Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Solar Energy Solutions for Homes & Businesses in Grass Valley
California Solar Electric stands as the first worker-owned solar cooperative in Nevada County and California, serving our community since 2000. As local solar experts deeply rooted in the neighborhoods we serve, we combine over two decades of technical expertise with a commitment to community empowerment. Our team of worker-owners brings unparalleled dedication to every project, offering comprehensive solutions including solar panel installation, battery backup systems, smart energy management, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.We distinguish ourselves through our B Corp certification, emphasizing sustainable business practices and social responsibility. Our customer-centric approach ensures personalized education about solar options, with testimonials consistently highlighting our professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail. From residential solar installations to commercial energy solutions, we deliver tailored systems that maximize energy independence while supporting local economic vitality.
Services
Residential Solar
Battery Storage
Smart Energy Management
Commercial Solar
Electric Vehicle Chargers
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of local solar expertise since 2000
- Our worker-owned co-op model ensures exceptional service quality
- We provide complete energy solutions from solar to battery storage
- Certified B Corp committed to sustainable business practices
- Award-winning customer service with proven installation excellence
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
What people say
Responsive to calls
Patient with questions
Efficient installations
Excellent workmanship
Highly recommend
Services
Residential Solar
We design and install customized solar energy systems for homes, helping homeowners achieve energy independence while reducing utility costs. Our solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, with options to integrate battery storage for backup power and smart energy management systems for optimized efficiency. Backed by 20+ years of local installation experience and certified B Corp status, our solutions combine cutting-edge technology with proven reliability.
Battery Storage
Our battery backup systems store excess solar energy for use during power outages or periods of high demand. Compatible with major brands like Tesla and Enphase, these systems provide uninterrupted power supply while reducing grid dependency. As the only worker-owned solar co-op in California, we ensure precise installation and comprehensive support, with demonstrated expertise in integrating storage solutions into both new and existing solar systems.
Commercial Solar
We deliver tailored solar solutions for businesses seeking to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Our commercial installations feature high-efficiency panels with production monitoring systems, providing predictable energy expenses and potential tax incentives. With experience serving diverse industries from retail to agriculture, our B Corp-certified team ensures optimized system design and seamless installation that aligns with business operations and sustainability goals.
Smart Energy Management
Our smart energy systems maximize solar efficiency through real-time monitoring and automated optimization. These solutions provide detailed consumption analytics, enabling homeowners and businesses to track energy usage patterns and identify savings opportunities. Complementing our solar and battery services, these management systems are part of our comprehensive approach to creating integrated, future-ready energy solutions for residential and commercial clients.
Electric Vehicle Chargers
We install advanced electric vehicle charging stations that integrate with solar power systems for sustainable transportation. These solutions allow homeowners and businesses to charge vehicles using clean, self-generated energy, reducing both carbon footprint and fuel costs. As part of our complete energy ecosystem, EV charging installations are designed to complement solar and storage systems for maximum efficiency and environmental benefit.
Questions
What types of solar services do you offer for homeowners?
We provide complete residential solar solutions including panel installation, battery backup systems, smart energy management, and EV charging stations. Our team customizes systems to meet individual energy needs.
Are you certified solar professionals?
We are a Certified B Corporation with over 20 years of local installation experience. Our team includes NABCEP-certified professionals and holds CSLB license #779624.
Do you serve commercial businesses?
Yes, we design and install commercial solar systems for businesses, non-profits, and government entities throughout Nevada County and neighboring communities.
What financing options are available?
We offer various financing solutions including solar loans and help customers access federal tax credits and state incentive programs for solar installations.
How do you handle system maintenance?
Our dedicated service team provides comprehensive maintenance including system inspections, troubleshooting, and battery maintenance. We offer repair services for all components of solar and battery systems.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Nevada County and surrounding communities, including Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, and Rough and Ready.
Videos
Reviews (6)
R. More
Jan 08, 2022
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I have had these guys up to my cabin 4 times expanding my solar system. Professional crew installing my panels. Hope to have them come up in 2022 for backup batteries. Highly recommend this employee owned company. There great! THANK. YOU.!
Deborah Kobeski
Dec 25, 2021
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Sierra Burton was our first contact with your company. She answered all of our questions, and we had a lot of them. when she said she would do something, she did it. We got three quotes for our solar project, and Sierra made it an easy choice as to which one to go with. Her willingness to go on the roof to check for appropriate locations made her a standout in our world. The other two companies did not go on the roof. Everyone in your company did a good job at our house, and it all started with Sierra Burton. Frank and Debbie Kohler
David King
Nov 23, 2021
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We had an amazing experience with Cal Solar! We had other companies come out to the house but Cal Solar was BY FAR the most professional, knowledgeable, responsive and friendly. We love them and our solar system.
Sandra Strayer
Nov 15, 2021
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I liked working with them. They were transparent and did what they said they would do when scheduled. The installers were great; it took them less time than was scheduled (1day instead of 2). Also, when we had that heavy rainfall a few days later, nothing leaked. They are a quality organization and I would recommend them to anyone.
Kellie Buttram
Oct 25, 2021
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Sierra was so refreshing to work with. She was knowledgeable, timely, and made the process of getting solar an awesome experience. My husband and I spoke to several other solar companies but California Solar outdid the other companies in every way; especially in their design, choice of systems, and how reasonably priced the panels were. Everyone that worked with us during this process from Melanie to the installers were top notch.
We will refer everyone we know to California Solar for all of these reasons, but especially because of Sierra! She made the whole process a piece of cake and now we can run the air conditioning whenever we want! Yeehaw!
We will refer everyone we know to California Solar for all of these reasons, but especially because of Sierra! She made the whole process a piece of cake and now we can run the air conditioning whenever we want! Yeehaw!
Frank Murphy
Oct 15, 2021
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We've had two wonderful experiences with California Solar. The first was a grid tie-in system three years ago and the second was a Tesla Powerwall battery system this past summer. Everything from our first meeting with Ellis Garvin on the first project, to our last meeting with him on the most recent project, was friendly and professional. We did not have a single experience with anyone there that left us feeling less than secure and looked out for.
In fact, they went above and beyond our expectations on a few occasions.to the point that we felt we had to do something to show our appreciation for them (think Harry & David). Simply put: they are the best! John Frank & Vickie Murphy Grass Valley CA
In fact, they went above and beyond our expectations on a few occasions.to the point that we felt we had to do something to show our appreciation for them (think Harry & David). Simply put: they are the best! John Frank & Vickie Murphy Grass Valley CA