10 best solar companies in Monterey, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Monterey, California, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Monterey to help you select the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can choose a local Monterey solar company or use a reputable national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy enables Monterey homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Ahead of booking your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Monterey
Seek out Monterey solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Monarch Home Services (Salinas)
Services Offered
Premo Solar
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FMJ Electric, Inc.
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Allterra Solar
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Sandbar Solar & Electric
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Nomadic Solar
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Sunternal
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Solar Electric Supply, Inc.
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Infinium Solar, Inc.
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Cinnamon Energy Systems
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Monterey?
Monterey and the surrounding areas receive abundant sunshine, which makes it possible for homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. Major reasons to switch to solar power include these:
- Save on energy bills: Using solar energy enables you to reduce your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Monterey
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Monterey?
According to the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you choose any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Monterey typically costs $7,050.
How much can you save by going solar in Monterey?
Putting in solar panels calls for substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Monterey from going solar
Homeowners in Monterey who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recoup its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Monterey's average payback period for solar is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Monterey: On average, Monterey homeowners can save $1,053 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $20,785 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Monterey from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 50 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1250 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Monterey?
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Monterey. Various programs are applicable to all California residents, while others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for California residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Monterey solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a solar installation expert.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Local tree coverage, precipitation and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage might bump up the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements affect cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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