15 Best Solar Companies in Montecito, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Montecito based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Montecito, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Montecito homeowner saves $2,134/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Montecito
Choosing the right solar panel installation company for your roof is an important decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Montecito. On average, you can save $25,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be well above that overall.
If you want to make use of the many benefits of solar, we’re here to help you narrow down your options to find the Montecito solar installer that’s the right price for you.We suggest shopping around for several quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-obligation quotes from vetted solar panel companies in Montecito, click the link below.
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 Montecito
Brighten Solar Co.
Reliable Customer Support- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Good Energy Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Sunrise 805
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
Mac's Solar
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Planet Solar Inc. - Santa Barbara
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Coastal Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
United Electric, Solar & Plumbing
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Codella Solar & Associates
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sespe Power Solutions
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Tesla Powerwall
Santa Barbara Solar Group
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Pacific Electric Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Solar by Infinity
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
KOTA Energy Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Imperial Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Montecito
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Montecito 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 Montecito
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 Montecito
We get that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs.There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, including:
- The kind of solar panel system you can buy: This depends on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $25,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Typical energy usage: The more power your home uses on average and the greater your current energy bills are, the more benefits you’ll see from going solar.
Though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your house and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Montecito
To increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more affordable and accessible.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level incentives, which in almost all cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Montecito.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Montecito
Many want to do what they can to help the planet, which in many cases is the chief motivation to install a solar system.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help by making the switch to solar? In a city like Montecito where energy use is somewhat high, going solar is a fantastic plan for households who are eco-conscious.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other rewards outside of saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.
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 Montecito, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
The top local solar company in Montecito is Brighten Solar Co., with a rating of 4.90 stars.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it’s good for the environment, and it provides a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the startup costs are high and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 9.1 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, your budget and desired energy output.
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.