15 Best Solar Companies in Monterey, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Monterey based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Monterey, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Monterey homeowner saves $2,903/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Monterey
As a homeowner or business owner in Monterey, you may be interested in switching to solar and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a good idea since it has many benefits. The average home can save $34,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, your total savings will be much higher than that overall.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Monterey to make your decision a little bit easier.To help you understand if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Monterey by clicking the 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 Monterey
Monarch Home Services (Salinas)
Prompt Service Delivery- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Skilled Repairs- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SolarTecture - Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Scudder Solar Energy Systems
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Solar Carports
- Battery Storage
Premo Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
FMJ Electric, Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Bright Future Solar Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Quality Home Services
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
Allterra Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Sandbar Solar & Electric
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Nomadic Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Infinium Solar, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Solar Carports
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Solar Technologies Santa Cruz
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Solar Electric Supply, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Solar Carports
- Permit Assistance
Sunternal
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Monterey
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Monterey 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 Monterey
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 Monterey
We get that for most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar comes down to installation costs.Some important things that determine how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- 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 lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can lead to an average of $34,000 of savings over 20 years.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- How much you spend on energy: The average household in Monterey pays around $1,500 a year on home energy use alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- Your city: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Monterey
Since solar power is more sustainable than traditional energy sources, there are a number of government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch.Local solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Monterey.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Monterey
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? The average person has a considerable carbon footprint. Between their car, which releases over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and electricity for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Using solar power is a simple thing you can do to help.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll likely recognize that there are many benefits of adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 Monterey, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Monterey?
The best local solar company in Monterey is Monarch Home Services (Salinas), with a rating of 4.70 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad 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. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 6.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.