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
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Average Monterey homeowner saves $2,903/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 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 Monterey
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
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
Clean Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
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
SolarTecture - Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
RP Construction Services LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
Monterey Energy Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Western Sun Systems
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Scudder Solar Energy Systems
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
Brandt Construction and Sea Wind Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Business installations
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 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 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.