17 Best Solar Companies in Chico, CA (Jan 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Chico based on:
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Customer review scores
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Solar installers near you
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Company policies and services offered
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Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated January 20, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Chico
If you're a home or business owner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Chico, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which company to decide on. But, the hard work is worth it since adopting solar power is typically a fantastic choice. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $32,000 on your electricity bills.
In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best options in your area. To get an idea of how much you would pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Chico by clicking the "get quote" button below.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chico

Solar Sun Surfer
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Educational sales approach
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Assists with maximizing rebate
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Custom system designs
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Maintenance and Repairs
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Commercial Solar Services

Plan It Solar
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Offers a free quote process
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Educational sales approach
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Custom system designs
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Locally owned and operated
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NABCEP-certified technicians
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Licensing and credentials transparency
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Excellent reputation
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Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
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Solar Batteries
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Solar Panels
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Commercial Solar Services

Addy Solar & Electric
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Solar Batteries
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Solar Panels
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Commercial Solar Services

WSC - Solar & Roofing
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Offers a free quote process
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Maintenance and Repairs
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Roofing Services
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Roof Shingles
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Solar Panels

Urban Design
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Family owned and operated
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels

Diamond Solar Solutions, Inc.
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Can browse portfolio on website
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Family owned and operated
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Maintenance and Repairs
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Roof Shingles
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Solar Panels

Wing Solar & Wood Energy, Inc.
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Educational sales approach
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Solar Batteries
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Maintenance and Repairs
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels

Apex Electrical & Solar
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Educational sales approach
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Assists with maximizing rebate
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels

Royal Aire Heating, Air Conditioning & Solar
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Offers a free quote process
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Educational sales approach
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Custom system designs
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Assists with maximizing rebate
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Maintenance and Repairs
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels

Upstart Energy
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Custom system designs
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Roof Shingles
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Solar Panels

Summit Technology Group
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Maintenance and Repairs
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels

Jonas Energy Solutions
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Maintenance and Repairs
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels

Point Solar
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Educational sales approach
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Licensing and credentials transparency
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Roof Shingles
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Commercial Solar Services

Real Goods
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Offers a free quote process
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Custom system designs
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Excellent reputation
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Some reported issues with customer services
Services Offered
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Solar Batteries
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Solar Panels

Sunriver Solar
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Offers a free quote process
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Educational sales approach
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Custom system designs
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Can browse portfolio on website
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Commercial Solar Services

Smart Energy Brokers
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Can browse portfolio on website
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Offers a free quote process
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Makes charitable contributions
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Excellent reputation
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Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
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Solar Batteries
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Solar Panels

Cascade Power
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Can browse portfolio on website
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Educational sales approach
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Assists with maximizing rebate
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Commercial Solar Services
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chico
Even though solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on energy bills over time, it's important to take into consideration the startup costs. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Energy consumption: Solar may be too pricey an option for homes that don't consume too much energy each month.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what model of solar panels you can purchase.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Chico gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $32,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Chico
Although installing solar panels is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over several years due to reduced power bills and government incentives. Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chico
There are a few big reasons why many people are considering solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? The more energy you use, the better off the planet will be when you switch to solar since you won't have to rely on traditional energy sources as much. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chico, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar company in Chico?
The best local solar company in Chico is Solar Sun Surfer, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.