Sacramento’s Solar Pioneer Since 1978
Locally owned, award-winning service, and over 25,000 customers across Northern California
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About Aztec Solar
Aztec Solar is a solar energy solutions provider committed to meeting the energy needs of home and business owners by offering multiple top quality solar products and technologies, supported by knowledgeable solar experts and award winning customer service. All systems are sold as a turn-key solution. As an Aztec Solar System owner you are our top priority with the reassurance that we have been a solar energy provider of the greater Sacramento area for four decades.
Aztec Solar’s Mission Statement
Aztec Solar is a solar energy solutions provider committed to meeting the energy needs of residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental entities. We offer in-house solar water heating, solar pool heating and solar electric experience for all applications, from small scale residential projects to large scale commercial projects. We see every application equally as part of the solution to a brighter future and stronger planet.
Aztec Solar’s CEO and President, Ed Murray
- NABCEP Entry Level Solar Thermal Committee member and certificant
- Long term member (since 1984) and current President of CALSSA (California Solar and Storage Association)
- Current Chair of the Solar Heating and Cooling Division for the SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association)
- Currently serves on the Consumer Protection Committee, Election Committee, and Federal Policy Committee within the SEIA
- Solar Man of the Year in 1993
- Currently serves on the Standards Committee of the SRCC (Solar Ratings and Certification Corporation)
- Involved in the formulation of legislation and policy advocacy on numerous solar energy related issues at both the state and federal level
- Dedicated to the development of solar energy through state and local policy
Book Ed to speak at your next event!
Aztec Solar Team
- Aztec Solar offers over four decades of industry experience bringing Total Solar Solutions and quality customer service to our community
- Our trained and dedicated team has been recognized for our award-winning customer service by manufacturer and customer survey
- Pearl Certification
Your Solar Contractors
Aztec Solar Inc’s Installation Crew
- This team brings years of experience to every solar installation. We have a fleet of install and service trucks and electric vans on hand to get the jobs done promptly.
- Installers are certified by industry leading manufacturers and also hold heavy machinery and safety certification.
Your Solar Experts
Aztec Solar Inc’s Sales Team
- Aztec Solar Sales team offers the best in home solar education in Solar Electric, Solar Water Heating, Solar Pools, and Solar Battery.
- We value your input and personal solar goals and incorporate your desires in our custom designed solar solution proposals. Allow us to customize a solar system that best suits your desires and your home’s unique solar characteristics. Click here to set an appointment with one of our experts for a free site visit and solar need analysis.
Areas We Service
Proud to have served the Sacramento Region and beyond for over four decades. With over 25,000 customers, Aztec Solar is the most trusted solar company in Northern California.
Check out our area map featuring completed projects.
- American Canyon
- Angels Camp
- Antelope
- Antioch
- Arbuckle
- Auburn
- Benicia
- Brentwood
- Browns Valley
- Cameron Park
- Camino
- Carmichael
- Citrus Heights
- Clarksburg
- Colfax
- Coloma
- Colusa
- Concord
- Cool
- Copperopolis
- Davis
- Discovery Bay
- Dixon
- Dunnigan
- El Dorado Hills
- Elk Grove
- Elverta
- Escalon
- Esparto
- Fairfield
- Fair Oaks
- Farmington
- Folsom
- Galt
- Garden Valley
- Georgetown
- Gold River
- Granite Bay
- Grass Valley
- Green Valley
- Grizzly Flat
- Herald
- Ione
- Jackson
- Lake of the Pines
- Lincoln
- Linden
- Livermore
- Lockeford
- Lodi
- Loomis
- Manteca
- Marysville
- Mather
- Meadow Vista
- Modesto
- Mokelumne Hill
- Mountain House
- Napa
- Natomas
- Nevada City
- Newcastle
- Oakdale
- Orangevale
- Oregon House
- Patterson
- Penn Valley
- Pilot Hill
- Pine Grove
- Pioneer
- Placerville
- Pleasant Grove
- Plumas Lake
- Plymouth
- Pollock Pines
- Rancho Cordova
- Rancho Murieta
- Rescue
- Rio Linda
- Rocklin
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- San Andreas
- Shingle Springs
- Sloughhouse
- Somerset
- Stockton
- Suisun City
- Sutter Creek
- Tracy
- Turlock
- Vacaville
- Vallejo
- Valley Springs
- Walnut Creek
- Walnut Grove
- West Sacramento
- Wheatland
- Williams
- Wilton
- Winters
- Woodland
- Yuba City
No matching cities found. Contact us to check if we serve your area.
Contact Us
Don’t see your city? We may still be able to help.
Sacramento’s Solar Pioneer, Since 1978
From a one-truck solar water-heating outfit to one of Northern California’s most trusted solar names — this is the story of the people, projects and press clippings that built Aztec Solar. Scroll through nearly five decades of history below.
