Best 5 Solar Companies in Chico, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Chico

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar water heaters, HVAC, pool heaters, boilers, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to secure a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Chico

The type of solar panels you purchase dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers offer these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

Most Chico homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Chico

Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Chico.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.