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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Redding typically cost about 3.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.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $30,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Redding find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Redding, you can click the button below.
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
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Redding
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Redding
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Redding, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Redding is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Redding have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Redding, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Redding?
The average cost of solar panels in Redding 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Redding?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Redding, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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.