Barnes Solar Overview
Expert Score: 4.6/5
Founded in: 2009
Barnes Solar, established in 2009, has been an active participant in the solar industry, providing services in 1 state. We dug into what Barnes Solar offers, how customers actually feel about working with them, and where they stand in the industry to give you the straight story for your solar decision.
Barnes Solar’s Offerings at a Glance:
- Customer experience: Reviews average out to 4.6, painting a picture that includes both satisfied customers and those with concerns.
- Service range: Along with solar-related work, covering most of what homeowners need, Barnes Solar handles Solar Panel Installation: Barnes Solar specializes in sustainable energy solutions, including professional solar panel installation. Their skilled team of installers and technicians ensures high-quality work. Energy Efficiency Solutions: Barnes Solar focuses on making clean home energy accessible and affordable. They provide energy efficiency solutions to help homeowners reduce their energy consumption. Solar Hot Water Systems: In addition to solar panels, Barnes Solar offers solar hot water systems. These systems use solar energy to heat water for residential and commercial use. Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Systems: Barnes Solar installs solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight into electricity. These systems can significantly reduce electricity bills and contribute to a greener environment. Energy Storage Solutions: Barnes Solar may also offer energy storage solutions, such as battery systems, to store excess solar energy for later use.
- Web traffic and visibility: Their site attracts roughly 4104 monthly visits, showing a Positive growth trend and indicating where things are headed.
- Coverage area: Operating in CA. Barnes Solar is actively expanding solar system installations across various markets.
- Certifications and licenses: They maintain the standard certifications you’d expect – NABCEP. The BBB has them rated at F, which factors into how they stack up professionally.
Deciding whether Barnes Solar fits your needs depends on weighing their track record against some of the mixed feedback available. Getting the full picture requires digging into the details. Our breakdown comes from 10 sources to help you decide if Barnes Solar is the right fit for your solar project.
Independent Sources
Barnes Solar Reviews
| 🔗 Source | Votes | Average Score |
|---|---|---|
| energysage.com | 11 | 5.0 |
| solarreviews.com | 28 | 4.03 |
| yelp.com | 69 | 4.7 |
| bbb.org | No reviews | No reviews |
| consumeraffairs.com | No reviews | No reviews |
| indeed.com | 4 | 4.0 |
| trustpilot.com | No reviews | No reviews |
| angi.com | 6 | 5.0 |
| birdeye.com | No reviews | No reviews |
| Google reviews | 61 | 4.7 |
| Expert Score | 4.6 |
Learn more: What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
Based on Company Info
Barnes Solar Reviews
| Company Website | barnessolar.com |
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Areas Served | CA |
| Services Offered | Solar Panel Installation: Barnes Solar specializes in sustainable energy solutions, including professional solar panel installation. Their skilled team of installers and technicians ensures high-quality work. Energy Efficiency Solutions: Barnes Solar focuses on making clean home energy accessible and affordable. They provide energy efficiency solutions to help homeowners reduce their energy consumption. Solar Hot Water Systems: In addition to solar panels, Barnes Solar offers solar hot water systems. These systems use solar energy to heat water for residential and commercial use. Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Systems: Barnes Solar installs solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight into electricity. These systems can significantly reduce electricity bills and contribute to a greener environment. Energy Storage Solutions: Barnes Solar may also offer energy storage solutions, such as battery systems, to store excess solar energy for later use. |
| Roofing service | yes |
| Panel Options | SolarEdge, LG Electronics |
| Battery Installations | Enphase, SolarEdge, LG Electronics, Hoymiles |
| Certifications | NABCEP |
| Solar system leases service | yes |
| Expands dealership network | – |
| BBB Rating | F |
| Warranty | 25-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty, 10-Year Warranty Roof Penetrations, 25-Year Workmanship Warranty |
Barnes Solar Website Visits Two-Year Trend: Positive
Learn more: Website Visits Trend.
| Avg Monthly Visits | Page Per Visit | Time On Site | Bounce Rate | Direct Traffic | Search Traffic | Paid Search Traffic | Referral Traffic | Mail Traffic | Social Traffic |
| 1004 | 1.7 | 48 | 0.46 | 7% | 84% | 0.19% | 2.9% | 0.03% | 5.3% |
Barnes Solar Social Media
What Do Customers Say About the Barnes Solar?
