10 best solar companies in Seaside, 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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Seaside, California, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've gathered a list of the top solar companies in Seaside.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the best company for you. You can choose a local Seaside solar company or select an established 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
Although solar panels call for a major upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Seaside homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Not every solar company has 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 Seaside
Search for Seaside 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 good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Monarch Home Services (Salinas)
Services Offered
Premo Solar
Services Offered
FMJ Electric, Inc.
Services Offered
Allterra Solar
Services Offered
Sandbar Solar & Electric
Services Offered
Nomadic Solar
Services Offered
Sunternal
Services Offered
Solar Electric Supply, Inc.
Services Offered
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Seaside?
Homeowners in Seaside are well-positioned for solar energy since the area receives a lot of sunshine. The top reasons to transition to solar power include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to operate 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 power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Seaside
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 Seaside?
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you pick any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
In Seaside, solar panel installation costs around $7,050, per data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Seaside?
While solar panel installation may be a big initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Seaside from going solar
Homeowners in Seaside who transition fully to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover 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 payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Seaside is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Seaside: On average, Seaside homeowners can save $1,053 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by moving completely to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $20,785 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Seaside from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable 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 Seaside?
Several solar incentives are available to Seaside homeowners. Various programs are offered to all California residents, while others differ by utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives to California homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| 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 Seaside solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
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 often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage could raise the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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