Solar Panel Cost Guide in Redding, CA (2023 Update)
- Redding Solar Installation Cost: $6,092
- 25-Year Savings: $19,473
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Redding
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Redding.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Redding it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Redding, most homeowners require a 3.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,096, or $8,717 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Redding
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,007 |
| 3 years | $-5,837 |
| 5 years | $-5,666 |
| 7 years | $-5,496 |
| 9 years | $-5,325 |
| 11 years | $-5,155 |
| 13 years | $-4,984 |
| 15 years | $-4,814 |
| 17 years | $-4,644 |
| 19 years | $-4,473 |
| 21 years | $-4,303 |
| 23 years | $-4,132 |
| 25 years | $-3,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Redding
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Redding
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Redding
There are many factors that can determine your solar system 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 significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Redding. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Redding, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points 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 additional 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $36,191 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,560 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,082 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,757 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,585 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,566 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,699 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,986 | 5.4 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. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Redding, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Redding?
The average cost of solar panels in Redding 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Redding?
You can't get solar panels for free in Redding. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 household 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.