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
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Average Isla Vista homeowner saves $2,564/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
Brighten Solar Co.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Good Energy Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- EV Charger
- Commercial Panels
Sunrise 805
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- EV Charger
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Carports
- Maintenance
Mac's Solar
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
Planet Solar Inc. - Santa Barbara
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
Coastal Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
United Electric, Solar & Plumbing
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Codella Solar & Associates
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Cleaning
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
Sespe Power Solutions
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Commercial Panels
Santa Barbara Solar Group
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
KOTA Energy Group
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Maintenance
Pacific Electric Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Maintenance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
Planet Oath LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Full-Service
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
Solar by Infinity
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Maintenance
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
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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.