15 Best Solar Companies in Santa Ynez, CA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Santa Ynez based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Santa Ynez, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Santa Ynez homeowner saves $2,564/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Santa Ynez

When choosing between the best solar installers, Santa Ynez homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power that much easier. On average, your family can save $30,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And since solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, you can save will be well above that overall.


If you’re considering going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in Santa Ynez and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and came up with a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Santa Ynez, you can click "get quote" below.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Santa Ynez

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Brighten Solar Co.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://brightensolarco.com/
Address: 5380 Overpass Rd B, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone: 8057083654
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Good Energy Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.goodenergysolar.com/
Address: 137 W Mission St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8059795101
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Planet Oath LLC

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.planetoath.com/
Address: 3201 Airpark Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phone: 8057153759
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Mac's Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.macsolar.com/
Address: 162 Vista Del Mar Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: 8056823386
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://sunpacificsolar.net/
Address: 809 Bond Ave B, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: 8059659292
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sunrise 805

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://www.sunrise805.com/
Address: 232 Anacapa St Suite 2A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 8058956096
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Planet Solar Inc. - Santa Barbara

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://planetsolar.com/
Address: 300 E Canon Perdido St Suite C-2, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: 8008597652
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Coastal Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://coastalsolarventura.com/
Address: 4526 Telephone Rd UNIT 205, Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 8052461330
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Photon Brothers

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://photonbrothers.com/central-coast/
Address: 3566 S Higuera St #310, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: 8053513371
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Axiom 360

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://axiom360.com/
Address: 981 Highland Way, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Phone: 8058402161
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Codella Solar & Associates

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.codellasolar.com/
Address: 2300 Alessandro Dr #106, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 8056487867
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

California Power - Renewable Energy

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.californiapower.net/
Address: 140 Seacliff Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Phone: 8332582658
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sespe Power Solutions

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

Website: https://sespepowersolutions.com/
Address: 4882 McGrath St ste 130, Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 8056510783
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

LGCY Power San Luis Obispo

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.lgcypower.com/
Address: 145 S. Halcyon Road Suites F\u0026G, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Phone: 8052505490
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables San Luis Obispo

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.greentechrenewables.com/location/san-luis-obispo-ca
Address: 1075 Farmhouse Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: 8052349099

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Ynez

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Ynez 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 Ynez


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 Ynez

Even though solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on electricity bills over time, it’s important to take into consideration the upfront costs.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:

  • The type of solar panel system you can buy: This hinges on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
  • The amount of sunlight your home gets: Because of Santa Ynez’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your energy bills.
  • How much energy your home consumes: Homes that consume lots of energy each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, be more expensive, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
  • Your home's power bills: Based on the high monthly energy bills in Santa Ynez, you could save about $1,500 a year with solar.

Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your current power bills.

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Solar Incentives in Santa Ynez

If you’re thinking about making the switch to solar power, a number of government incentives and state programs can dramatically lower the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment.There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that earn some money back after buying a qualifying system. For comprehensive information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Ynez

A lot of people want to do their part to help save the planet, which often is the prime reason for installing a solar system.You may be trying to figure out – how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? Something that can drastically influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive generally. If you go solar and have an electric car, you can vastly decrease your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with using solar energy.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Santa Ynez, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best in Santa Ynez?

In Santa Ynez, Brighten Solar Co. is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.

What are the best and worst things about solar power?

The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, completely cut your electricity bills, improve your home’s value and lower your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.