17 Best Solar Companies in Santa Monica, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Santa Monica based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Santa Monica, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Santa Monica homeowner saves $2,737/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Santa Monica
On the hunt for the top solar companies in Santa Monica? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting project that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. What's especially making many homeowners consider going solar is their high energy bills that continue to increase each year.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in Santa Monica and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and put together a list of the best solar companies for you. To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Santa Monica, click 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 Santa Monica
Average Cost
SunPower
-
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
LA Green Development
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
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
SolarCustomized Solutions Santa Monica
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Sunko Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
The Solar Generation Company LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Tesla Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Helios Energy Global
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
My Solar Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Top Of The Line Solar Panel Santa Monica
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
BB & L Solar Energy Group
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Solex Energies
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
FLUX ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Monica
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Monica 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 Monica
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 Monica
The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased immensely over the past few years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- How much energy costs for you: The average family in Santa Monica spends around $980 a year on energy use alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- The kind of solar panels you're planning on getting: More efficient panels are more costly, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $33,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electric bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the amount of daily direct sunlight available and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Santa Monica
In order to increase the adoption of solar power, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make solar power more economical and accessible. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Monica
An important reason so many people are thinking of going solar is to help reduce their environmental impact. But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? An important thing to think about is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if your commute is very long, your footprint may be larger, so adopting solar power for your home can help offset that. Although solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Santa Monica, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll likely get that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. 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 Santa Monica, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar company in Santa Monica?
The best local solar company in Santa Monica is Renewable USA, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a considerable upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.
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.