15 Best Solar Companies in Santa Cruz, CA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Santa Cruz based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Santa Cruz, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Santa Cruz homeowner saves $2,742/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Santa Cruz

Looking for energy freedom in Santa Cruz? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since you can take advantage of lots of perks when you go solar. Since Santa Cruz is a solar paradise, it's no wonder you're researching installing solar panels.


In this article, we’ll help you find the best options in your area.Interested in seeing how much it’d cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Santa Cruz solar installer.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Santa Cruz

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Allterra Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.allterrasolar.com/
Address: 125-B McPherson St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 8314252608
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Sandbar Solar & Electric

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://sandbarsc.com/
Address: 2656 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 8314698888
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Nomadic Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://mynomadicsolar.com/
Address: 1146 Soquel Ave #4203, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 8312220119
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Electric Supply, Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Solar Carports

Website: http://www.solarelectricsupply.com/
Address: 108 Whispering Pines Dr #235, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: 8314628243
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Technologies Santa Cruz

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://solartechnologies.com/
Address: 705 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 8314259431
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Santa Cruz

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.cedgreentech.com/location/santa-cruz-ca
Address: 420 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: 8314717410
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Cinnamon Energy Systems

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades

Website: https://www.cinnamon.energy/
Address: 809 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: 4088837000
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Infinium Solar, Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.infiniumsolar.com/
Address: 1190 Dell Ave ste o, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: 4085838101
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Sunternal

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://www.sunternalsolar.com/
Address: 5671 Santa Teresa Blvd #105, San Jose, CA 95123
Phone: 8002740901
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Semper Solaris

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.sempersolaris.com/locations/bay-area/campbell/
Address: 180 E Sunnyoaks Ave Bldg 2, Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: 6692032061
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

TN Electrical and Solar Services

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System

Website: http://www.tnsolars.com/
Address: 1150 Murphy Ave #240, San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 4082293632
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Highlight Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.highlightsolar.com/
Address: 1624 Remuda Ln, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 8669269997
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Monarch Home Services (Salinas)

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.monarchhomeexperts.com/
Address: 485 Victor Way Number 12, Salinas, CA 93907
Phone: 8312784940
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Soleeva

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.soleeva.com/
Address: 1918 Junction Ave, San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 8338208080
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Clean Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.cleansolar.com/
Address: 1445 Koll Cir, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 8885517652

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Cruz

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz


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 Cruz

Although solar panels can save you a decent chunk of change on electricity bills over time, it’s important to know the startup costs.A few key factors that determine the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Your income and budget: This affects what type of solar panels you can get.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Santa Cruz gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much your electricity bills will be.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. Plus, you can save about $33,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
  • How much power your home consumes: Households that need a lot of energy each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.

There are many wonderful benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. Plus, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Santa Cruz

In order to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more economically viable and accessible.No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 0 of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some state and city incentives that stack with the ITC too. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Santa Cruz.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Cruz

One reason so many homeowners are considering going solar is to help reduce their environmental impact.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Santa Cruz, though. In a city like Santa Cruz where commute times can be pretty long, going solar can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from driving a lot.Because solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is abundant and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the planet.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Santa Cruz, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar panel installer in Santa Cruz?

The highest-rated local solar company in Santa Cruz is Allterra Solar, with a rating of 4.90 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of 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.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.1 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

What is the best type of solar panel?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much energy generation you want.

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.