15 Best Solar Companies in Isla Vista, CA (2024 Reviews)

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

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

Average Isla Vista homeowner saves $2,564/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 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 Isla Vista

If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Isla Vista, going through hundreds of options can be challenging, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many fantastic benefits. On average, you can save $30,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be even higher overall.


In this article, we’ll let you in on the top Isla Vista solar installers so you can find the best one for your home’s renewable energy needs.We recommend shopping around to get several quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-pressure quotes from vetted solar companies in Isla Vista, click the link 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 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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Isla Vista

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Brighten Solar Co.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://brightensolarco.com/
Address: 5380 Overpass Rd B, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone: 8057083654
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Good Energy Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.goodenergysolar.com/
Address: 137 W Mission St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8059795101
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sunrise 805

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.sunrise805.com/
Address: 232 Anacapa St Suite 2A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8058956096
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.

  • 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 Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://sunpacificsolar.net/
Address: 809 Bond Ave B, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: 8059659292
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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: https://www.macsolar.com/
Address: 162 Vista Del Mar Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: 8056823386
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Planet Solar Inc. - Santa Barbara

  • Pros icon Reliable 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 Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://planetsolar.com/
Address: 300 E Canon Perdido St Suite C-2, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: 8008597652
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Coastal Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://coastalsolarventura.com/
Address: 4526 Telephone Rd UNIT 205, Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 8052461330
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

United Electric, Solar & Plumbing

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.venturaelectricians.com/
Address: 399 N Aviador St, Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 8056508658
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Codella Solar & Associates

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://www.codellasolar.com/
Address: 2300 Alessandro Dr #106, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 8056487867
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sespe Power Solutions

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • 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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: https://sespepowersolutions.com/
Address: 4882 McGrath St ste 130, Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 8056510783
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Santa Barbara Solar Group

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.sbsolargroup.com/
Address: 2790 Sherwin Ave STE 4, Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 8056365206
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

KOTA Energy Group

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://www.kotaenergygroup.com/
Address: 1200 Lawrence Dr Suite 180, Newbury Park, CA 91320
Phone: 8558005682
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Pacific Electric 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 Consultation
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://pacificelectricsolar.com/
Address: 1833 Portola Rd STE D, Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 8773185494
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Planet Oath LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.planetoath.com/
Address: 3201 Airpark Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phone: 8057153759
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar by Infinity

  • 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 Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://solarbyinfinity.com/
Address: 6566 Beene Rd, Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 8056509054

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Isla Vista

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Isla Vista 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 Isla Vista


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 Isla Vista

For lots of homeowners, whether or not to invest in a solar energy system boils down to the cost.A few key factors that dictate how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:

  • Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can afford.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electricity bills than a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their total solar spend by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $30,000 on your energy bills over 20 years without incentives.
  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Isla Vista doesn’t use much energy, and as a result may not see as many savings on their power bills.

Because of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as various solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for many homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Isla Vista

Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money in the long term because of reduced energy bills and government incentives.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. For detailed information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Isla Vista

One of the reasons so many homeowners are considering installing solar panels 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 Isla Vista, though. Switching to renewable energy for electricity rather than burning fossil fuels is an impactful way to lower your carbon footprint if you're concerned about Isla Vista's fair level of greenhouse gas emissions.Because solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good alternative to traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since solar energy is renewable and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.

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 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

EcoWatch's Isla Vista, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best in Isla Vista?

The best local solar company in Isla Vista is Brighten Solar Co., with a rating of 4.90 stars.

Are solar panels actually good for the environment?

Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

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

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.6 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated based on how many watts of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.