Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Solar Partner in Santa Barbara
Brighten Solar Co was founded in 2008 with a mission to deliver innovative solar solutions that combine aesthetic design with cutting-edge technology. Our team of experts brings decades of combined experience in solar engineering, architecture, and customer service, serving residential, commercial, and nonprofit clients across California's Central Coast. Recognized as Santa Barbara's Best Solar Company multiple times, we prioritize personalized service, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Our ISO-certified processes ensure quality installations that maximize energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. We work with top manufacturers to provide durable, cobalt-free battery storage systems that enhance energy independence.With over 15 years of industry experience, our founders have installed more than 10 megawatts of solar capacity in France and California. Our commitment to transparency includes handling all rebate applications and utility interconnections, ensuring a seamless customer experience. We maintain active partnerships with local environmental organizations and offer financing options to make solar accessible to all clients. Our 30+ person team includes certified project managers, engineers, and installers dedicated to delivering reliable, future-proof energy solutions.
Services
Residential Solar
Commercial Solar
Battery Storage
Non-Profit Solar
Solar Financing
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Established in 2008 with 15+ years of solar installation expertise
- ISO-certified environmental management processes for quality assurance
- Winner of Santa Barbara's Best Solar Company award for 6 consecutive years
- Specialized in aesthetic solar integration for historic and modern properties
- Handles all rebate applications and utility interconnection processes
Associations and certifications
- ISO 14001
- Santa Barbara The Independent Best Solar Company
- Goleta's Finest Innovative Business of the Year
- NAWBO BRAVO Entrepreneur to Watch
What people say
Second to none team
Smooth process
Expert installation
Significant savings
Professional service
Services
Residential Solar
Custom-designed solar systems for homeowners that reduce electricity bills by 80-100%. Our installations include system design, permitting, and utility interconnection. Systems typically pay for themselves within 6 years through energy savings and tax credits.
Commercial Solar
Tailored solar solutions for businesses that cut operating costs by 30-50%. Includes energy storage options to avoid peak demand charges. Commercial systems qualify for 50% bonus depreciation and 30% tax credits.
Battery Storage
Lithium iron phosphate battery systems that provide backup power during outages. Stores excess solar energy for nighttime use, reducing grid dependence. Qualifies for $3,000 rebates and 30% tax credits.
Non-Profit Solar
Specialized solar programs for non-profits that reduce energy costs while supporting environmental missions. Includes grant assistance and power purchase agreements with no upfront costs.
Solar Financing
Flexible financing options including $0 down loans with monthly payments lower than typical utility bills. 10-20 year terms available with fixed interest rates and immediate ownership benefits.
People
Marine Schumann
Co-Founder & CEO
Former hospitality industry project manager with 12 years of solar leadership experience. Holds ISO 14001 certification and specializes in sustainable business operations. Leads team strategy and customer service initiatives.
Jeremy Favier
Co-Founder & COO
Dual Masters in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Oversees technical operations and system design. Brings 15 years of renewable energy engineering expertise from Georgia Tech and ParisTech programs.
David Ferrin
Operations Manager
30-year construction industry veteran with architectural engineering background. Manages project timelines and quality control. Specializes in integrating solar systems with building design.
Gautier Meyers
Co-Founder
Established France's leading solar company Synergetik SARL. 8 years of executive leadership in European solar market. Focuses on technology innovation and international best practices.
Cash Upton
Sales & Design
UC Berkeley graduate in Environmental Economics. 8 years of solar design experience. Specializes in custom system configurations for unique architectural requirements.
Questions
How much can I save with solar panels?
Most homeowners save $1,500-$3,000 annually. Systems typically pay for themselves within 6 years through energy savings and tax credits.
Do solar panels work during power outages?
Standard systems shut off during outages, but battery backup systems provide continuous power. Battery systems form independent micro-grids during grid failures.
What's the installation timeline?
Permitting and installation complete within 4-6 weeks. Includes system design, utility interconnection, and final inspections.
Are there government incentives?
30% federal tax credit applies to solar and battery systems. Additional rebates available through local programs like 3CE's $3,000 battery incentive.
How does net metering work?
Excess solar energy sent to the grid earns credits. Credits offset nighttime energy use at 1:1 rate under California's NEM 3.0 program.
What maintenance is required?
Solar systems require minimal maintenance. Panels need cleaning 1-2 times yearly. Inverters typically last 15+ years with proper ventilation.
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