18 Best Solar Companies in Chico, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 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 May 04, 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chico
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Urban Design
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
Sustainable Energy Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Atlas Consulting LLC
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Apex Electrical & Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
FAFCO, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Infinity Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Sola-Tecs
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Brighter Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
Royal Aire Heating, Air Conditioning & Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
Royal Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Revamp Solar Energy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
California Builders - Solar Contractor
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
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
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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If you're curious what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Chico, CA.
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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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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.