mathias of Synergy
If you speak to all three of these, imho, you will be leaps and bounds ahead of the mega outfit Solar City.

Personally, I believe in Efficiency First. Therefore, I recommend that you purchase Energy Conservation Measures before installing solar. Reduce! and then Produce!

[csell]

I'm happy to give a big thumbs-up to Synergy Solar. They are probably not the least expensive but the panels are USA-made and the service unbelievable. Not only was the installation quick and neat, they have continued to provide service, monitoring, and consultation after the fact (2 years ago), all at no charge to us. Even on our somewhat larger home, we have had negative PG&E bills ever since installation. They are utterly professional and completely knowledgeable. I couldn't be more satisfied.

[joehogan]

I think the best solar installer is Robert Nuese of Healdsburg Solar Electric (this is the same Robert that previously worked out of Camp Meeker) He has decades of experience and can trouble shoot anything. He himself works on every job.

[Marcus]

Leasing can cost as much as twice the price of buying it yourself.
Lots of great companies out there. Buy, don't lease.

Harmony Farm Supply is very knowledgeable.
John Takes from North Bay Solar Electric put my system in and - after 12 years - still takes my calls and swings by when needed - FREE OF CHARGE. Could not be happier.
JT mentions Jeff. I play Volley Ball with both and know that Jeff has incredible integrity.
North Bay Solar Electric

2999 Dillon Beach Rd, Dillon Beach, CA 94929
(707) 878-2008

[lrd]

Lovely young professional who has set out on his own after years of experience; local resident. Highly recommend for integrity and quality:

https://www.michaelandsunsolar.com/home.html

Good luck.