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

Average Salinas 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 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 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 Salinas

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 1445KollCir
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 8885517652
Best Warranty Coverage
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Bright Future Solar Energy

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • 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

Website: http://brightfuturesolarenergy.com/
Address: Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: 8887388873
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

smart72

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://smart72.com/salinas
Address: Salinas, CA 93907
Phone: 8312915506
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sundance Solar Media

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.sundancesolarmedia.com/aboutus.html
Address: Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: 8314222000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

FMJ Electric, Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • 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 Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.fmjelectric.com/
Address: Salinas, CA 93906
Phone: 8312290891
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Quality Home Services

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • 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 Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.qualityhomeservices.com/
Address: Castroville, CA 95012
Phone: 8009858103
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Premo Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://premosolar.com/
Address: Castroville, CA 95012
Phone: 8312155443
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Scudder Solar Energy Systems

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.scuddersolar.com/
Address: Marina, CA 93933
Phone: 8313843900
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Brandt Construction and Sea Wind Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.seawindsolar.com/
Address: Salinas, CA 93908
Phone: 8317102261
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

RP Construction Services LLC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.rpcs.com/
Address: Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 8554283000

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.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

Adopting green energy can greatly impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Salinas, CA.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.

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 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 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.