Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Durham, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, locally-owned and operated company serving the Butte County area for over two decades. They are known for their personalized service, expert system design, and deep knowledge of local permitting and incentives. They handle everything from initial consultation to installation and long-term maintenance.
A well-established local contractor that specializes in both roofing and solar, making them an excellent choice for homeowners concerned about roof integrity or needing a new roof alongside their solar installation. They offer comprehensive energy solutions and are known for their quality craftsmanship and customer service.
A large, regional provider with a significant presence in Northern California. They offer streamlined processes, strong manufacturer partnerships, and various financing options. While a larger company, they have teams that service the Butte County area and can provide the convenience of a one-stop-shop for roofing and solar needs.
** The home solar market in Durham, California, is characteristic of a rural community within a state that is a national leader in solar adoption. The market is not saturated with dozens of competitors like in major metropolitan areas, but the providers that do serve the region are typically established, high-quality contractors. Many are based in the nearby commercial hub of Chico. Due to Durham's hot, sunny summers and the high cost of grid electricity from PG&E, the financial incentive for going solar is significant. Homeowners are often motivated by both long-term savings and energy independence, especially given the region's history with Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). This has driven strong demand for battery storage solutions like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell. **Average Quality:** High. The local companies have built their reputations on quality installations and customer service over many years. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't hundreds of installers, the few key players are highly competent and compete on service, expertise, and robust offerings, including battery backup. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with state averages. For a typical residential system (6kW - 8kW), gross costs before the 30% federal tax credit can range from **$18,000 to $28,000**. The final price is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage, which can add $10,000-$20,000 or more. All reputable companies will provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis, including projections of the 30% federal tax credit and any applicable local incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Durham regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Durham, California.
For a typical Durham home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system averages between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, California homeowners are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, and Durham's abundant sunshine maximizes your system's output, improving payback. You also benefit from net metering with PG&E, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid, further reducing your annual energy costs.
Durham's hot, dry summers with long sunny days are ideal for solar production, though extreme heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency. Winters are mild and foggy, which will lower daily output, but the overall annual sunshine is excellent. Seasonal considerations include planning for higher summer cooling loads and ensuring panels are angled to capture optimal sun year-round, which a local installer can expertly design for.
Yes, you must obtain a building permit from the Butte County Planning Department. California's Solar Rights Act significantly restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar installations, though they may have reasonable rules on panel placement for aesthetic purposes. A reputable local installer will handle the entire permitting process, ensuring compliance with all county and state regulations specific to our area.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience in Butte County, as they understand regional permitting, climate factors, and PG&E interconnection. Verify they are licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and offer strong warranties. Ask for references from Durham or Chico installations and compare detailed proposals that include system design, equipment quality, and a clear production estimate for your specific property.
Under PG&E's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, your solar system's excess energy sent to the grid earns you a credit on your bill. You will draw from these credits at night or on cloudy days. You will still receive a monthly bill from PG&E, but it will primarily consist of minimal non-bypassable charges (around $10-$15) and any usage that exceeds your solar production for that billing period.