When a person really cares about doing a quality job, it shows. You should try Solar for your next car wash. From the layout of the car wash, to the powerful vacuums (nothing worse than a weak vacuum), to the low water, solar machinery, Solar Car Wash reflects just how much these owners and their employees care about their customers. To top it off, the company is veteran- and family-owned. 5 stars! read more

There is no way to get service if the machines take your money. The vacuums don't work. I have had machines take my money 3 times with no service, I will never use a Solar car wash again. Bays are typically broken. There is trash everywhere. Horrible value! Don't waste you money or time. read more

A person was on site to help guide people. Another plus was that I could walk up, tap my card, and wash. The location has only three self-service bays and one touchless car wash bay, but it is not that busy, and the flow of traffic is okay. It is on a main strip at Berkeley, so getting out of the driveway might be a little long. All in all, it was what I was looking for. read more

Worst car wash I have ever been to. After going through the automatic $9 car wash, your car is SOAKED. They have no fans. Not only do you have to drive to another spot and towel dry the car yourself, but they make you pay $0.50 for a car towel and another $0.50 for a widow towel. The vacuum is also $4 for 5mins. DO NOT GO HE read more

Solar Car Wash - Towels - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

Review is for automatic car wash only: Will it be open? Will it be closed? Take your chances. I often find the automatic wash closed when I really need a wash. Maybe it's bad timing. I would say it's a good 50/50 on whether it's been available. I usually get the lowest tier wash of the basic soap and water. Last time I went, the low and mid tiers were "sold out" and only the most expensive wash tier was available. This is an automated machine payment. Interesting how the lower tiers could be sold out when each tier up has the same soap/rinse steps and adds additional waxing or whatnot. Felt like a total scam to make customers purchase the most expensive option. Overall: It does an ok job when it works. I've never noticed car damage. My side mirrors occasionally get pushed in. You have to dry the car yourself. Biggest gripe is the lack of reliability. read more

I had a terrible experience at the other location on San Pablo and the owner took no responsibility for that incident. I thought I would give this location another try. Like others who have posted here, the wash completely missed portions of my car. The window and back have stripes of dirt where the machine swiped across but missed whole bits. I emailed the owner (Seth) who took zero responsibility telling me I must have driven in the valley (???) and the machine wouldn't be able to get it clean by going through once. Save your money and go to one of the car washes not owned by this family. read more

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Let me say that I'm giving this business two stars because well I didn't enjoy my time there. I am a fair man and an honest man. I went over there to wash my new car and I went in this expecting that they were going to give me very little time to actually do so. For five bucks you get six minutes which in itself isn't horrible, but that also includes the time it takes for you to soap up your car, potentially do the wax on your wheels, and actually pressure wash everything off. This isn't a super upscale place. This is your run of the mill self serve car wash station. Would really take me off is that they don't allow handwashing nor can you fill up a bucket with soap before hand and soap your car in advance. They specifically prohibit this to try and squeeze a few more bucks out of you. Me frankly? I just don't want all the scratches that those soapy brooms they have leave on your car. The only reason these guys got another star out of me was because the employee (young black man with locs) was courteous when telling me that they don't allow this. He's nice so you got a star. You are 100% allowed to have these type of business practices when the place is upscale and worth it or maybe if you have amenities to justify this, but showing the fact that your money hungry down, our throats is just not a good look and I'll never be returning to this place. In fact, it seemed to be a franchise from what I see on Google. I'd rather just take my business elsewhere, you'll get the same exact experience (or better) at any other place. read more

