Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chico, CA (2023 Update)
- Chico Solar Installation Cost: $6,000
- 25-Year Savings: $20,331
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chico
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chico.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Chico is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Chico is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,001 for a solar installation, or $8,581 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $32,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chico find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Chico, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chico
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,462 |
| 3 years | $-1,386 |
| 5 years | $1,690 |
| 7 years | $4,765 |
| 9 years | $7,841 |
| 11 years | $10,917 |
| 13 years | $13,993 |
| 15 years | $17,069 |
| 17 years | $20,144 |
| 19 years | $23,220 |
| 21 years | $26,296 |
| 23 years | $29,372 |
| 25 years | $32,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Chico
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chico, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Chico
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chico
The cost of installing a solar system in Chico can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Chico, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chico average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Chico, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Chico, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,394 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,498 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,754 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,164 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,726 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,441 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,310 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,331 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Chico, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chico?
The average cost of solar panels in Chico is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chico?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chico, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.