Positive reviews:
“I waited to write this review because I wanted to have enough time with the system to write a fair review. We have now been installed about 9 months and we are extremely happy with our choice to go with Barnes Solar. They were professional, responsive and fair. Initially, we were leaning toward another vendor, but after talking to neighbors we researched Barnes and decided to go with them. It was a great decision. Throughout the process, our project manager worked hand-in-hand with us. Even several months after installation, when I contacted him for copies of paperwork, he immediately replied and provided the materials. I would highly recommend Barnes Solar.” – kevinliebl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ March 19, 2020
“Let me save you some time on deciding whether to get solar and which contractor to use. Not only was Barnes Solar the best price they did a great job. It took me a long time to decide to go solar. Now that I had it installed; I should have done it a long time ago. Picking the right contractor was another challenge. There are so many contractors in this industry I didn’t know how to proceed. So I took the time and started getting estimates. Normally I get 3 estimates and decide which one will do the best job at the best price. Not necessarily the lowest bid. With solar I got 8 estimates. My project was a custom one. Barnes Solar beat out the competition. Even after the installation I had questions and Barnes Solar was there to help.” – john ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 23, 2020
Positive reviews:
“After shopping for a solar system for four months, I finally settled on Solaria panels for my home. I did some research & located a local installer. But their quote didn’t make sense and I decided not to use them. I wrote to Solaria corporate office and indicated I really liked their panels but needed to locate a honest reputable company in my area. They provided three recommendations (none were the company I had already engaged) & one was Barnes Solar. I spoke to Mike at Barnes and I knew I had a winner. Truth be told, I am a tough consumer and I do my homework. I don’t like the “used car salesmen” approach used by so many solar companies. Mike was none of it. Anyhow, I received an acceptable quote & did the deal. Barnes did everything they said they would do. Signed a contract on June 11. My association provided the green light on July 8. Barnes scheduled installation on July 15-16. The county inspection completed on July 16. PTO was granted by SDG&E on July 20. Doesn’t get much better. I highly recommend Barnes Solar & you will see why the have a perfect 5 star reputation.” – Joseph B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ August 31, 2020
“I waited to write this review because I wanted to have enough time with the system to write a fair review. We have now been installed about 9 months and we are extremely happy with our choice to go with Barnes Solar. They were professional, responsive and fair. Initially, we were leaning toward another vendor, but after talking to neighbors we researched Barnes and decided to go with them. It was a great decision. Throughout the process, our project manager worked hand-in-hand with us. Even several months after installation, when I contacted him for copies of paperwork, he immediately replied and provided the materials. I would highly recommend Barnes Solar.” – Ladera Ranch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ March 19, 2020
Negative reviews:
“Unable to contact anyone associated with this company. Some sites say they have been bought by LA Solar. Any contract are now worthless.” – Timothy ⭐☆☆☆☆ June 10, 2025
“I had an installation from a previous company Barnes Solar that they bought. When the installation was done they cracked roof tiles and put a hole in the roof. With the bad rains this year, the house was wrecked. They sent out someone who promised it was fixed, but it rained again and more damage was done to the house. After multiple ‘no-show’ appointments scheduled, they sent out an electrician without a ladder. Now they say they’re not responsible even after I hired a roof to inspect the damage they caused. This company is only out for itself and does not care about any damage they cause.” – Barry L ⭐☆☆☆☆ February 16, 2023
Positive reviews:
“My experience with Barnes left me very unsatisfied, BUT my experience with LA Solar Group / Solar Edge was excellent. If Barnes installed your system, they went out’a business, call LA Solar Group / Solar Edge [if they are your inverter provider]. LA Solar Group / Solar Edge moved at lightening speed to resolve all of our system’s issues. Great customer service!” – Christian C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ May 10, 2022
“In my Opinion I would not use Barnes Solar! On my job they cut corners like not replacing the service panel flashing when they upgraded my service? My house is 56 years old and they left the old banged up flashing! Who does that? Then when called on it they have given me nothing but grief and no satisfaction like doing the right thing and just admitting a mistake was made and replacing it! It may be watertight now but will it be for the remaining life of my roof which I hope will be 25 years? Thumbs down from me!” – Mike J. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ July 25, 2018
Negative reviews:
“Now part of LA Solar group. They did not transfer any of their warranty services over. All owners that bought from Barnes are SOL on that front. Hopefully your unit warranty covers the parts cost as you will be paying for the labor out of pocket.” – Matt S. ⭐☆☆☆☆ August 18, 2023