The automatic car wash is slow, and pretty violent as these things go, was really shaking my car and flipping my mirrors back and forth. And there's no dryer, you have to separately buy a cloth to dry it. And one of the machines selling the cloths was broken and didn't have a coin return button, so I just lost $2. Hardly saves you any time to use the automatic wash, since you have to dry manually anyway. Not great. read more

this place has really gone downhill. No longer accepts tokens for the automated wash. I tried to use Apple Pay, but the machine was completely unresponsive. I just hope I don't get charged for whoever came through after me. I had to use the hand wash which I don't mind except I have a injury to my shoulder. I was able to use the tokens, but it's six dollars instead of five as advertised. Again, the equipment was not responsive and wasted some of my minutes. And then I was not able to just add one or two tokens to get another couple of minutes, I had to pay six dollars more just to finish the wash. read more

The attendant Is very rude he has been rude to me on several occasions about the smallest things like my floor mats being on the ground for 5 minutes something about the brush as I was using it and something about me taking too long when it's a pay by the minute car wash I average a 35 dollar bill when I wash my car there are other places that treat you much better description is a Afro American older guy dark glasses and a baseball cap after today I will not be returning to this establishment spend your money wisely read more

I came back a bunch of times for the self wash. It mostly works but the last few times I went, adding more time via the button didn't work and I had to get tokens. Wish the machine took quarters too (although I'm not sure if you can mix and match) My one complaint is that the hoses are sometimes hard to swivel around so I end up tangling it up. Keep one hand up to move the hoses. Tip: the water takes a bit to switch from soap to rinse water (need to empty the hose out) Also, allow extra time for rinsing. I often get soap splashed everywhere even when I try to be directional. Yelp check in got me 4 tokens, not 5 for a full free wash read more

Solar Car Wash - Before the wash the trunk was filthy - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Love this spot! The self service was easy to use and there is always someone there to assist. read more

Solar Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is car wash very nice washing car and chip prices. Recommend)) monthly very comfortable use

I decided to try SCW again despite a less than acceptable wash during the opening. Hoping the wash would have improved. Sadly, it has not. My car came out wet and had to be hand dried. Also my rims came out dirty. Please install better dryers and rim washer. Or explain why? read more

When someone is having a really bad day and they ask the attendant working there to please just leave them alone. Even tho they are trying to help. I get it thank you for trying to help but when someone is on the verge of tears and literally asks the attendant to leave them alone and they proceed to enter your personal space takes your card out of your hand and continues to talk to you is not help, Leave me ALONE if I've asked you many times. Idgf if I need help technically I'll figure it out on my own as I told this man. He works here or owns it. Be completely invades your personal space and still is following me to "watch" my car now in the car wash area. Dude leave me ALONE And as I sit here waiting to get my car washed he's literally invading every woman's space and talks to them whether they like it or not. I get you work here bro but leave women alone unless they ask you for your help. And don't TAKE THEIR PERSONAL ITEMS OUT OF THEIR HANDS. I added a photo of him. I haven't seen him invade a single dudes space. Won't be coming back even tho this is my favorite spot. And now another woman pulled up and he walks to her car and sits on his phone right next to her car. You have your blue truck here please go sit in your blue truck until someone needs actual help. Very uncomfortable read more

Solar Car Wash - That man right there - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great location, always clean and the vacuums do an amazing job sucking my kids snacks off the carpet and seats!

I had a problem with their car cleaning equipment and contacted the company. They reimbursed me and sent an apology for my inconvenience. I also like the music they play! read more

This is my local car wash. It is great for a quick wash. However, they really don't do a great job at upkeep. On numerous occasions I have tried to use their Tire Wash, but it never works. I was there last week and tried to use it again only to find exposed bolts that scraped up my tire. Again, great for a quick wash, but if you are looking for a complete wash, go elsewhere. read more

Solar Car Wash - Tire cleaning brush with exposed sharp edges. Will damage your tire. - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

