18 Best Solar Companies in Goleta, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in Goleta based on:

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

Average Goleta homeowner saves $2,421/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Goleta

Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Goleta? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since there are lots of perks after adopting solar power. Fortunately, there are lots of solar companies in Goleta due to encouraging government support and a growing clean energy market.

As you set out on your search for the best solar companies in Goleta, you might see that there are a great number of providers to choose between. So, we've organized an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area. To help you figure out if solar panels are worth it for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Goleta by clicking the button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Goleta

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

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Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tesla Solar Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://ovlifestyles.com/goleta/
Address: Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: 8053225415
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tesla Solar Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://ovlifestyles.com/goleta/
Address: Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: 425PineAve#101
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Brighten Solar Co.

  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Outstanding 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 Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://brightensolarco.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone: 8057083654
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Mac's Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.macsolar.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: 8056823386
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Community Renewable Solutions LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://communityrenewables.biz/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8052146150
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Good Energy Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.goodenergysolar.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8059795101
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tesla Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8059537380
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarSunForLife Santa Barbara

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: https://www.solarsunpowerpros.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8052574422
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Joe's Window Cleaning

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://joeswindowcleaning805.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8054511502
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CEC ELECTRICAL SERVICES

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: http://www.cecelectricalservices.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 310ECotaSt
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sunrise805

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.sunrise805.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8058956096
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Planet Solar Inc. - Santa Barbara

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://planetsolar.com/
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: 8008597652

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Goleta

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Goleta 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 Goleta


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 Goleta

For the majority of homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels boils down to the cost. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:

  • How much energy your household consumes: Households that need a lot of power each month may call for more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Goleta gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your electricity bills will be.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $29,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you get will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.

Though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you get and your local electricity rates.

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Solar Incentives in Goleta

One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning federal and potentially state incentives. State and city solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in your area.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Goleta

Lots of people want to do what they can to help protect the planet, which in many cases is the prime reason for installing a solar system. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? No matter where you are, you can help the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume more energy will have an even greater impact. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll no doubt recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Goleta, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar installer in Goleta?

In Goleta, Solar Company Finder is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.

Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?

Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How efficient are solar panels?

For the most part, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.

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.