Where California's solar installers are
The largest concentrations of solar installers in our California data are in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Jose, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego and Temecula. Competition for the map pack is heaviest there, and so is the reward: the same review count that dominates a small town is invisible in Bakersfield.
The map pack in California
In California, 46% of solar installers have fewer than ten reviews. That is the good news if you have twenty: most of your local competitors are not trying. The bad news is that the three shops in the map pack for Fresno searches are not in that group. They are near 172 reviews and they ask every customer.
The website gap in California
A website is the clearest marker of a solar company that is going to compete for the map pack, and 15% of solar installers in California do not have one linked. Across the country the median review count with a site is 24, without one 2. If your shop is in the 15%, start there.
What to do first in California
- Set a review velocity. One review per job day, asked at the door, moves a 12-review shop past the California 75th percentile (58) within a year. The guides have the scripts.
- Finish the Google profile: primary category, every service you offer, real job photos, and hours that match reality. It is free and it is where California customers decide.
- Follow up every lead within five minutes. Speed to lead beats ad spend in a trade where the customer is collecting three quotes. The calculator shows what slow replies cost.
- Then, and only then, spend on ads. Pointed at a profile with 12 reviews and no website, ads pay for your competitor's education. Pointed at a finished profile, they work.
The full national picture, with percentiles, ratings and hours, is in the benchmark report. The method is on the about page.