Time for an update...things seem to have improved here at Solar Wash, so it's only fair that I reevaluate my 1-star review and bring it up to reflect the current facility. Interestingly, when I logged into my Yelp! account and searched for Solar Wash in Berkeley, I was asked if I wanted to write a review, suggesting that my 1-star review where my card was overcharged was no longer available. I actually had to pull up all my reviews and search my own reviews to find it. That suggests to me that Yelp! is removing reviews once again? My previous review, the one I'm currently updating, was from 2018. The machines seem to have been updated a while back. I was NOT overcharged when I used the automatic wash a few months in early October. My car was covered with ash from all the fires that had been destroying the air quality (and so many people's and animals' homes) for all those weeks, and the automatic machine did a good job of getting it all off. I checked my card and I wasn't overcharged. HOWEVER, and this is important, I still see that too many people are being overcharged and leaving reviews about this, and as recently as within the last 2 months. Thus, I would suggest you come with cash rather than using a card, so you can avoid having to call, leave a message, and wait for the owner to get back in touch with you (and he does refund your money, but what a hassle for you and him). Per the other recent reviews, prepare to be overcharged and have to ask for a refund if you use your card. There is an older gentleman who seems to be there quite often and he works diligently to keep the place tidy, which is appreciated. read more

I got an automatic wash on 11/12/2024. A few days later, I noticed streaks on both sides of the vehicle body. I contacted thesolarcarwash.com on 11/18/2024 and requested to show them the problem. After multiple contacts, a guy insisted that in 10 years of operation, they only had one instance caused their machine and refused to even take a look for me. read more

I paid two $5 for the drive through car wash and machine is not working, can't find anyone to get a refund. They ended up sending me a refund, and some coins. read more

Solar Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

absolutely horrible automatic car wash do not waste money!!! seemed to practically damage my rear view mirrors and leave my car still totally drenched (no dryer) and still dirty! boo!! read more

Consistently a good value and equipment is reliable. The soap is soapy, the wax is waxy. DIY at its best

Quick easy and only 9 bucks, or the option to clean yourself and do the interior yourself, which is even cheaper I think! :) One of the maintenance man was so kind helping me with the app discount- first wash is only $5 instead of $9! Christy Sullivan read more

Ive always had my gripes with this place but never been the type to leave a bad review. To start off the automatic car wash is terrible to say the least, it leaves the area between the hood and windshield untouched, uses very harsh rubber bristles that absolutely wreck your cars paint. Also does not have a drying cycle at all. Today I came back to this place to use the self service wash and went to change dollars for their "solar coins" since the machines have never taken quarters only their coins, not to mention how expensive it is for how little time you get. After exchanging 8 dollars for coins I went to begin my wash, shortly to discover they no longer accept their own coins! credit only! So how are they still selling their coins that are virtually useless at their own car wash? a complete scam. I will not be returning here no matter how many opportunities I've gave this place in the past. read more

I've been coming here for years and have always been pleased by how well the automatic car wash works. It's not perfect, in that the shape of your car can make it miss a few spots but a quick wipe with a towel can take care of the small areas the brushes might not reach. The reason I'm writing a review for a car wash is I was so impressed by how they handled a malfunction the other week. I swiped my card only to find the car wash wasn't working and my credit card still got billed. I sent them an email to let them know and they were kind and understanding, quickly reimbursed me, and even gave me a few free car wash coins for my trouble. Really positive experience and happy to continue supporting them in the neighborhood. read more

The button for credit cards only adds minutes. I wanted 3 minutes and kept pushing thinking it would reset back to 1.. Nope just goes up and up till infinity. I was over charged $8. Edit: to the business owner: so if someone presses it 1000 times you will charge $1000 for a car wash because that's what the sign says? How about putting one more button for 'cancel?' read more

I have been using the Solar Car WAsh on University Ave for a short time. I had three cars to was that day. I paid for my first car wash with a twenty (20) dollar bill and received my change in Solar Car Wash Tokens. When I returned with the second car the payment machine did not have a means to take the tokens I had received from my earlier change. So I paid with a card. I called the number on the building to complain about my experience and disappointment I left a message with my contact information. To my surprise I received a return phone call! The lady who called listened to my tall of woe and apologized and told me I would receive reimbursement in the mail. I thanked her for the consideration of a call. I indeed received monetary compensation in the mail as promised! It is nice to actually received complete and prompt customer service in these days and times. I will spend the compensation and more on the future washes of our three cars and add vacuuming at the location as well! Thank you 'Solar Car Wash' for the old time customer service! Charles R. Berkeley, CA read more

