Clean solar energy is lighting up Monterey

The state of solar in Monterey

California puts out more solar energy than any other state,^*SEIA. “Top 10 Solar States.” (Accessed 5 April 2021). and with Monterey's 267 sunny days per year, it's easy to see why.^*Best Places. Climate in Monterrey, CA. April 2021. About 81% of Monterey's rooftops are solar-viable, making it an ideal spot for homes and businesses to have a solar system.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

In addition to enjoying beautiful coastlines and history-rich surroundings, residents of the Monterey area are well on their way to 100% renewable energy by 2030, according to Central Coast Community Energy.^*CALCCA. “Monterey Bay Community Power is now Central Coast Community Energy.” (8 September 2020).

How much solar energy does Monterey produce?

Monterey County currently boasts 140.1 MW of installed solar capacity. With the proliferation of clean energy projects like the California Flats Solar Project, a 282.5 MW, 3,000-acre solar array, production will only continue to increase.

What are the advantages of going solar in Monterey?

Californians are known for their healthy, eco-friendly lifestyles, and residents of Monterey are no different. As cities like Monterey work to reduce their carbon footprint, utilizing solar power is an easy, straightforward way to minimize our environmental impact.

Fortunately, living in a "green" city like Monterey means having easy access to a wealth of solar options, resulting in low upfront and maintenance costs.

In fact, the cost of solar system installation in the state has dropped 45% since 2015.^*SEIA. “California Solar.” (2020). Q4 2020. As traditional energy prices continue to rise, clean energy sources like solar power becomes an even better value.

Not only do Monterey residents enjoy affordable prices when it comes to solar panel installation, but they can also benefit from drastically lowered (or even nonexistent) energy bills.

How much does solar cost in Monterey?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• System size

• Roof size and type

• Type of panels used

• Quality of solar panels

• Quality of solar system warranty

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Monterey, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,550 to $20,500, or in other words, from $2.91 to $4.10 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives."

As with most California cities, Monterey home and business owners may be able to take advantage of a number of incentives for going solar. For example, California's utility net metering program allows solar system owners to feed any excess power their systems produce back into the city's power grid, resulting in credits on future electricity bills.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

Other incentives and rebates include the self-generation incentive program (SGIP), the solar energy system property tax exclusion, the single-family affordable solar housing program (SASH), and the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit.^*Tax credits and incentives subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

What's the best way to go solar in Monterey?

When researching solar solutions for your home or business, keep in mind that every system will differ depending on your needs and budget.

For example, you might opt to save money on upfront costs by starting with a smaller, scalable setup, or you may prefer to spend a little extra upfront and benefit from greater savings and utility credits over time. Available roof space and aesthetic considerations are also important to take into account when planning your system.

Your solar system's efficiency, quality, and durability will largely depend on the solar provider you decide to work with and the materials and processes they use.

At SunPower, we make going solar simple with online consultations, all-in-one solar + storage solutions, and the most efficient solar panels available. We'll assess your needs and recommend the installation that best meets your energy and savings goals.

Get started now by requesting a free consultation below. We'll contact you shortly to find a time that works well with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.