“I had an installation from a previous company Barnes Solar that they bought. When the installation was done they cracked roof tiles and put a hole in the roof. With the bad rains this year, the house was wrecked. They sent out someone who promised it was fixed, but it rained again and more damage was done to the house. After multiple ‘no-show’ appointments scheduled, they sent out an electrician without a ladder. Now they say they’re not responsible even after I hired a roof to inspect the damage they caused. This company is only out for itself and does not care about any damage they cause.” – Barry L ⭐☆☆☆☆ February 16, 2023
Positive reviews:
“I started as helper and quickly moved up by leading from all the professional installers and electricians who were quick to to mentor a good worker who showed enthusiasm” – Solar Installer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ April 23, 2025
“Barnes solar is an excellent place to work. Very knowledgeable people and a family atmosphere. I worked there for 4 years and enjoyed it very much. If you are looking to work in solar I suggest applying.” – Residential Superintendent/Journeyman/Foreman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ September 13, 2019
Negative reviews:
“Run away as fast as you can! Cheapest company around. Refuses to pay travel time or supply documentation when requested. They dont believe in safety and installers are smoking weed on the job. If the homeowner actually goes on their roof after the installation and its tile…its a sad sight to see all the broken tiles repaired like a bandaid.” – Solar Installer ⭐☆☆☆☆ July 9, 2020
Positive reviews:
“My experience with Barnes left me very unsatisfied, BUT my experience with LA Solar Group / Solar Edge was excellent. If Barnes installed your system, they went out’a business, call LA Solar Group / Solar Edge [if they are your inverter provider]. LA Solar Group / Solar Edge moved at lightening speed to resolve all of our system’s issues. Great customer service!” – Ken H. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ April 2019
“The process went well and very smooth . They are excellent and very clean, very professional , curious , friendly and nice . The price is much cheaper than any one else for 23 solar panel 7.6 kw system i only pay 22.000. They are on time and i would highly recommend them .” – Joshua B. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ April 2019
Positive reviews:
“My company PCS Energy has contracted over 50 commercial solar installations with Barnes Solar. Having worked with several solar installers in the past I can say with out a doubt, Barns solar is the best installer I have seen in the industry. The owner Ricky Barnes is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to customer satisfaction. His crews are organized, clean and respectful. We continue to work with Barnes Solar due to their integrity and overall great work ethic. I have attached a few photos of projects Barns Solar has done for our company.” – Zach Jennings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2018
“Barnes Solar did a great job with my solar installation. From start to finish their team was very professional. I requested bids from 6 different solar companies. Two didn’t show up and Barnes came back with the best price and I felt they had the best experience. Pete came out first and we discussed my needs. He gave me some great ideas for my installation. They completed the project quick and it looks great. Even after the installation and my panels were up and running I called Pete with a problem. He responded right away and sent out his electrician. Come to find out it was a problem on my existing electrical wiring. His electrician helped me isolate the problem so it was easy for me to correct. I know if I ever need help or have questions regarding my Solar System, Barnes Solar will be there for me. Thank you Pete and to all the Barnes Solar Team.” – John Navarrete ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2018
Negative reviews:
“I got solar panels from Barnes Solar at the end of 2019 and, in 2020 and 2021, they did not produce electricity for 6 months and 2 months respectively. I got a bill of ~$1,400 from Edison. I informed Barnes Solar but they refused to reimburse a single dollar. However, a few days after my call, they sent a technician who fixed the solar panels. A few months ago, I started receiving large bills from Edison and they told me that in spite of these monthly bills, you will get another huge bill at the end of 2021. I asked them the reason and they told me that my panels were not generating enough electricity. I wrote an email to Barnes Solar a few days ago but have not received a response. I have been calling them and, after a few attempts, somebody picked up and said that he would call me back within 2 hours to let me know what was going on but I never got a call back from anyone from Barnes Solar. I wish I never did business with this Barnes Solar and, instead, did some research and had gone with a better company.” – Nayyar Bashir ⭐☆☆☆☆ 2022
“Dont get barnes solar really bad service and you will end up paying 2 bills they dont care i keep calling and they never answer dont trust mike he is kind at first but then when you sighn contract and he gets pay he doesnt care about you anymore please dont get this company they will give you problems and waste of money” – Katy Neri ⭐☆☆☆☆ 2022
Summarizing:
Do We Recommend Barnes Solar Services?
Expert Choice
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Barnes Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating back to 2009 and a commitment to not using subcontractors, Barnes Solar offers warranties ranging from 25 years, ensuring long-term reliability. Their in-house expertise and quality of work make them a top recommendation for homeowners seeking unparalleled solar solutions. You can expect a wonderfully high-quality solar panel system project, carried out by experienced in-house specialists.
