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
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Average Santa Ynez homeowner saves $2,564/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Santa Ynez
When choosing between the best solar companies, 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 by using solar power. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be well above that overall.
If you’re planning on 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 went ahead and came up with a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you.Interested in seeing how much it’d cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Santa Ynez solar installer.
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 Ynez
Brighten Solar Co.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Good Energy Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
Planet Oath LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Mac's Solar
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sunrise 805
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Planet Solar Inc. - Santa Barbara
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Coastal Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Photon Brothers
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
Axiom 360
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Codella Solar & Associates
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
California Power - Renewable Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Sespe Power Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
LGCY Power San Luis Obispo
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables San Luis Obispo
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
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
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs above all.The cost and possible 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 electric bills.
- How much electricity 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.
There are many great benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Santa Ynez
Switching to solar power has many considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the environment, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. You can learn about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Ynez
There are tons of reasons to switch to solar power, like saving on utility bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Santa Ynez, though. Something that can severely influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive altogether. If you go solar and have an electric car, you can vastly reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce 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 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 Ynez, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Santa Ynez?
The top local solar company in Santa Ynez is Brighten Solar Co., with a rating of 4.90 stars.
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.