Catch Us at Our Next Home Show
New events get added here as they're booked — including:
- October 24, 2026 — Golden Harvest Parade
Business Insider featured Ed
Business Insider featured Ed in an editorial piece.
Read here
IAPMO 2026
Aztec Solar President Ed Murray participated in the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) technical committee meetings in Ontario, California, to help shape safety and installation guidelines for the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code. These triennial code updates govern modern solar, thermal, and renewable energy integrations.
Rancho Cordova Business Expo
Aztec Solar set up an exhibitor booth at the Rancho Cordova Business Expo on Thursday, June 25, 2026, located in the Rancho Cordova City Hall Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Home and Landscape Expo
Aztec Solar exhibited at the Home and Landscape Expo at Cal Expo in Sacramento in January 2026, meeting with local homeowners about solar and battery storage.
CALSSA Annual Meeting
Aztec Solar CEO Ed Murray was reelected to the Board of Directors for the California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) in late 2025.
CA State Assembly
In 2025, the California State Assembly debated controversial utility-backed legislation like Assembly Bill 942, which initially sought to retroactively alter rooftop solar contracts upon home resale. Following massive public pushback led by organizations and regional installers like Aztec Solar, the bill was heavily amended to remove anti-solar provisions.
National Business Award
Ed Murray was recognized by The National Small Business Association in 2025.
Mitra Ribbon Cutting Event
Aztec Solar was given a Proclamation by Mayor Siri Pulipati from the City of Rancho Cordova on May 15th, 2025.
Proclamation from the City of Rancho Cordova
Assembly Resolution - Josh Hoover
Aztec Solar was recognized by the California Legislature Assembly for Small Business of the Month in May 2024 by Honorable Josh Hoover.
Lobby Day at the Capitol
In February 2024, Aztec Solar joined over 350 solar industry professionals and advocates at the California State Capitol in Sacramento for the annual California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) Lobby Day. Participants met directly with lawmakers to advocate for rooftop solar and storage protections.
Assembly Certificate of Recognition
Ed Murray was recognized by the California Legislature Assembly for 40 years of dedicated service to the residents of the Sacramento Region in the solar industry on October 7th, 2020 by Assemblyman Ken Cooley.
Award to Arnold Schwarzenegger
Ed Murray presented an award to Arnold Schwarzenegger for his leadership in building one million solar roofs in California on December 12th, 2019.
SEIA Award
Ed Murray received the Solar Champion Award in 2019 from the SEIA Board of Directors.
Guildmaster Award
Aztec Solar was awarded Guildmaster by Paul Plaia III of GuildQuality in both 2019 and 2020 for their work with their customers well above the standards of the building profession.
Ed Murray Meeting with George Schultz
Ed met George Shultz, former Secretary of State, in 2018 while visiting San Francisco.
Senator Bradford with Ed Murray
Ed Murray and other CAL SEIA members pictured with Senator Steven Bradford in the U.S. Capitol in 2017.
Ed Murray Meeting with US Representatives
Ed Murray pictured with U.S. Representative Ami Bera at the U.S. Capitol and Senator Alex Padilla in San Francisco.
Top Solar Contractor
Solar Power World awarded Aztec Solar as a Top Solar Contractor in 2013.
Sacramento Chamber of Commerce Award
Aztec Solar received recognition from the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in 2013 for Fostering Regional Economic Prosperity.
NABCEP Certified & Recognized by the City of Folsom
Ed Murray earns NABCEP certification — raising the professional bar for solar thermal installers — while Aztec Solar is honored by the City of Folsom for its Community Event Sponsorship.
Ed Murray Joins the SEIA National Board
Ed Murray is elected to the Solar Energy Industries Association's national Board of Directors, setting his sights on growing solar water heating adoption nationwide.
UC San Diego Solar Water Heating Project
Aztec Solar completes one of the largest university solar-thermal installations in the country — a rooftop system heating water for a new 800-student housing complex at UC San Diego.
A Voice in the Clean Energy Debate
As Proposition 23 divides California businesses, Ed Murray — now CEO — speaks out in the Sacramento Business Journal against rolling back the state's clean energy law.
“I think Proposition 23 will be a job killer.”— Ed Murray, Sacramento Business Journal, Sept. 10, 2010
On the Road: Sacramento Home & Garden Show
Aztec Solar sets up inside the main gate at Cal Expo, teaching Sacramento homeowners how to lock in energy costs for the next 25 years with solar.
Featured in Sierra Style Magazine
Profiled alongside other local business owners, Ed Murray describes a vision that hasn't wavered since day one.
“The vision was to replace fossil fuel with solar. The vision remains the same.”— Ed Murray, Sierra Style Magazine, January 2009
Full Circle
After a stint under German parent company Conergy AG, Ed Murray buys the business back — keeping it locally owned and operated.
