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
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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 Red Bluff homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,686 with the federal tax credit, or $10,991 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Red Bluff homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Red Bluff find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
While the average cost of a solar system in Red Bluff is $7,686, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Red Bluff offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Red Bluff, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 add-on services like electric car 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 you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Red Bluff?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Red Bluff. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Red Bluff, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.