Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Barbara, CA (2023 Update)
- Santa Barbara Solar Installation Cost: $5,378
- 25-Year Savings: $15,071
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Barbara
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Santa Barbara.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Santa Barbara it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Santa Barbara, the average price of going solar will be about $5,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Santa Barbara based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Santa Barbara for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Santa Barbara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,310 |
| 3 years | $-5,174 |
| 5 years | $-5,037 |
| 7 years | $-4,901 |
| 9 years | $-4,765 |
| 11 years | $-4,628 |
| 13 years | $-4,492 |
| 15 years | $-4,356 |
| 17 years | $-4,219 |
| 19 years | $-4,083 |
| 21 years | $-3,947 |
| 23 years | $-3,810 |
| 25 years | $-3,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Barbara
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Santa Barbara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Barbara
The cost of installing a solar system in Santa Barbara can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Santa Barbara, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Santa Barbara average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Santa Barbara homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Santa Barbara are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $31,673 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,536 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,553 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,722 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $76,044 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,519 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $99,147 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,928 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Santa Barbara, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Barbara?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Barbara is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Santa Barbara?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Santa Barbara, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.