12 Best Solar Companies in Scotts Valley, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Scotts Valley based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Scotts Valley, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Scotts Valley homeowner saves $2,742/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Scotts Valley
Thinking of going solar but trying to figure out which solar company would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be challenging to settle on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $33,000 on your electricity bills.
If you want to start making use of the many benefits of solar, we'll help you narrow down your options to find the Scotts Valley solar installer that's in the right price range for you. To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Scotts Valley, you can click "get quote" 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 Scotts Valley
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
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Clean Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
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
Soliculture
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Electric Supply, Inc.
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
Land and Sea Solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Day One Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Scotts Valley
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Scotts Valley 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 Scotts Valley
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 Scotts Valley
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your system. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Where your home is: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- How much power your home consumes: Homes that use a lot of power each month may require more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
- The type of solar panels you're planning on getting: More high-tech panels cost more, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $33,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Scotts Valley
If you're thinking about making the switch to solar power, a variety of government incentives and tax credits can dramatically bring down the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment. When you install a solar panel system on your house, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there may often be some regional incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Scotts Valley.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Scotts Valley
There are a few main reasons why people are considering solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help by using solar power? Something that can severely shape your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive altogether. If you install solar panels and have an electric car, you can vastly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. Because solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Scotts Valley, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Scotts Valley is APG Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.6 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I install solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.