I was charged $10 for my carwash when it should've been $7. I left a voicemail to request my refund as instructed by the customer service voicemail, but the fact that this happens frequently enough for there to be voicemail instructions at all makes me feel like something isn't right. I've never been to a carwash that I needed to request a refund for. Period. I wonder if people are not careful about checking their card charges how much money is potentially being "accidentally overcharged." *edit: if it's a $10 hold, you should make that clear somewhere. And which processing company is it that you use? I'm curious now. *edit dos: the payment was adjusted to $7 as the owner indicated, but again, the customer should be informed. Also, now that I think of it, the soap took some time to dispense (longer than it should for a carwash where you're paying by the minute!) and the bristles sucked. I'm not trying to be mean because of the owners response, it's just the truth. read more

Overall: A- This is a typical DIY wash. I did notice the knobs on a couple machines (before I found a better one) were loose and didnt accurately turn to the right setting. However, coincidentally they had a staff member there and fixed it right away. The brushes are solid and the water pressure was great. Will go back because you can't really beat a $10 wash to do a solid job yourself. *Just be careful to rinse the brushes with the sprayer to ensure no rocks are in them during the scrubbing process. read more

Paid $9 for the best wash they had at the automatic wash. The brushes never touched the hood of the car. Definitely not worth $9. read more

Solar Car Wash - Dirty hood. Not even a brush mark. - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

The credit card machine was broken on the automatic wash, which meant that we had to sit there and download an app and set up an account to pay. A person pulled in behind us, and the attendant got upset with us because we were holding up the line. Poor service and set up all around. Also, no dry cycle. Needless to say, won't be returning. read more

Got in and got out; had to wash under the hood and this facility's self service even has a dial setting for under the hood suds and a power rinse. I did the yelp checkin to claim a free wash and ~4 days later I received 4 tokens in the mail good for a free wash (I say ~4 days as I do not check the mail often and it could have come sooner). Worth nothing if you think you will get the free wash same-day. Overall super happy with this space; of course I love to treat myself to a hand detail done by others but if you ever need to wash your own vehicle this is definitely a go-to. read more

Solar Car Wash - One free wash mailed to my house with yelp checkin - Car Wash Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Paid $9 car wash did not work. Not attendant available. No one answers the customer service line.

I have chosen the top option. Didn't clean at all. Vacuum timer doesn't do even half of the small vehicle.

This location has an exchange for tokens from cash but then does not allow you to use tokens. Instead says credit card only but all the card readers do not work. I'll stick to the location in El Cerrito. Not sure how they make money. read more

Reasonable pricing. Car wash is pretty fast and the car came out pretty clean. For an automated car wash, it is on the higher quality side.

Clean, spacious, conveniently located on University Ave across Berkeley Library West Branch next to my favourite cafe, Algorithm Coffee. With $5 DIY car wash and vacuum, great deal and workout under the sun! read more

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New in town, found on Yelp. Interesting do it yourself automatic car wash Paid for the $9 wash but charged $10 on credit card? Is it a one dollar charge on credit card use? Seems kind of high. Drove off with car wet, I guess the $10 does not get you a dry. read more

Homophobic attendant threatened to "call the cops" on me for no reason. I see in the other reviews he is also racist. I thought the water was solar heated. It isn't, that's just a ploy. It's cold water and cost me $25 just to wash my van. The structural beam has been bent by vehicles too tall bumping into it. It is not safe. I shall be reporting it to the building inspection department. Management, You owe me a refund for my tokens. read more