The City of Watsonville recognizes the role green energy plays in our planet’s future. With solar panels installed on several municipal buildings and more to come, the City is reducing its carbon footprint and holding down energy costs.
As a resident of this forward-thinking community, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy too. We can help. Sandbar Solar & Electric proudly offers our services as one of Watsonville’s leading local solar installers.
Our expertise is backed by more than 150 years of combined solar industry experience. When property owners decide to go solar in Watsonville zip codes 95019, 95076 and 95077, they know they can trust us.
We regularly install solar panels for Watsonville homeowners and businesses. Our client list includes businesses, schools, municipalities, commercial sites, agricultural operations and more.
If you’re thinking about switching to solar, we’re ready to help, starting with a personal, no-obligation consultation.
Give us a call today for answers to your questions about going solar: 831-469-8888
How Does the Solar Installation Process Work in Watsonville, California?
For most property owners, a solar panel installation is a first-time experience.
We believe in sharing the details so that you know what to expect.
These four steps outline our solar installation process.
1. On-Site Evaluation and Consultation
We begin with an on-site consultation to get to know you, learn about your goals and needs, and to provide an initial property evaluation.
Our assessment includes your roof’s age, construction and condition. We also confirm your electricity system’s capacity and the configuration of its electrical panel and wiring.
Our Energy Consultant uses this information to develop a custom plan tailored to your property’s energy needs. We draw up our proposal, review it with you, outline your options and answer your questions.
2. Obtaining Permits and Assembling Components
Once we have your go-ahead, we finalize our plans for installing your home’s solar energy system. This step includes preparing and submitting permit drawings and applications to the City’s Building Division.
At the same time, we consolidate the components specific to your solar installation. We procure racking materials, solar panels and inverters.
If your plans include solar battery backup, we take care of it.
3. Custom Solar Panel Installation
As soon as the City completes its permit approval, we schedule your installation so our solar technicians can get to work. Over the next several days, we install your property’s solar panel system with the following steps.
- Preparing roof and confirming wiring placement
- Constructing solar panel support racks
- Positioning and attaching racks to roof
- Securing solar panels to racking
- Connecting inverters to solar panels
- Installing solar battery backup
4. Final Inspection and Activation
When our installation work is complete, the Building Department makes a final on-site inspection. Their approval generates an Inspection Passed certificate, which we forward to the utility company.
The utility company gives their approval and issues a Permission to Operate letter. Now, it’s time to activate your solar panel system. With the flip of a switch, your home or business is powered with affordable, sustainable energy generated by your solar panel installation.
Schedule a free solar consultation today: 831-469-8888
How to Find the Best Solar Installer in Watsonville, CA
There are numerous solar companies here in Watsonville. As you are quite literally installing a new electricity-generation system on your home, you want to hire the best for your project.
References and reviews are important, but these three factors can help with a final decision.
1. Complete Project Oversight
An established solar provider maintains complete control over the job. From initial planning to system activation, you work with one company.
Partnering with a self-performing contractor like Sandbar Solar & Electric keeps you connected with an in-house team dedicated to your project’s design, construction and installation.
2. Locally Owned and Operated
A locally owned solar company offers a truly personalized customer experience.
They answer their own phones and appreciate you as an individual. They develop solar solutions designed to make your installation fit your energy needs. Sandbar has been proudly serving our Central Coast community since 2004.
3. Trust Based on Transparency
An honest solar contractor in Watsonville supplies more than references. The company provides proof of insurance, licensing and industry certification.
Questions are answered, and concerns are addressed. Throughout the project, your input is welcomed and respected.
Contact us today for a no-obligation solar consultation.
Why Choose Sandbar Solar & Electric in Watsonville?
Our Position as the #1 Solar Provider in Watsonville, CA
We’re proud of our standing as the preferred solar panel company in Watsonville and across Santa Cruz County. We maintain that position by putting you, the customer, first.
Our teams are committed to delivering the best solar services available, and we operate with complete transparency.
Our work is backed by more than 150 years of combined industry experience. As Santa Cruz County’s proven leader among solar providers, we pledge to ensure your satisfaction and earn your trust.
Custom Installations for Your Home and Business
We approach each solar installation as a custom project. This allows us to maximize your results based on your property’s energy needs. Our teams also offer additional options, such as battery backup systems, stand-alone generators and commercial operations and maintenance services.
