5 Best Solar Companies in Rio Dell, CA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Rio Dell based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Rio Dell, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Rio Dell homeowner saves $2,598/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Rio Dell

Getting the right solar panel installation company for your house is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Rio Dell. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $31,000 on your electricity bills.

Here, we'll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Rio Dell to make your decision a bit easier. Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or connect with a vetted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Rio Dell

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Westhaven Power

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.westhavenpower.com/
Address: 76 G St, Arcata, CA 95521
Phone: 8777046758
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Six Rivers Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.sixriverssolar.com/
Address: 818 Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: 7079029508
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Sunbolt Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://sunboltsolar.com/
Address: 64 Davenport Ln, McKinleyville, CA 95519
Phone: 7076011540
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Redwood Coast Energy Authority

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.redwoodenergy.org/
Address: 633 3rd St, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: 7072691700
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

HAVEN-ELECTRIC INC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.haven-electric.com/
Address: 405 Chartin Rd, Blue Lake, CA 95525
Phone: 7075025454

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rio Dell

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rio Dell 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 Rio Dell


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 Rio Dell

When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all. Some significant things that determine the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:

  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $31,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • Your energy bills: This will impact your savings. In Rio Dell, the average homeowner can save about $1,100 a year on their electricity bills.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Rio Dell gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your electricity bills will be.
  • The kind of solar panels you want to get: More efficient panels have higher prices, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.

Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping the planet.

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Solar Incentives in Rio Dell

If you're thinking about switching to solar energy, a variety of government incentives and solar rebates can dramatically lower your project costs and speed up the return on your investment. State and city solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rio Dell

If you're planning on adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your carbon footprint. You may be wondering — how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? In a city like Rio Dell where commute times can be long sometimes, using solar power can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from driving. Since solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll no doubt get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Rio Dell, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best in Rio Dell?

The best local solar company in Rio Dell is Humboldt Solar Water Pump, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.