Solar Panel Cost Guide in Red Bluff, CA (2023 Update)
- Red Bluff Solar Installation Cost: $6,039
- 25-Year Savings: $20,292
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Red Bluff
We go over average solar pricing in Red Bluff.
In Red Bluff, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 3.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Red Bluff, the average price of going solar will be about $6,039 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Red Bluff can save about $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Red Bluff for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Red Bluff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,986 |
| 3 years | $-2,879 |
| 5 years | $-773 |
| 7 years | $1,334 |
| 9 years | $3,440 |
| 11 years | $5,547 |
| 13 years | $7,653 |
| 15 years | $9,760 |
| 17 years | $11,866 |
| 19 years | $13,973 |
| 21 years | $16,079 |
| 23 years | $18,186 |
| 25 years | $20,292 |
Top Solar Installers in Red Bluff
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
See all of the solar companies in Red Bluff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Red Bluff
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Red Bluff. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Red Bluff, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Red Bluff homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $38,002 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,975 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,101 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $77,380 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $90,812 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $104,397 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $118,134 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $132,025 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Red Bluff, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Red Bluff?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Red Bluff is currently $224,100, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,188 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Red Bluff is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.