Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Barbara, CA (2025 Update)
- Santa Barbara Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,071
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Barbara
We break down average solar pricing in Santa Barbara.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Santa Barbara it’s 3 per watt.The average Santa Barbara homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,836 with the federal tax credit, or $9,775 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $28,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Santa Barbara find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Santa Barbara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,597 |
| 3 years | $-3,119 |
| 5 years | $-640 |
| 7 years | $1,838 |
| 9 years | $4,316 |
| 11 years | $6,794 |
| 13 years | $9,272 |
| 15 years | $11,750 |
| 17 years | $14,228 |
| 19 years | $16,707 |
| 21 years | $19,185 |
| 23 years | $21,663 |
| 25 years | $24,141 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Barbara
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Santa Barbara, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Santa Barbara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Barbara
There are several criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Santa Barbara.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Santa Barbara average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Santa Barbara to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Santa Barbara is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Santa Barbara know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $28,441 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,310 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $48,373 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $58,630 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $69,082 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $79,728 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $90,569 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $101,604 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Santa Barbara, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Santa Barbara?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,453.26 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Santa Barbara?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.