Counts from public records, not a review or rating. I have no partnership with California Solar Electric; the name is as the utility recorded it.
California Solar Electric at a glance
| License lookup | California Contractors State License Board |
|---|---|
| Systems in records | 1,788 |
| Years in records | 2005–2023 |
| Latest record | 12/2023 |
| States | California |
| Top cities | Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Auburn, Rough And Ready |
| Typical system | 6.4 kW |
| Main panel brand | SunPower |
| Main inverter brand | SunPower |
| With a battery | 12% |
| Leased or PPA | 2% |
Records: LBNL Tracking the Sun.
California Solar Electric systems by state
| State | Systems | Earliest record | Latest record |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,788 | 2005 | 2023-12 |
Systems by year
Where California Solar Electric installs
California
| City | Systems | Share of company's CA systems |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Valley | 605 | 34% |
| Nevada City | 402 | 22% |
| Penn Valley | 183 | 10% |
| Auburn | 135 | 8% |
| Rough And Ready | 38 | 2% |
| Smartsville | 26 | 1% |
| Yuba City | 25 | 1% |
| Colfax | 21 | 1% |
| Newcastle | 21 | 1% |
| Browns Valley | 20 | 1% |
| Meadow Vista | 19 | 1% |
| Rocklin | 18 | 1% |
Source: LBNL Tracking the Sun, residential systems in utility interconnection records. City as the utility recorded it. How I count.
Equipment and ownership
- Panels: SunPower (52%), REC Solar (15%), Alps Technology (9%), Evergreen Solar (6%), Yingli Energy (China) (4%)
- Inverters: SunPower (43%), Enphase Energy Inc. (20%), SolarEdge Technologies Ltd. (16%), SMA America (10%), Fronius USA (1%)
- Leases and PPAs: 2% of its systems with known ownership were leased or under a power purchase agreement.
- Batteries: 12% of its systems had a battery on record.
Offered a lease or PPA? Read lease vs buy first.
Before you sign
- License. Look the company up with the California Contractors State License Board and check the name on the contract matches the license.
- Run the quote through the quote checker and the list in how to check a solar quote.
Companies of similar size in California records
Quick Systems (1,821), Sierra Pacific Home Comfort (1,816), Natural Energy (1,800), Option One Corporation (1,793), Clear Solar (1,783), Valley Unique Electric (1,729), Penguin Home Solutions (1,728), Solar Symphony (1,699).