15 Best Solar Companies in Chico, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Chico based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Chico, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Chico homeowner saves $2,684/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chico
When you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Chico, combing through so many options can be intimidating, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many great perks. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can vastly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not completely eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $32,000 of savings over 20 years.
If you want to make use of the great amount of benefits of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Chico solar installer that’s right for you.We recommend shopping around to get several quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-pressure quotes from the top solar panel companies in Chico, click the link 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chico
Urban Design
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning
- Solar Carports
All Around Heating, Air and Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
Climate & Energy Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Maintenance
- Emergency Services
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
Royal Aire Solar, Heating, Air & Water
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Emergency Services
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
Chico Electric
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
California Builders - Solar Contractor
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Maintenance
- Energy Efficiency Audit
FAFCO, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Alternative Energy Systems
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
Revamp Solar Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
Light It Up Solar and Electric
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Sunworks Solar Power - Durham
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Infinity Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
Westhaven Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
Sustainable Energy Group
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
California Solar Electric Cooperative Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chico
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chico based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chico
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chico
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some key factors such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $32,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panels won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Chico doesn’t use much energy, and consequently may not see as many savings on their power bills.
Due to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as various solar incentives, they are a solid investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Chico
There are several reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local benefits, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. For comprehensive information about incentives for homeowners in Chico, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chico
One of the most compelling reasons to tap into solar power is to reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the environment by going solar? In Chico, where the energy generation could be cleaner, going solar can have a significant impact on the planet since solar power is a renewable source of energy.In Chico, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. As you can see, using solar power has so many other perks apart from saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the environment too.
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 Chico, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Chico?
In Chico, Urban Design is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What are a few of the main advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels?
The advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, in some cases, completely eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and bring down your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 7.2 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.