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

Average Castroville homeowner saves $2,903/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Monarch Home Services (Salinas)

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.monarchhomeexperts.com/
Address: 485 Victor Way Number 12, Salinas, CA 93907
Phone: 8312784940
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

FMJ Electric, Inc.

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.fmjelectric.com/
Address: 1628 N Main St Unit 143, Salinas, CA 93906
Phone: 8312290891
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Premo Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

Website: https://premosolar.com/
Address: 11520 Commercial Pkwy Suite A, Castroville, CA 95012
Phone: 8312155443
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Scudder Solar Energy Systems

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://www.scuddersolar.com/
Address: 3342 Paul Davis Dr, Marina, CA 93933
Phone: 8313843900
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Bright Future Solar Energy

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://brightfuturesolarenergy.com/
Address: 139 Monterey St, Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: 8887388873
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Quality Home Services

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.qualityhomeservices.com/
Address: 11485 Commercial Pkwy Ste. 10, Castroville, CA 95012
Phone: 8009858103
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Allterra Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.allterrasolar.com/
Address: 125-B McPherson St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 8314252608
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Sandbar Solar & Electric

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://sandbarsc.com/
Address: 2656 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 8314698888
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarTecture - Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://solartecture.net/
Address: 1213 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Phone: 8312333004
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Nomadic Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://mynomadicsolar.com/
Address: 1146 Soquel Ave #4203, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 8312220119
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Santa Cruz

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.cedgreentech.com/location/santa-cruz-ca
Address: 420 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: 8314717410
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Cinnamon Energy Systems

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.cinnamon.energy/
Address: 809 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: 4088837000
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Technologies Santa Cruz

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://solartechnologies.com/
Address: 705 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 8314259431
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Sunternal

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://www.sunternalsolar.com/
Address: 5671 Santa Teresa Blvd #105, San Jose, CA 95123
Phone: 8002740901
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Infinium Solar, Inc.

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.infiniumsolar.com/
Address: 1190 Dell Ave ste o, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: 4085838101

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.

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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

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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.