15 Best Solar Companies in Santa Barbara, CA (2025 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
When you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Santa Barbara, combing through hundreds of options can be intimidating, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many great perks. Fortunately, Santa Barbara residents have tons of the best solar companies in the nation, providing amazing value for generating clean energy.
There are tons of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Santa Barbara.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Santa Barbara solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
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

United Electric, Solar & Plumbing
Family-Operated Business
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Skilled Repairs

Coastal Solar
Reliable Customer Support
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance
Panel Installation
Skilled Repairs
Cleaning and Maintenance


Planet Oath LLC
Free Quotes
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation
Panel Installation
Cleaning and Maintenance
Financing Assistance
Permit Assistance

Sespe Power Solutions
Clear Pricing Policy
Prompt Service Delivery
Free Quotes
Reliable Customer Support
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Solar Panel Upgrades
Battery Storage
Tesla Powerwall
Panel Installation
Skilled Repairs

Codella Solar & Associates
Family-Operated Business
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Informative Resources
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Cleaning and Maintenance

Good Energy Solar
Informative Resources
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance
Battery Storage
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Panel Installation
Consultation
Grid-Tied Solar System


Santa Barbara Solar Group
Prompt Service Delivery
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation
Permit Assistance
Panel Installation
Financing Assistance

Sunrise 805
Informative Resources
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Battery Storage
Cleaning and Maintenance
Panel Installation
Consultation
Permit Assistance

Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.
Free Quotes
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Grid-Tied Solar System
Skilled Repairs
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Solar Carports
Panel Installation
Cleaning and Maintenance

Quantum Solar Designs, Inc.
Reliable Customer Support
Clear Pricing Policy
Prompt Service Delivery
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage
Panel Installation


Go Green Solar Solutions
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Prompt Service Delivery
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Solar Carports
Cleaning and Maintenance
Panel Installation
Battery Storage
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 understand that for many homeowners, the choice to invest in solar rests on installation costs.Some main factors that affect the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $28,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your location: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- How much you spend on energy: The typical family in Santa Barbara pays around $1,200 a year on electricity alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be too steep of an option for households that don’t need too much energy each month.
Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Santa Barbara
Adopting solar power has many great benefits. Not only can it help protect the Earth, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.These incentives usually include cash rebates, tax benefits and/or performance-based incentives. They can reduce the cost you pay for going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Barbara
Many want to do what they can for the environment, which for many is the primary reason they’re interested in installing a solar system.Something many might be wondering about is how much can they really help the environment by switching to solar power anyway? A significant thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute, your footprint may be larger, so adopting solar power for your home can help offset that.If you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 50 pounds every year. If you care about the environment, you’ll most likely understand that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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
Which solar company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Santa Barbara is Brighten Solar Co., with a rating of 4.90 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, totally erase your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not see as many savings if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 8.4 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout 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.