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10 best solar companies in Salinas, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Salinas. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Salinas, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the best installer, we've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Salinas.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and request multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Salinas or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Salinas homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Salinas
Look for Salinas solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Monarch Home Services (Salinas)
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
FMJ Electric, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Quality Home Services
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Premo Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Scudder Solar Energy Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Allterra Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sandbar Solar & Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Nomadic Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunternal
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Solar Electric Supply, Inc.
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Semper Solaris
TN Electrical and Solar Services
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Salinas?
The Salinas region receives plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons to choose solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar decreases your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
Facts about Salinas
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 Salinas?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any extras like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
According to data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Salinas generally runs about $7,050.
How much can you save by going solar in Salinas?
While solar panel installation might be a substantial initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Salinas from going solar
In Salinas, you can expect to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Salinas is approximately 6 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Salinas: Salinas homeowners can anticipate saving about $1,053 per year on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $20,785 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Salinas from going solar
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Salinas?
Salinas homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are provided statewide to all California residents, while others differ based on utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible 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 Salinas solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these important questions.
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 big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements influence cost, how soon 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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