Solar Panels for the Central Coast
Discover effective Solar Energy Solutions for your Central Coast home or business
Looking to reduce your monthly electricity bills at home? Want to manage energy costs for your business more effectively?
Discover how Sandbar Solar can help you achieve these goals and more.
We design and install solar power systems that reduce electricity bills and decrease grid dependence with affordable, renewable energy. Our in-house teams specialize in developing custom solar solutions that fit your energy needs and your budget.
When residents in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties want established Central Coast solar installers, we stand poised and ready for the job. If you’re thinking about making the switch, our energy consultants are ready to answer your questions.
Whether you’re interested in solar power for your home or commercial property, let us explain the benefits and your options. As a locally owned solar provider in Santa Cruz, CA, we’re proud to be at your service.
Central Coast Solar Experts
Call us today about making the switch to clean solar energy: 831-469-8888
How Does the Solar Installation Process Work for Central Coast Residents?
We want you to be comfortable with the transition to solar energy, so we make sure you know what to expect.
The solar process
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Property Evaluation and Energy Consultation
Your switch to solar power starts with a free one-on-one consultation. We evaluate your home and/or business’s energy needs, the roof’s condition and the current electricity system’s capacity and design.
Based on our assessments, we design and model a custom solar installation plan for your property. As we share our proposal, we explain the details, outline your options and answer your questions.
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Planning, Permitting and Procurement
Next, we submit permitting paperwork required by your city’s building department and procure the components for your solar power system.
For nearly 20 years we’ve handled solar installations across the Central Coast, so we understand each different municipality’s requirements.
Permit approval typically takes four to eight weeks. During this time, we acquire your inverters, solar panels and racking assemblies. Depending on your project’s design, procurement may also include a solar battery backup system.
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Solar Panel Assembly and Installation
Once we have the City or County’s permit approval, we schedule your solar panel installation. For home installations, the work, typically is completed within one week (Commercial projects usually take longer), and includes:
Roof prep and wiring placement
Solar panel racking assembly installation
Racking layout and attachment
Solar panels secured into racking
Inverter and solar panel connections
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Final Inspection and Solar Panel Activation
When we’re done installing your solar panels, the City’s building department makes a final on-site assessment and issues an Inspection Passed certificate. Our interconnection team presents the certificate to your utility company.
The utility company then issues a Permission to Operate letter. The time between the City’s final inspection and the utility company’s PTO is typically two to four weeks (but can sometimes take longer).
With the PTO in hand, we activate your home’s new solar panel system. Congratulations on your transition to clean, sustainable solar energy for your home or business!
How to Select a Reliable Central Coast Solar Installer
You’re ready to make the switch to solar. An online search for a Central Coast solar company brings up multiple results. How do you connect with the best solar installation professionals?
Look for a solar provider with reliable references, solid reviews and these important qualities.
1. Expect a Self-Performing Installer
When a company handles project details in-house, it streamlines the process and tends to give you a higher quality installation. A company that performs its own installations is more likely to take greater care of your property and project overall and will pay closer attention to the details. This self-performing model ensures control over all aspects of the job, from initial property evaluation to navigating paperwork and permits.
Your project is the focus of solar specialists who stay on schedule, on budget and keep you updated on a regular basis.
2. Talk With a Local Solar Company
A national company doesn’t always customize an installation or offer solid financing options. They don’t always answer their own phones or know you as an individual.
Sandbar consistently offers the important extras you expect from a locally owned solar provider. Since 2004, we’ve proudly served Central Coast residents with the highest quality solar installations, professional workmanship and genuine customer care.
3. Put Your Trust in Transparency
When you have questions about installing solar panels, you want direct answers. Whether it’s information regarding financing options or available tax breaks, an honest energy consultant shares the details.
You can put your trust in that kind of transparency. You can also count on a solar installer that readily supplies proof of industry certification, insurance, and licensing.
Why Do Central Coast Property Owners Choose Sandbar Solar & Electric?
An Established Track Record
We’re proud of our success across the Central Coast, installing more than 4,000 solar energy systems for residential and commercial properties. Our team brings more than 150 years of combined industry expertise to every project.
Take a look at our reviews on independent sites. We earn positive feedback from new and established customers.
Custom Solar Panel Installations
Your property’s energy needs are based on unique factors, including its size, construction, roof condition and current electrical system. We consider every detail as we design a solar energy system tailored to your home or business.
Solar Solutions With Financing Options
If you’re looking for a financing plan for solar panels, our team can help you explore several affordable options that work with your budget.
Our highly knowledgeable staff guides you through different types of financing with reliable information so that you can make the right decision with confidence.
FAQs
Q: What is the average cost of solar panels for Central Coast residents?
The average cost of solar panels for Central Coast residents depends on multiple factors, including property size, current roof condition and the existing electrical system. For a home solar energy system, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $20,000 – $35,000, keeping in mind there are many financing options available.
Our energy consultant provides you with a no-obligation property evaluation that outlines the details, including the expected cost of installing a new solar energy system.
Q: Do the electric bills stop when I make the switch to solar?
You’ll still receive a monthly electric bill after you go solar, but it will be significantly reduced. Homeowners are charged a grid connection fee that averages between $10 to $20 each month.
If you use more electricity than your solar panels generate, expect to be charged according to the utility’s standard rate.
Q: What solar incentives are available for Central Coast residents?
The current federal tax credit on a solar panel investment is 30%. If you decide to include a battery backup system with your solar project, you may also qualify for savings through California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program.
Q: How do solar panels convert sunlight into electricity?
Each solar panel contains photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight and convert the energy into DC electricity. This current is converted to AC through the system’s inverter, generating sustainable energy that powers your home or business.
Q: Is it possible to add solar battery backup to an existing solar installation?
Yes. Our solar technicians can work with existing solar panels and ensure their compatibility with a new solar battery backup system. We take care of these modifications for residential and commercial properties.
Q: Is there a best way to switch to solar energy?
Work with a locally owned solar panel company that can demonstrate years of successful installation experience. Avoid the hard sell. The best solar provider won’t try to pressure you into making decisions. Instead, trust a solar installer who takes the time to answer your questions and explain your options.
Q: Can you recommend additional resources for information on going solar?
Yes. We suggest these links for Central Coast residents who are thinking about switching to solar.
Homeowners Guide to Going Solar
California Solar Initiative
Financial Assistance
Federal Trade Commission
Why Do Central Coast Property Owners Choose Sandbar Solar & Electric?
An Established Track Record
We’re proud of our success across the Central Coast, installing more than 4,000 solar energy systems for residential and commercial properties. Our team brings more than 150 years of combined industry expertise to every project.
Take a look at our reviews on independent sites. We earn positive feedback from new and established customers.
Custom Solar Panel Installations
Your property’s energy needs are based on unique factors, including its size, construction, roof condition, and current electrical system. We consider every detail as we design a solar energy system tailored to your home or business.
Solar Solutions With Financing Options
If you’re looking for a financing plan for solar panels, our team can help you explore several affordable options that work with your budget.
Our highly knowledgeable staff guides you through different types of financing with reliable information so that you can make the right decision with confidence.
