Cinnamon Energy Systems traces its roots back to the California energy crisis of 2001, when founder Barry Cinnamon launched Akeena Solar from his garage in Saratoga. After studying solar engineering at MIT and spending 15 years in the computer industry, Cinnamon saw an opportunity to bring Silicon Valley innovation to residential solar installation. Akeena grew rapidly to become one of the largest residential solar installers in the nation, serving over 10,000 customers across seven states. During this period, the company pioneered industry-changing innovations including the first solar panel with integrated racking and the first UL-listed AC solar panel. After Akeena partnered with Westinghouse Electric Company in 2010 and was eventually sold to an overseas firm in 2012, Cinnamon returned to his passion in Campbell, California, founding Cinnamon Energy Systems later that year. The new company continues the original mission: developing and installing residential solar power systems optimized to produce the most electricity for the lowest price. Today, this solar installer in Campbell serves homeowners throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties with a comprehensive suite of services including solar panels, battery storage systems, heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, EV chargers, and full home electrification. The company maintains strong relationships with local building departments throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, having provided training to building inspectors since 2003. This local expertise translates to faster project timelines, with most solar installations completed from contract to PG&E interconnection in 30 to 60 days. Unlike many national installers, Cinnamon Energy Systems employs its own installation crews rather than subcontracting work, ensuring consistent quality and direct accountability. Founder Barry Cinnamon holds NABCEP Emeritus Solar Installer certification, a California C-46 Solar Contractor license, and has served as former president of the California Solar Energy Industries Association. He hosts The Energy Show, a weekly podcast covering solar, storage, and home electrification topics. The company’s approach is refreshingly direct—no high-pressure sales tactics, just straightforward system design focused on maximizing energy production and savings for Bay Area homeowners. With roots spanning back over two decades and a customer base exceeding 10,000 solar installations, Cinnamon Energy Systems brings uncommon longevity to an industry where many installers come and go. The company also provides maintenance and repair services for all solar equipment brands throughout their service territory, even for systems installed by other companies—a commitment that reflects their dedication to supporting the broader solar community in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Cinnamon Energy Systems is a full-service solar and home electrification contractor based in Campbell, California, serving homeowners and businesses across the San Francisco Bay Area since 2001. The company specializes in rooftop solar panel installation, battery backup systems including Tesla Powerwall, heat pump HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, EV chargers, and electrical panel upgrades. Their service area includes Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, with particular focus on communities throughout Silicon Valley. The company designs customized solar energy systems using high-quality crystalline silicon panels and microinverter technology, optimized for each property’s energy needs and available roof space. All installation work is performed by in-house employee crews rather than subcontractors.
DEEP LOCAL EXPERTISE: We’ve been training building inspectors in Silicon Valley since 2003 and maintain excellent relationships with local permitting departments throughout the Bay Area. This translates to faster project completion—typically 30 to 60 days from contract to PG&E interconnection—and smooth inspections for Campbell homeowners and neighbors across Santa Clara County.
FOUNDED BY SOLAR PIONEERS: Our founder Barry Cinnamon holds NABCEP Emeritus certification, previously built the largest residential solar company in the nation with over 10,000 installations, and holds patents for innovations that transformed the solar industry. That depth of experience ensures your system is designed right the first time.
IN-HOUSE INSTALLATION CREWS: Unlike many solar companies, we employ our own installation teams rather than hiring subcontractors. Our crews are trained employees who take pride in quality workmanship and maintain clean, organized job sites—and we service all solar equipment brands in our territory, even systems we didn’t install.
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