Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Barbara, CA (2024 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Santa Barbara, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Santa Barbara, the average price of going solar will be about $6,836 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Santa Barbara homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Santa Barbara, you can 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
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Santa Barbara:
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
See all of the solar companies in Santa Barbara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Barbara
For many Santa Barbara homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Santa Barbara, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Santa Barbara, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Santa Barbara homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. Santa Barbara’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 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 $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.