Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Chico, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-established, regional leader with a strong Chico presence. They offer a full-service approach from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Known for high-quality equipment and professional installations. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the most efficient panels on the market.
A highly-rated local specialist focused exclusively on the Chico area. They pride themselves on personalized service, local expertise, and deep knowledge of the specific solar incentives and requirements in Butte County. Their smaller scale often allows for more direct communication with the owners and project managers.
A large, multi-state provider with a significant local office. Their key differentiator is bundling new roofs with solar installations, which is a major advantage for homeowners needing both services. They handle the entire process in-house and offer various purchase and lease financing options.
** The home solar market in Chico, California, is robust and competitive, driven by the region's high number of sunny days and historically high electricity rates from PG&E. The market features a mix of large, established regional companies (like Baker and PetersenDean) and smaller, specialized local installers (like Chico Solar Company). This provides homeowners with a range of options from premium, full-service providers to more personalized, local expertise. The average quality of installers is high, with most holding the necessary state licenses and certifications from manufacturers. Competition is strong, which can benefit consumers through competitive pricing and service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Chico is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average-sized 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$16,800 to $21,000**, with a net cost of **$11,760 to $14,700** after the federal incentive. Many companies offer $0-down loan and lease options, making solar more accessible. Knowledge of local net metering policies and the SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program) for batteries is a key differentiator among top-tier providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Chico regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Chico, California.
In Chico, a typical 6kW residential solar system ranges from $15,000 to $22,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, California's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program allows you to earn bill credits for excess power sent to the grid, and there is no local sales tax on solar equipment, further lowering costs.
Chico's abundant sunshine, with over 260 clear days per year, makes it exceptionally well-suited for solar. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours result in very high production. Winter fog and shorter days will lower output seasonally, but a properly sized system is designed to account for this, ensuring your annual energy needs are met.
Prioritize local, licensed contractors (C-10 or C-46) with extensive experience navigating the City of Chico's specific permit process and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) interconnection requirements. Look for providers with strong references from local installations and who offer robust warranties. It's also wise to choose a company familiar with the potential for wildfire smoke impacts on seasonal production.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Chico's Development Services Department, the physical installation (1-3 days), and the final inspection and PG&E interconnection approval, which can be the longest step. Planning ahead is key, especially if aiming for installation before peak summer production.
Yes, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall or similar is highly recommended for many Chico homeowners. It provides critical backup power during PSPS events, which are a reality in our fire-prone region. Furthermore, batteries allow you to store excess solar energy and use it during peak evening hours when PG&E rates are highest, maximizing your bill savings and energy independence.