11 Best Solar Companies in Aptos, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Aptos based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Aptos, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Aptos homeowner saves $2,742/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Aptos
If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Aptos, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a good choice. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your finances will be better off too. With solar power, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the top companies in your area. To get a sense of what it could cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Aptos
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Clean Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Clean Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Santa Cruz Solar Companies
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Greentech Renewables Santa Cruz
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
SunWave Energy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Aptos
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Aptos based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Aptos
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Aptos
For the majority of homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels comes down to the cost. Some key factors that determine how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Incentives: One thing that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your power bills, which can give you an average of $33,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost investment for families that don't consume a lot of energy each month.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, plus how your roof is set up, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
- Your income and budget: This affects what model of solar panels you can purchase.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electricity costs, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Aptos homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Aptos
If you're planning on switching to solar power, a variety of government incentives and tax credits can dramatically reduce the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment. When you install solar panels on your house, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently reduces your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there are often some state and city incentives that you can benefit from to further save. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can benefit from in Aptos.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Aptos
If you're considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the environment by going solar? The average person has a considerable carbon footprint. Between their car, which produces over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, and powering their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Switching to solar is a simple thing you can do to help. While making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Aptos, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Aptos, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Aptos?
The highest-rated local solar company in Aptos is APG Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much energy generation you want.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.