15 Best Solar Companies in Prunedale, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Prunedale based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Prunedale, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Prunedale homeowner saves $2,903/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Prunedale
As a homeowner or business owner in Prunedale, you may be planning on switching to solar power and curious about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a fantastic idea since it has a lot of perks. On average, you can save $34,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And since solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be even higher overall.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best options in your area.To get a sense of what it would cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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 Prunedale
Monarch Home Services (Salinas)
Clear Pricing Policy- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
FMJ Electric, Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Premo Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Scudder Solar Energy Systems
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Battery Storage
Bright Future Solar Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Quality Home Services
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Allterra Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
Sandbar Solar & Electric
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SolarTecture - Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Nomadic Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Sunternal
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Permit Assistance
Cinnamon Energy Systems
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
Infinium Solar, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Santa Cruz
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Solar Electric Supply, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Prunedale
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Prunedale 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 Prunedale
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 Prunedale
We understand that for most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar comes down to installation costs.Some significant things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation 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 area gets: Due to Prunedale’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electricity bills.
- How much energy you use: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from going solar.
- Your income and budget: This guides what kind of solar panels you can purchase.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electricity costs, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Prunedale homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Prunedale
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning federal and potentially state incentives.Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 0 of your project costs when you file taxes, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that stack with the ITC too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Prunedale.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Prunedale
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Prunedale, though. 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 install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Since solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other benefits outside of saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the planet too.
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 Prunedale, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Prunedale?
In Prunedale, Monarch Home Services (Salinas) is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 6.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration 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.