14 Best Solar Companies in Monterey, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Monterey based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Monterey, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

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

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Monterey

If you're a homeowner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Monterey, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, the hard work is worth it since adopting solar energy is often a good choice. On average, you can save $34,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total savings will be even more than that overall.

As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Monterey, you'll notice that there are a great number of providers to choose between. So, we've organized an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area. To see how much you might have to pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Monterey 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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Monterey

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 8885517652
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 1445KollCir
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarTecture - Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

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

3.0/5

RP Construction Services LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.rpcs.com/
Address: Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 8554283000
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Monterey Energy Group

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://montereyenergygroup.com/
Address: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: 8313728328
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Western Sun Systems

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.westernsunsystems.com/
Address: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: 8316243337
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Scudder Solar Energy Systems

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations

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

3.0/5

Brandt Construction and Sea Wind Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.seawindsolar.com/
Address: Salinas, CA 93908
Phone: 8317102261

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

The cost of installing solar panels has gone down significantly in the past several years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some important factors such as:

  • The type and model of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels are more highly priced, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $34,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Due to Monterey's very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your power bills.
  • Your power bills: This will impact how much you can save. In Monterey, the average homeowner can save about $1,100 a year on their electricity bills.

Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping protect the environment.

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Solar Incentives in Monterey

One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government. You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Monterey.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Monterey

There are a few important reasons why many people want to invest in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? How much energy you use is a key factor to think about. The more electricity you use, the larger your impact when you switch to solar energy. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll most likely recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Monterey, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best near me?

In Monterey, APG Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your house.

What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?

Producing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

When is the best time of year to install solar panels?

You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.

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.