15 Best Solar Companies in Castroville, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Castroville based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Castroville, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Castroville homeowner saves $2,903/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Castroville
Looking to go solar but not sure which solar panel installer would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be challenging to settle on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many good perks. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can greatly reduce your electricity bill each month, if not entirely eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $34,000 of savings over 20 years.
There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Castroville.For an idea of how much you would pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Castroville by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Castroville
Monarch Home Services (Salinas)
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
FMJ Electric, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Premo Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
Scudder Solar Energy Systems
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Bright Future Solar Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Quality Home Services
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Allterra Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Sandbar Solar & Electric
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
SolarTecture - Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Nomadic Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Santa Cruz
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Solar Technologies Santa Cruz
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Sunternal
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Infinium Solar, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Castroville
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Castroville 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 Castroville
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 Castroville
For lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $34,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Because of Castroville’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electric bills.
- How much power your home consumes: Homes that use plenty of energy each month may need more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and incentives.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
If you're interested in finding out what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Castroville, CA.
{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Castroville
Adopting solar power has a lot of considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the planet, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially stack the ITC with other state and city incentives. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Castroville
Swapping traditional energy for solar is a powerful way to do what you can for a greener future.Something many homeowners might be thinking about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? One thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the car and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since solar power is abundant and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help the environment.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Castroville, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installer in Castroville?
In Castroville, Monarch Home Services (Salinas) is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires 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 installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 6.7 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I install solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.