Working with your existing electrical infrastructure, we develop energy-efficient power layouts tailored to your needs. Our teams also design and install solar panel systems for new construction projects.
From start to finish, we focus on customizing the installation process at your home or business.
Solar Panel Financing Options You Can Trust
There are several different options available for financing a solar panel installation. Sandbar can help you make a decision that fits your budget and your project.
We offer solid recommendations based on our years of experience in the industry.
For example, many customers qualify for financing through one of the Bay Area’s top solar loan companies. These options cover solar-only projects, solar installations with battery backup and stand-alone battery installations.
We’re glad to share financing details, and we encourage you to discuss them with a trusted financial advisor.
What Customers Say About Us
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Working with Sandbar was excellent. We were kept informed about every step. I have not had the installation long enough to learn how much I am saving. ... read more
Janet Perry
July 20, 2017Everyone was very nice and they did an excellent job on installing the solar panels! Jarrett was very personable! I can already see a difference in my electric bill big... read more
annieoakley
August 24, 2023Working with Sandbar was great. They were significantly cheaper than other bids we received, finished our project quickly, and answered all of our questions. The installation was so... read more
Andrew Ow
May 16, 2017 -
Sandbar paid attention to my concern and met my high standards with regards to aesthetics and safety. My 12/12 steep roof pitch was somewhat challenging for the installation of panels... read more
Nancy Meyberg
December 9, 2022Prior to Sandbar I tried several other electricians. I read about Sandbar in the Santa Cruz Style magazine. Sandbar came out to my rural mountain property and rewired my whole... read more
conley creek
July 24, 2021Sandbar Solar & Electric are so good at what they do. They coordinated with all of the appropriate people to complete the work. They also helped update electrical items that would... read more
JAVIER AGUIRRE
October 22, 2019 -
We had an excellent experience with Sandbar. Our primary contact was with Jarrett McGuckin and he was very responsive and helpful in answering our many questions.
Cheryl Daniels
June 8, 2022(This will be long, but should be worth the read) I highly recommend Sandbar Solar. There have been so many nightmare stories related to Solar City and others, Sandbar was... read more
Darren Cook
June 1, 2023My roof looks beautiful, unless you want to put solar on it. Steep with lots or "architectural details." No mind, Jeremy and his team from Sandbar patiently explained... read more
Nick Folger
November 7, 2022
Get a Free Solar Consultation Today
Company Information
Sandbar Solar & Electric
2656 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 469-8888
contact@sandbarsc.com
Solar FAQs
Q: How much do solar panels cost in Watsonville?
A: The cost of a solar panel project depends on several factors, including the size and condition of your roof, the condition of your main electric panel, and the size of the system you want & need. The type of panels you choose also affects final costs. We advise you on the best panels for your solar installation, based on their dollar-per-watt valuation.
Q: Will I still get an electric bill after going solar?
A: Yes. However, the charges will be significantly lower than what you're currently paying for electricity. The utility company charges a monthly fee for grid connection, but the amount for this grid-connection is small, averaging between $10 and $20 each billing cycle. If you use more electricity than your solar energy system produces (on an annual basis), you will be charged standard rates from the utility for this excess energy. The utility will send you a monthly “True-Up Statement” once you go solar so you can track your net energy consumption.
Q: Are there solar incentives available to homeowners in Watsonville, CA?
A: Yes. You can take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit on your solar panel investment. A battery backup system can save even more through California's Self-Generation Incentive Program.
Q: How do solar panels convert the sun's energy?
A: As the panels in a rooftop solar array absorb energy from sunlight, they produce DC electricity. The DC current is converted to AC current through an inverter, generating the renewable energy that powers your home or business.
Q: Can my existing solar power system be modified with battery backup?
A: Yes. We install battery backup systems for residential and commercial customers. Most of these installations integrate with existing systems, but we can modify older systems so that they're compatible with solar battery backups.
Q: What is the easiest way to make the switch to solar?
A: Work with an established solar company that earns your trust. You want a solar contractor who answers your questions and offers options without a hard sell. It's easier to switch to solar with a professional team that customizes your project and respects your budget.
Q: Can you share helpful resources I can look at?