17 Best Solar Companies in Salinas, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Salinas based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Salinas, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Salinas homeowner saves $2,903/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Salinas
When choosing between the best solar companies, Salinas homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to get a handle on, but we're here to make switching to solar energy less confusing. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $34,000 on your power bills.
In this article, we'll let you in on the top Salinas solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's renewable energy needs. If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the best Salinas solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Salinas
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
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
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Clean Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- 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
Bright Future Solar Energy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
smart72
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
Sundance Solar Media
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
FMJ Electric, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
Quality Home Services
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
Premo Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Scudder Solar Energy Systems
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Brandt Construction and Sea Wind Solar
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
RP Construction Services LLC
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Salinas
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Salinas 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 Salinas
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 Salinas
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your panels. A few key factors that affect how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Your energy bills: This will impact how much you can save. In Salinas, the average homeowner can save about $1,100 a year on their electricity bills.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar system won't be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- Your income and budget: This guides what type of solar panels you can get.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $34,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the angle of your roof and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Salinas
Although a solar power system is typically a large investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over several years due to lower utility bills and government incentives. 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 pair the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Salinas.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Salinas
One of the reasons so many people consider going solar is to help lower their environmental impact. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually help the environment? One thing that can drastically influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you install solar panels and have an electric car, you can vastly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. Although making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Salinas, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 Salinas, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The top local solar company in Salinas is APG Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are a few of the main pros and cons of installing solar panels?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, for some, 100% eradicate your electricity bills, raise your home's value and lower your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.