15 Best Solar Companies in Santa Maria, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Santa Maria based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Santa Maria, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Santa Maria homeowner saves $2,994/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Santa Maria
Searching for the best solar companies in Santa Maria? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can vastly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not completely eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $36,000 of savings over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best options in your area.To get an idea of what it would cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
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 Maria
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Planet Oath LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Axiom 360
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Photon Brothers
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
LGCY Power San Luis Obispo
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
California Power - Renewable Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables San Luis Obispo
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Electricraft Inc
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Brighten Solar Co.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Serv Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Mobile Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Good Energy Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Carports
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Sunrise 805
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Maria
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Maria 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 Maria
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 Maria
For most homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar energy comes down to the cost.Some important factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- Incentives: Something that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your utility bills, which can result in an average of $36,000 of savings over 20 years.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Thanks to Santa Maria’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your power bills.
- How much energy you use: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from installing solar panels.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the angle of your roof and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Santa Maria
Switching to solar power has plenty of considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the environment, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly use the ITC with other local incentives. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Santa Maria.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Maria
Lots of people want to do what they can to help save the environment, which in many cases is the prime motivation to install solar panels.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? If your household consumes a lot of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar energy.Since solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Santa Maria residents have been happy with using solar energy.
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 Maria, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Santa Maria?
In Santa Maria, SunPower by Sea Bright Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Producing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 6.5 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 pay for itself.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.