Orinda Solar and Battery Installer
Hillside homes, big trees and fire-season shutoffs. We design Orinda systems to keep your essentials running when PG&E turns the power off.
Voted a 2026 Nextdoor Fave by our neighbors
Ally Electric & Solar, CSLB #806465 (C-10 and C-46). Licensed since 2002, Ally since 2010. Last updated November 2026.
Solar and electrical work in Orinda
Ally Electric & Solar designs and installs solar, home batteries, EV chargers and panel upgrades for Orinda homes. Many Orinda homes sit in wooded hills where PG&E may turn off power during high fire danger, so battery backup is often the first thing homeowners ask us about.
- Solar panelsREC, Hyundai and Sirius panels, designed for your roof and your PG&E bill.
- Battery backupTesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery 10C and FranklinWH. From $15,000 installed, before rebates.
- EV chargersLevel 2 chargers for any EV, with the permit and inspection included.
- Panel upgradesMain panel and SPAN smart panel upgrades by our own licensed electricians.
- Solar expansionsAdd panels or a battery to the solar you already have.
- Rewiring and electrificationKnob and tube replacement, heat pump and induction circuits.
What is different about going solar in Orinda
Planning for shutoffs
Parts of Orinda are in high fire-threat areas, where PG&E can turn off power during hot, dry and windy weather. A battery such as Tesla Powerwall 3 or FranklinWH keeps your essentials running, and solar recharges it during the day.
Straight PG&E service
Orinda is not part of MCE or Ava, so PG&E both supplies and delivers your power. Your savings depend on PG&E rates and your rate plan, and we review both with you before you decide.
Trees and hillsides
Oaks and pines shade many roofs here. We map the shade before we quote and place panels where they will actually produce.
1950s to 1970s homes
Many Orinda homes still have their original 100 amp panels, and some have Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels. We replace these before adding solar, batteries or EV chargers.
Where we work in Orinda
We install solar, batteries, EV chargers and panel upgrades across Orinda, including these neighborhoods:
How it works in Orinda
One licensed company from the first call to the final inspection.
Get a free quoteFree consultation
Share your electric bill and tell us your goals. We look at your roof, panel and usage.
Site visit
We measure the roof, check shade and look at your electrical panel in person.
Design and quote
Clear options with prices, so you can compare solar, battery and EV charger choices.
Permits and PG&E
We file the city permit and the PG&E interconnection paperwork for you.
Install and turn on
Our own crew installs, the inspector signs off, and we show you how to use your monitoring app.
Why homeowners choose Ally
Licensed for both trades
CSLB #806465 covers electrical (C-10) and solar (C-46), so one company handles the whole job.
Our own crew
Installers are Ally employees, not subcontractors. Many have been with us for years.
Local and recognized
A 2026 Nextdoor Fave and an SFGATE Best of Bay Area 2026 finalist.
Our story
Ally is a family-owned solar and electrical contractor in Richmond. Our team was first licensed in 2002 as Arco Electric, and in 2010 we became Ally Electric & Solar. Since then our own crew has helped more than 1,000 Bay Area homeowners, and in 2026 our neighbors voted us a Nextdoor Fave. Some customers have been with us a long time: the Garafolis in Oakland have been saving on their electricity bill since 2016.
"They made sure all PGE paperwork, issues and questions were addressed quickly."
Orinda solar questions
Do I need a permit for solar in Orinda?
Yes. The City of Orinda requires a permit for rooftop solar and home batteries. We prepare the plans, file the permit and meet the inspector.
Will a battery keep my power on during a PG&E shutoff?
Yes, if it is set up for backup. During a shutoff the battery powers the circuits you choose, and solar recharges it during the day. How long it lasts depends on what you run. Most homes back up the fridge, lights, internet, well or septic pumps and some outlets, and add a second battery for more.
Which battery is best for Orinda homes?
It depends on your goals. Tesla Powerwall 3 has a built-in solar inverter, FranklinWH is flexible for whole-home backup, and Enphase IQ Battery 10C pairs well with Enphase solar. We compare them for your home on our battery backup page.
Does my panel need an upgrade?
Often, in older Orinda homes. A 100 amp panel can run out of room once you add solar, a battery and an EV charger. Our electricians check it at the site visit and upgrade it in the same project if needed. See our panel upgrade page.
How much does solar cost in Orinda?
Most solar systems run $2.60 to $3.50 per watt installed, depending on the roof and the equipment. Battery systems such as Tesla Powerwall 3 or Enphase IQ Battery 10C start from $15,000 installed, before rebates. GoGreen financing is available.
Is Ally licensed for both solar and electrical work?
Yes. Ally Electric & Solar holds CSLB license #806465 with C-10 (electrical) and C-46 (solar) classifications. Our team has been licensed since 2002, and Ally has been in business since 2010.
Get your free Orinda quote
Tell us what you need and we'll follow up to schedule a site visit. Your address is only used to plan your project. We never publish it.
- Call (510) 559-7700
- Email info@allyelectricandsolar.com
- 855 Marina Bay Pkwy, Ste. 280, Richmond, CA 94804