15 Best Solar Companies in Santa Barbara, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Santa Barbara based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Santa Barbara, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Santa Barbara homeowner saves $2,325/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Santa Barbara
Looking to go solar but not sure which solar company would be the best one for you? Although it can be hard to find a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great perks. Plus, proactive government support gave rise to surging numbers of solar companies, setting the foundation for a clean and successful future in the state.
To help you sort through the large variety of Santa Barbara solar installers, we’ve come up with a list of the top ones.To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Santa Barbara, click the "get quote" button 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 Santa Barbara
Brighten Solar Co.
Free Quotes- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Good Energy Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Sunrise 805
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
- Grid-Tied Solar System
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
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Coastal Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
United Electric, Solar & Plumbing
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Codella Solar & Associates
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sespe Power Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
Santa Barbara Solar Group
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Pacific Electric Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Solar by Infinity
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
KOTA Energy Group
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
United Solar & Electric Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Barbara
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara
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 Santa Barbara
We know that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs.The cost and possible savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. Plus, you can save about $28,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Thanks to Santa Barbara’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your energy bills.
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can greatly lower, or totally get rid of, your utility bills. In Santa Barbara, you can save an average of $1,239 a month.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Santa Barbara doesn’t use much energy, and consequently may not see as many savings on their power bills.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to reduce your electricity costs, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Santa Barbara homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Santa Barbara
If you’re considering making the switch to solar power, several government incentives and solar rebates can dramatically reduce the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment.There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you some money in return after installing a solar panel system. You can find out about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Barbara
Swapping traditional energy for solar is a profound way to do what you can for a more sustainable future.Something many people might have in mind is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time on the road and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Even though making solar panels emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Santa Barbara, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll likely find that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 Santa Barbara, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Santa Barbara?
The best local solar company in Santa Barbara is Brighten Solar Co., with a rating of 4.90 stars.
What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it’s good for the environment, and it can provide a good 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 installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 8.4 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
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 how much energy generation you want.
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.