Is solar worth it in 93101 (Santa Barbara, CA)?

With an average payback period of 5.2 years and 25-year savings of $71,850, solar panels in Santa Barbara, California are an excellent investment.

How much do solar panels cost in 93101?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Santa Barbara, California is $15,000 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $10,500.

How much solar electricity does 93101 get?

Santa Barbara receives 5.9 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 93101 produces approximately 10,337 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 93101

Santa Barbara, California — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

4.8x ROI Score

5.2 yrs Payback Period

$2,874/yr Annual Savings

$71,850 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $2,874

Payback 5.2 yrs

25-yr savings $71,850

Solar Calculator for 93101 (Santa Barbara)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Santa Barbara, California.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

5.9 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Santa Barbara, CA

ROI Score 4.8x

Annual Production 10,337 kWh

Annual Savings $2,874

Payback Period 5.2 years

25-Year Savings $71,850

After 30% ITC $10,500

Solar Data for 93101 – Santa Barbara, CA

Solar Irradiance 5.9 kWh/m²/day +19% vs national avg

vs California Avg +5% State avg: 5.87 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.278/kWh California average rate

Annual Production 10,337 kWh 6kW system estimate

Santa Barbara receives 5.9 kWh/m²/day — 19% above the national average. At $0.278/kWh, the 5.2-year payback is among the fastest in the country. Annual savings of $2,874 make solar an excellent investment here.

Solar Incentives for Santa Barbara, California

★

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $15,000 system, that's $4,500 back.

★

Net Metering

Most California utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

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California State Programs

Check with the California energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Santa Barbara.

93101 vs California Average

Solar Irradiance

93101: 5.9 CA avg: 5.87

Payback Period

93101: 5.2 yrs CA avg: 5.6 yrs

Annual Savings

93101: $2,874 CA avg: $2,697

25-Year Savings

93101: $71,850 CA avg: $67,425

See the full California solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

93001 Ventura, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback 93301 Bakersfield, CA 4.7x ROI 5.3 yr payback 90401 Santa Monica, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback 93401 San Luis Obispo, CA 4.7x ROI 5.3 yr payback 91331 Pacoima, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback