15 Best Solar Companies in Santa Cruz, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Santa Cruz based on:

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

Average Santa Cruz homeowner saves $2,742/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Santa Cruz

As a homeowner or business owner in Santa Cruz, you may be planning on switching to solar power and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a fantastic idea since it has a lot of benefits. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can greatly lower your electricity bill each month, if not totally eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $33,000 of savings over 20 years.

In this article, we'll let you in on the top Santa Cruz solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's sustainable energy needs. We suggest shopping around to get quite a few quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To receive free, no-pressure quotes from the top solar companies in Santa Cruz, click the link 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

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Santa Cruz

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

SunPower Corporation

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Address: 51 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: 5105400550
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Mynt Systems

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.myntsystems.com/
Address: 111 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 4084265420
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Nomadic Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://mynomadicsolar.com/
Address: 1146 Soquel Ave #4203, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 8312220119
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Allterra Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.allterrasolar.com/
Address: 125-B McPherson St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 8314252608
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Sandbar Solar & Electric

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://sandbarsc.com/
Address: 2656 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 8314698888
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Day One Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://day1solar.com/
Address: 387 Coral St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 8316878097
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Solar Electric Supply, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.solarelectricsupply.com/
Address: 108 Whispering Pines Dr #235, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: 8314628243
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Solar Technologies Santa Cruz

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://solartechnologies.com/
Address: 705 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 8314259431
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Santa Cruz

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.cedgreentech.com/location/santa-cruz-ca
Address: 420 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: 8314717410
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Cinnamon Energy Systems

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.cinnamon.energy/
Address: 809 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: 4088837000
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

California Glass and Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://caglassandsolar.com/
Address: 131A Lost Lake Ln, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: 4086617747
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Shadowfax Roofing and Solar Company

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.shadowfaxroofing.com/
Address: 75 Dillon Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: 4086280065
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

SEC Services - Solar Energy Consultants

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

Website: https://sec.services/
Address: 5542 Monterey Hwy #257, San Jose, CA 95138
Phone: 4087035845
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Infinium Solar, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.infiniumsolar.com/
Address: 1190 Dell Ave ste o, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: 4085838101
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Premo Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://premosolar.com/
Address: 11520 Commercial Pkwy Suite A, Castroville, CA 95012
Phone: 8312155443

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Cruz

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz


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 Santa Cruz

The cost of putting up a solar panel system has decreased significantly over the past few years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:

  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can dramatically decrease, or entirely eliminate, your utility bills. In Santa Cruz, you can save an average of $88 a month.
  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you lower your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can use. In addition, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
  • Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.

Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and your current power bills.

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Solar Incentives in Santa Cruz

One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also potentially stack the ITC with other local incentives. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Cruz

An important reason so many are thinking of adopting solar energy is to help bring down their environmental impact. Something many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? Switching to solar power is an impactful choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation — all of which can be powered by solar instead. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower 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 power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.

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

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch's Santa Cruz, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best near me?

The best local solar company in Santa Cruz is Clean Solar, with a rating of 4.09 stars.

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it gives you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can be an eyesore.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.6 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is their energy production will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.