Bells HardingstoneCalifornia is one of the largest solar markets in the United States, but not every company has lived up to expectations. While many providers deliver reliable systems and professional service, some have developed a negative reputation for fraud, poor customer support, bankruptcies, or misleading contracts. These issues have led to the creation of a list of the worst solar companies in California. Understanding who these companies are and why they failed is important for homeowners and businesses planning to invest in solar energy. By learning from these examples, consumers can make smarter and safer solar choices.
Top 10 Worst Solar Companies in California
1. DC Solar – Benicia, California
DC Solar is often named among the worst solar companies in California because it turned out to be a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Based in Benicia, the company misled investors by selling more mobile solar generators than it ever produced. It fabricated lease contracts and falsified documents to lure customers and investors into believing in a profitable operation. Many lost significant amounts of money, and its shutdown left a major stain on the state’s solar industry. DC Solar represents how fraudulent business practices can disguise themselves as legitimate renewable energy efforts in California.
2. Solyndra – Fremont, California
Solyndra is one of the worst solar companies in California, once headquartered in Fremont. It rose quickly with promises of unique cylindrical solar panel technology but collapsed after failing to compete with cheaper crystalline silicon panels. The company relied heavily on government loan guarantees, which led to a scandal when it declared bankruptcy in 2011. Thousands of jobs were lost, taxpayers lost money, and investors felt misled. Solyndra’s failure became symbolic of risky investments in alternative energy without solid market competitiveness, earning it a place among the most infamous solar failures in California.
3. Solar Trust of America – Oakland, California
Solar Trust of America, based in Oakland, earned a reputation as one of the worst solar companies in California because of its inability to deliver on massive promises. The company announced ambitious solar projects, including the Blythe Solar Power Project, but eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Investors and communities were left disappointed when these projects never materialized as planned. Its downfall illustrates how overambitious planning without financial and technical stability can tarnish the reputation of the solar sector. Solar Trust of America is a cautionary tale of how big promises can lead to big failures in California’s solar market.
4. Vivint Solar – Operating throughout California
Vivint Solar consistently ranks among the worst solar companies in California due to widespread consumer complaints. Known for aggressive sales tactics, the company has been accused of misleading homeowners with exaggerated claims about cost savings and energy efficiency. Customers also report confusing contracts, hidden terms, and poor follow-up services after installation. Many feel trapped in long-term agreements that fail to deliver promised benefits. Although Vivint has a large market presence, its reputation in California is marred by negative experiences. Its approach makes it one of the least trusted solar providers in the state.
5. SolarCity – San Mateo, California
SolarCity, once headquartered in San Mateo and later acquired by Tesla, is often considered one of the worst solar companies in California because of a pattern of customer dissatisfaction. Common complaints include delays in installation, defective equipment, poor workmanship, and aggressive door-to-door sales tactics. Many customers reported that the savings promised by representatives did not materialize. Despite its rapid growth, the company’s reputation suffered significantly due to unresolved service issues and high-pressure sales. Even after being absorbed by Tesla, the legacy of SolarCity’s practices continues to affect public perception of solar adoption in California.
6. Spruce Finance – San Francisco, California
Spruce Finance, based in San Francisco, is ranked among the worst solar companies in California because of its focus on financing without reliable customer service. Many customers who financed solar systems through Spruce reported billing errors, hidden charges, and unresponsive support. Problems became worse when customers had their contracts transferred after system purchases, leaving them confused about terms and responsibilities. Spruce Finance highlights how poor financial management and weak customer relations can tarnish trust in the solar industry. For California residents, the company stands out as a prime example of how financing pitfalls can damage solar adoption.
7. Mosaic, Inc. – Oakland, California
Mosaic, headquartered in Oakland, is often listed among the worst solar companies in California for its lending and financing practices. While the company presents itself as a clean energy financing leader, numerous customers reported hidden fees, confusing loan terms, and misleading sales tactics by partner installers. Mosaic’s issues are not about installation directly, but about how it handles solar financing agreements. Many homeowners felt burdened by unexpected financial obligations that reduced the supposed benefits of switching to solar. This has led to Mosaic’s inclusion among California’s most problematic solar-related companies.
8. American Solar Direct – Los Angeles, California
American Solar Direct, based in Los Angeles, closed operations after leaving many customers without service or warranty support. It is among the worst solar companies in California because of its failure to provide long-term maintenance and fulfill contractual obligations. Customers reported unresponsive communication and abandoned systems once the company went bankrupt. This caused frustration among homeowners who invested heavily in solar systems with the promise of reliable service. The company’s collapse demonstrates how unstable business practices and lack of accountability can damage consumer trust in the state’s renewable energy market.
9. HelioPower – Murrieta, California
HelioPower, based in Murrieta, is listed among the worst solar companies in California because of recurring customer complaints about unfinished projects and poor follow-up service. Although it presented itself as a solar and energy efficiency leader, many customers complained of unprofessional installations, delayed timelines, and difficulties in securing support after purchase. Lawsuits and disputes further harmed its reputation in the state. HelioPower’s struggles reflect how weak project management and customer care can turn a promising solar provider into one of the least reliable names in California’s solar industry.
10. PetersenDean – Fremont, California
PetersenDean, a Fremont-based solar and roofing company, is considered one of the worst solar companies in California due to its bankruptcy filing and unresolved customer complaints. Many homeowners reported being left with incomplete projects, unpaid warranties, or abandoned service contracts. Despite being one of the largest residential roofing and solar firms in the state, its financial collapse caused widespread dissatisfaction. Customers who trusted PetersenDean for solar installations faced long legal and financial battles. Its downfall highlights the risks consumers face when large solar companies fail to maintain financial and operational stability in California.
Reasons Why They Are The Worst Companies in California
- Engaging in fraudulent activities and deceptive practices that harm consumers and investors
- Failing to complete promised projects or abandoning customers after bankruptcy
- Using aggressive and misleading sales tactics to pressure homeowners into contracts
- Delivering poor workmanship, defective equipment, or incomplete installations
- Imposing confusing financing terms and hidden fees that trap customers in bad deals
- Ignoring customer complaints and providing little or no follow-up service
- Overpromising on energy savings while underdelivering on actual results
- Leaving customers without warranties or technical support when companies shut down
Reasons Why You Should Not Patronize These Worst Solar Companies in California
- You risk losing money on systems that do not deliver promised savings
- You may be tied to long-term contracts that are unfair and difficult to exit
- Your solar project could be delayed or left incomplete with no recourse
- Customer support may be unresponsive or nonexistent after installation
- Financing agreements may contain hidden charges that increase costs
- Warranties and service guarantees may become worthless if the company fails
- Your investment in clean energy may turn into financial stress and frustration
Conclusion
The worst solar companies in California serve as cautionary tales for consumers considering renewable energy investments. Fraud, poor service, bankruptcies, and deceptive practices have left many homeowners disappointed and financially burdened. By learning about these companies and why they failed, consumers can avoid repeating the same mistakes. It is essential to thoroughly research solar providers, verify financial stability, and review contracts carefully before signing. Choosing the right company can ensure that the transition to solar energy is beneficial, cost-effective, and reliable, while avoiding the risks posed by California’s most problematic solar providers.