Solar Panel Cost Guide in Redding, CA (2024 Update)
- Redding Solar Installation Cost: $7,744
- 25-Year Savings: $19,473
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Redding
We go over average solar pricing in Redding.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Redding, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover 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 around $7,744, or $11,074 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Redding homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $30,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Redding find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Redding for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Redding
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,322 |
| 3 years | $-3,477 |
| 5 years | $-633 |
| 7 years | $2,211 |
| 9 years | $5,055 |
| 11 years | $7,900 |
| 13 years | $10,744 |
| 15 years | $13,588 |
| 17 years | $16,432 |
| 19 years | $19,276 |
| 21 years | $22,121 |
| 23 years | $24,965 |
| 25 years | $27,809 |
Top Solar Installers in Redding
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Redding, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Redding
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Redding
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Redding: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Redding to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s wise to include 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Redding, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Redding know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $32,958 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,333 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,902 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,665 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,623 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,775 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $104,121 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,662 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Redding, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Redding, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Redding?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 afford 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 will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Redding is currently $386,822, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,860 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Redding 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 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.