Solar Panel Cost Guide in Red Bluff, CA (2024 Update)

  • Red Bluff Solar Installation Cost: $7,686
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,284
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Red Bluff

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Red Bluff.

The average cost of a solar system in Red Bluff is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Red Bluff is around 3.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,686 for a solar installation, or $10,991 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Red Bluff based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Red Bluff homeowner can save about $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Red Bluff

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-6,148
3 years $-3,072
5 years $3
7 years $3,079
9 years $6,155
11 years $9,231
13 years $12,307
15 years $15,382
17 years $18,458
19 years $21,534
21 years $24,610
23 years $27,686
25 years $30,761

Top Solar Installers in Red Bluff

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Red Bluff:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Red Bluff

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Red Bluff

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Red Bluff: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Red Bluff, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out 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

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Red Bluff is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $34,770 7.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $46,748 7.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $58,921 7.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $71,289 7.2 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $83,850 7.0 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $96,606 6.9 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $109,556 6.7 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $122,701 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Red Bluff, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Red Bluff?

The average cost of solar panels in Red Bluff is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Red Bluff?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Red Bluff. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,664.23 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

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