“It feels great to control my own destiny again.”— Ed Murray, Sacramento Bee
A New Name: Aztec Solar
The company becomes Aztec Solar, Inc., setting up shop at 11370 Trade Center Drive in Rancho Cordova — the address customers still know today.
“The installation crew was very professional, courteous and attentive.”— Customer Allen G. Woodall, April 1, 2005
SEIA Award
Ed Murray was inducted into the CAL SEIA Hall of Fame in 1993 for outstanding contributions on behalf of the California Solar Industry.
The Solano Sun & a Growing Following
The company launches its own customer newsletter, The Solano Sun, and throws open its doors for a "Solar Pool Invitation" open house after being featured in the Sacramento Bee for pioneering solar pool heating.
“We've doubled the life of our pool.”— Customer Bud Applegate, Sacramento Bee, June 6, 1993
Three-Time Award Winner
With more than 1,900 residential installations completed and commercial work for clients like Yolo General Hospital, the Village Homes Community Center, and Grand Lake Gardens in Oakland, the company is honored three times with the CAL-SEIA Systems of the Month Award. Ed Murray serves as President of CAL-SEIA's Sacramento-Foothill Chapter.
General Building Contractor's License
In 1988, Ed Murray gained the classification as a General Building Contractor.
Contractor's License: Plumbing & Solar classifications
Ed Murray obtained his contractor's license for Plumbing and Solar classifications in December 1981.
William R. Murray & Sun, Inc. Formed
Ed Murray and partner Scott Williamson formalize a California corporation dedicated to solar water and space heating installation and repair, and acquire Solano Solar Systems, based in Davis, CA.
Solar Roots Take Hold
Ed Murray sets out with a business partner to build a solar water-heating company in the Sacramento region — years before rooftop solar was a household idea. It's also the year the predecessor firm, Solano Solar Systems, got its start.
Powering Schools, Cities & Businesses Across California
Solar Blog
Find out about all the latest in solar news and technology.
Is it Possible to Install Solar Panels on a Tile Roof in Sacramento?
Solar panels can be installed on tile roofs in Sacramento with specialized mounting hardware. Learn what makes tile roof installations different.
Can Solar Pool Heating Freeze During Sacramento Winters?
Learn what happens to your solar pool heating when temperatures drop below freezing in Sacramento and how freeze protection keeps your system running.
When Should You Replace Your Solar Pool Heating Valves?
Learn when to replace solar pool heating valves in Sacramento, how long they last, and what happens when they fail. Get expert guidance today.
How to Tell If Your Solar Water Heating System Needs Repair
Recognize solar water heating Sacramento system problems early—from temperature changes to leaks. Learn when to schedule an inspection and what to watch for.
Solar Company Out of Business in Sacramento? What Homeowners Should Do Next
If your solar company went out of business, you’re likely trying to understand what that means for your system and what you should do next. For some homeowners, this situation has come up recently with companies like Freedom Forever. For others, it starts to show when...
Solar Electricity vs. Solar Pool Heating: What’s the Difference and Which One Fits Your Home?
If you’ve been researching solar, you have probably noticed something confusing right away. People use the word “solar” to describe two totally different upgrades: solar panels that produce electricity, and solar pool heating that warms your water. Both use sunlight....
What’s the Difference Between Solar Water Heating and Solar Panels?
If you’ve started looking into solar, you’ve probably come across two terms that sound similar but work very differently: solar water heating and solar panels. Both use sunlight. Both can reduce energy costs. But they serve different purposes inside your home....
How Solar Water Heating Supports Large Households with High Hot Water Demand
In a large household, hot water isn’t just a convenience. It’s something that’s constantly in use. Showers back-to-back in the morning. Laundry is running throughout the week. Dishes after every meal. It adds up quickly, and so does the energy required to keep up. If...
Thinking About Heating Your Pool? Here’s How Solar Compares
A backyard pool changes how you use your home. It becomes the gathering place on summer evenings, the spot where kids burn off energy, and the relaxing space you retreat to after a long day. But in the Sacramento region, comfortable swimming often depends on how you...
Adding Solar Battery Storage in Northern California: When Does It Make Sense?
Solar panels help many Sacramento-area homeowners cut back on grid electricity during the day. The question that comes next is usually simple: what happens at night, during peak-rate hours, or when the power goes out? That is where battery storage systems come in. A...
Solar Water Heating vs Traditional Water Heaters: What’s the Difference?
Most homeowners don’t think much about hot water until something changes, whether that’s a higher bill or a cold shower. In Northern California homes, water heating is often the second-largest energy expense after space heating and cooling. The U.S. Department of...
What to Know Before Hiring a Solar Company in Rocklin
You live in Rocklin, you already know how much summer heat can drive up electricity use. That’s why many homeowners are looking at solar panels and asking the same question: who should install them? If you want to choose a solar panel installer, you should check the...