The top solar installation companies of 2017 in California

Although the same companies took the top three spots, smaller solar installers increased their share of the market in California in 2017.

Ohm Analytics just published the list of the Top 20 Residential Solar Companies in California based on 2017 installation volumes. Last year was marked by a lot of change in the solar industry, particularly in California where the market declined by approximately 25 percent.

Even though the market declined, many smaller solar installation companies showed growth, and a few showed tremendous growth over 2016.

According to a report released by Ohm Analytics, the decline was primarily driven by Tesla deciding to get out of the solar panel leasing business, a market dynamic which also created an opportunity for small and medium-sized installers to gain share.

As prices drop and the solar lease loses popularity, it has created a market where small to medium-sized solar installers can now compete with Tesla, Vivint, and Sunrun.

 

There is room for lots of solar installers in the market

Beyond the big three, what is telling about Ohm Analytics’ report is the growth and positioning of the next 15 installers. While in 2016 these smaller companies made up only 16 percent of the market, with the top three taking 39 percent, the tables turned in 2017.

Last year Tesla, Vivint, and Sunrun lost market share to take only 29 percent of the California market. The next 15 installers made up 24 percent of the market and that was the first time so many small companies took so much of the market.

In fact, despite overall market contraction (which was mainly caused by Tesla changing their business practice), 11 of the 15 companies in the top had more solar installations in 2017 than in 2016, with Infinity Energy and Freedom Solar both showing more than 100 percent growth.
 

The solar market rebounded in the first quarter of 2018

The market has also rebounded and taken a positive turn as people turn to finance their solar panels. According to the report, solar installations increased by a whopping 14 percent in the first quarter of 2018 versus the first quarter of 2017. Ohm Analytics added the increase is driven by consumer interest in solar with storage and a strong housing market.

This data also means the remaining 50 percent of solar installations were done by even smaller more local companies. This is the first time that so many smaller companies garnered such a large share of the market.
 

HahaSmart works with verified solar installers

This is why it is important to shop around when looking for installers. Those installers compete with the big three every day. At HahaSmart we have verified installers that we work with around the country. We believe in the power of the local installer and we think they offer consumers a better deal than the big national companies.

Not that we are knocking the business practices of the big solar companies. Their products are good, and they are solar companies that stand by their work, but we have found that usually, a large company is going to contract installers throughout the US, whereas a local company is in your community. The employees live and shop with you and because of that community feeling, and they might just give you a better deal on your installation.

Now we at hahasmart also have verified solar installers across the US, and I am not saying that our verified installers are going to have the best price, but they are definitely worth checking out. Compare them to other installer quotes in your area and see for yourself.

You can also find out what kind of solar system you can set up in your home. Please visit the HahaSmart  Price Checker Tool yourself. You can not only see how much a solar panel system would cost in your area, you can find get help with every aspect of your project. Enter your information and see how much you can save in the next 20 years. 

For information relating to going solar don’t forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.