1. Top Solar Installation Companies in the Bay Area, California
February 10, 2015, MAX ROMAN DILTHEY
1. SolarCity
SolarCity is the Bay Area’s largest contributor to residential and commercial
solar, and is the nation’s leading photovoltaic installation company. With over
4,942 total installations, they are responsible for a major percentage of active
solar in California.
Founded in 2006 by brothers Peter and Lyndon Rive, SolarCity uses a
distribution model that contracts local solar installers under the SolarCity brand,
making them a trusted brand across the United States. Nationwide, they have
over 10,000 installations, more than half of which reside in California.
Elon Musk, the chairman of the company and cousin to the Rive brothers, is
already a major player in renewable technology. His company, Tesla Motors, is a
major manufacturer of a premier electric vehicle, highlighting his ambition for
sustainable businesses and green technology. SolarCity incorporates their own
innovations through their distribution model, financing, and the creation of vehicle
charging stations to increase the electric power infrastructure in California.
SolarCity has been recognized by some of the top companies in the United
States, and has numerous large-scale contracts in the commercial sector for
eBay, Walmart, the U.S. Government, and more. In 2011, they were lauded with
Renewable Energy World’s Finance Innovation of the Year Award. They also
rank #10 on FastCompany’s 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World.
SolarCity can be reached at their website, www.solarcity.com, or by phone at
888-765-2489.
2. RGS Energy
RGS Energy, owned by Real Goods Solar, is the second largest contributor to
solar installations in the Bay Area with over 2,287 completed projects spanning
all eight major counties. As a major commercial installer, they hold some of the
most impressive solar contracts in California, and have an exceptional record for
service and innovation in the solar industry.
RGS Energy counts Timex, Aetna Insurance, Stop & Shop, and Yale University
among their top commercial clients, and continues to expand their solar
installation capability nationwide with a 50% increase in installations since 2012.
RGS Energy also makes substantial investments in renewable energy,
engineering, and field resources, which highlights their ambition as a top installer
in the region.

2. RGS Energy maintains a four-star rating on Yelp! and an A+ rating on the Better
Business Bureau, and is committed to creating quality installations with
unparalleled service and the financial support that makes solar a reality for many
homeowners. RGS Energy is also an innovator in solar financing through
partnerships with companies like BMW, and has the recognition of Forbes
Magazine. By offering a 35% discount on solar installations with the purchase of
any BMW vehicle, their unique approach to solar financing sets them apart from
the competition.
RGS Energy can be reached at their website at www.rgsenergy.com, or by
phone at 888-567-6527.
3. Petersen-Dean Roofing and Solar
Petersen-Dean Roofing and Solar continues to expand in the Bay Area, and
makes a close third in total installations with 2,282 active systems. Unlike many
of the solar contractors in California, Petersen-Dean Roofing and Solar is a fully
licensed roofing contractor with the highest certifications available, and over 30
years experience in the solar market.
As a veteran of the industry, Petersen-Dean Roofing and Solar carries an
impressive track record. They hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau,
are recognized by the National Housing Quality Program, and hold GAF Master
Elite certification in roofing. SolarReviews.com, a solar review aggregator, gives
Petersen-Dean Roofing and Solar a 4.47/5 rating.
Jim Petersen and Joe Dean are local to the Bay Area, founding the company in
San Jose in 1984. They partnered with General Electric in 1999 to produce over
500 solar-powered homes, helping to jump-start the solar industry in California.
Today, Petersen-Dean boasts thousands of installations nationwide, and their
success is a boon for California’s economy.
PetersenDean can be reached at their website at www.petersendean.com, or by
phone at 1-800-564-0362.
4. Sungevity
Sungevity is a major player in the Bay Area and California’s regional solar
market. They have over 1,398 installations across the area, and are the ideal
choice for anyone looking for responsible, sustainable solar services and
installations.
Sungevity boasts several certifications beyond the minimum prerequisites for a
major solar installer, highlighting an approach to business that goes the extra
mile. They hold the prestigious Diamond Certified rating for highest quality in the

3. Bay Area, and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Sungevity is
also a Certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous social and environmental
standards set forth by B Lab, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Sungevity was the first solar company in the United States to use satellite
imagery to design solar installations, adding the convenience of a quote without a
site visit to their professional services. Sungevity is also an international
installation company, with offices in the United States, Australia, and the
Netherlands.
Danny Kennedy, co-founder and President of Sungevity, is committed to solar as
a business and as a way of improving the world through green infrastructure. As
the former Campaigns manager for Greenpeace, his vision for a “Rooftop
Revolution” in solar is a driving force behind Sungevity, a Green America
Certified Business for their efforts in sustainability.
Sungevity can be reached at their website at www.sungevity.com, or by phone at
866-SUN-4ALL.
5. REC Solar
REC Solar, a top 5 solar installer for the Bay Area with 1,297 total installations,
boasts some of the most impressive cost-per-watt ratios in California,
specializing in large-scale commercial systems that reduce costs through bulk
installation.
REC Solar passed their residential installation to Sunrun in 2014, allowing them
to focus completely on commercial installations. With over 140 megawatts of
power generation installed nationwide, they are the premier commercial
contractor in California’s solar industry. Over 350 of their installations are 100
watts or larger.
REC Solar’s extremely low cancellation rate of just 5% against the industry
standard of 40% highlights their service and commitment to customer
satisfaction. They are an A+ rated business with the Better Business Bureau, and
hold numerous partnerships with photovoltaic panel manufacturers to give an
ideal ratio between value and quality in their components.
REC Solar can be reached at their website, www.recsolar.com, or by phone at
888-657-6527.