Write a review
  3. Homeowners
  4. Going Solar
  5. Best Solar Companies

Best Solar Companies in Santa Barbara, California

We compared 18 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      4.5(577)
    • Competitive pricing
      Project Solar
      4.8(77)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,033)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunlux logo
    Project Solar logo
    Sunrun logo
    See our top picks

    Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      Author pictureAuthor pictureAuthor picture
      Author picture
      By:
      Author picture
      Edited by:
      Author picture
      Fact-checked by:

      Best Solar Companies in Santa Barbara, California

      Our top solar company picks for Santa Barbara

      1. Best overall: Sunlux
      2. Our pick for competitive pricing: Project Solar
      3. Great for solar leases: Sunrun

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Santa Barbara based on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best Santa Barbara solar companies

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Santa Barbarans’ energy needs.

      Our top pick overall

      Sunlux

      4.5
      577 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      19.7%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan and lease
      Year founded
      2012

      Sunlux is a top-rated solar company in Southern California. We like that it has a range of equipment options. Its 24/7 monitoring app lets you easily track your system’s performance, and tech support is on standby if anything goes wrong.

      • “Our experience with Sunlux was great. Our initial consult with Tracy was scheduled promptly and I was seriously impressed with his level of knowledge and ability to answer all of my questions. The system was designed and sized exactly as I wanted and meets the needs of our current and expanding family. The install team was professional and courteous. I did have to monitor them a bit more than I had wanted to ensure everything was done to my exacting standards but in the end it turned out great. It has been a month and the production is right on track. I am already saving money! It was a great experience from start to finish.” — Christoph in Santa Barbara

      We’ve heard some minor complaints about installation delays, communication issues or billing problems. Solar panel installations are complicated projects, and there’s always the chance of mix-ups or misunderstandings.

      Sunlux specializes in residential solar panel installations with battery backup systems. It’s available throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine and Valencia.

      • Energy services: Reps can coordinate financing, EV charging and smart home solutions, as well as roofing services if needed.
      • Warranty information: Sunlux has two tiers of warranty options. The standard warranty covers your system's installation and physical components (panels, inverter and racking) for 25 years. With Platinum Protection, Sunlux also covers labor for repairs and guarantees the energy your system generates for 25 years.
      • Payment options: Sunlux accepts cash and third-party loans. It also has leases and prepaid leasing plans.

      Pros

      • Lots of local experience
      • 24/7 system monitoring
      • Flexible financing options
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • No in-house financing
      • Some customer service complaints
      Our pick for competitive pricing

      Project Solar

      4.8
      77 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2016

      We’ve talked to more than 50 Project Solar customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, 94% were satisfied with the price. Satisfaction ratings on customer service and technology were also above industry averages.

      Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      • “I had a great experience with Project Solar. They were quite transparent, clearly communicating what they planned to do and what I needed. The installation process was handled by a third party, and they informed me in advance when they would be at my house. It only took about a day or two to complete the installation. Since then, everything has been running smoothly, and I've noticed an improvement in my electrical bills.” — Omead in Santa Barbara
      The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about some delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Silfab and Enphase.

      • Energy services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
      • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

      Pros

      • Easy sign-up process
      • High-quality equipment
      • Great value

      Cons

      • Occasional miscommunications
      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing
      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      4.2
      3,033 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun's leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits.

      • “Sunrun is reliable and has good value. Jim was the representative that I worked with. He was on top of things, kept me informed. Any questions, he answered instantly. Or text messages, he responded within minutes, not days. Also, their rep answered my question, got somebody out, and addressed my issue in a very timely manner. My utility bills in the summer used to run $600 running the AC. And since going solar, I have a monthly credit rather than having to pay the utility company. Only once in the last year and a half have I had any payment due, and it was $15. So, the only thing I'm paying for my utilities is what I pay Sunrun for the solar panels. I also got a very nice partial credit back from the utility company for the excess energy that I produce. So, that's good. I save money but also contribute to the grid. Also, I don't worry about losing power when I work from home.” — Eileen Simi Valley

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

      Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

      • Energy services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

      Pros

      • Reliable systems
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some customer service complaints
      • Occasional billing issues

      How we chose the best solar companies in Santa Barbara

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the Mediterranean-type climate, to choose the best solar companies in Santa Barbara, California, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Santa Barbara solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Santa Barbara residents should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $22,110 in Santa Barbara.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Santa Barbara County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Santa Barbara

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Santa Barbara are comparable, ranging from $7,700 to $22,000.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Santa Barbara’s net metering program.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Santa Barbara household needs a system with a capacity of 10.05 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Santa Barbara

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in Santa Barbara?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Santa Barbara homeowners with solar panels can avoid $64,105 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      The environmental impact of a single homeowner installing solar panels may be relatively small, but when enough people in a city like Santa Barbara go solar, the cumulative reduction in air pollution can be significant.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Considering California averages 5 to 6.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Santa Barbara

      In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: California requires solar contractors to hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      Going solar in Santa Barbara County

      The area is prone to earthquakes — make sure your solar installer uses seismic-resistant mounting and anchoring techniques to protect your system from potential damage.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked 5th in 2024

      Residential solar panel incentives in Santa Barbara

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in California to maximize savings. For instance, you may be eligible for rebates through the Self-Generation Incentive Program.

      Santa Barbara solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Santa Barbara?

      Yes, you or your installer will have to apply for a solar permit through the county. You can learn more about the requirements through the Department of Planning & Development.

      Can my HOA stop me from getting solar panels?

      California’s Solar Rights Act prevents homeowners associations (HOAs) from restricting residential solar panel installations. HOAs can, however, impose minor restrictions as long as they don’t reduce the system’s efficiency.

      » GREENEST STATES: California ranked 17th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Santa Barbara?

      Net metering lets you send excess power that your solar panels generate into your local power grid. In return, you can earn credits on future utility bills. These credits can then offset your bill when your solar panels don't produce as much energy, like on cloudy days or during Santa Barbara’s long, dark winters.

      Net metering in Santa Barbara is handled by Southern California Edison (SCE), the primary electricity provider in the area. However, it's important to note that SCE recently transitioned to a new net metering program called NEM 3.0, which has some key differences from the previous NEM 2.0 program.

      The main change is the shift to avoided cost rates for excess generation, which are lower than retail rates. This reduces the financial benefits of exporting solar energy to the grid. NEM 3.0 encourages customers to use more electricity during off-peak hours when solar generation is typically lower. This can affect how your net metering credits are calculated.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Santa Barbara

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Santa Barbara, California. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Santa Barbara customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Sunlux
      2. Project Solar
      3. Sunrun

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Solar Companies in Santa Barbara delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Read Santa Barbara solar company reviews

        Sort
        • Best Rated
        • Most Reviewed
        • Highest Rated
        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Santa Barbara, CA." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Santa Barbara, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "California Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "California Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in California." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.
        7. California Public Utilities Commission, "California Solar Consumer Protection Guide Overview & FAQ." Accessed Nov. 22, 2024.
        8. Southern California Edison, "Net Energy Metering." Accessed Nov. 22, 2024.

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×