Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Obrien, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-established, regional solar installer with a strong presence in Northern California. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from custom design and installation to maintenance, and are recognized for their expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid battery systems.
A larger, reputable company with a significant footprint across California. They offer a wide array of financing options, including leases and PPAs, and have strong manufacturer partnerships that provide robust warranty packages. Their process includes a detailed energy efficiency assessment.
A highly-rated local contractor specializing in residential projects in Shasta County and surrounding areas. They are praised for personalized customer service, deep local knowledge of permits and incentives, and expertise in servicing and repairing existing systems from various manufacturers.
** The home solar market in the Obrien area is serviced primarily by established contractors based in Redding, the regional hub. The market is **moderately competitive**, with a mix of strong local specialists and branches of larger state-wide companies vying for business. The average quality of service is **high**, as companies operating in this region must be well-versed in the specific needs of Northern California homeowners, including managing forest shade, dealing with varying sun exposure on large properties, and understanding the incentives from providers like PG&E. **Typical pricing** for a residential system in Obrien is competitive with state averages. A standard 6kW system can range from **$15,000 to $25,000** before the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The final cost is highly dependent on system size, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage, which is increasingly popular for both backup power and energy independence. Customers can expect all reputable providers to be thoroughly knowledgeable about the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program and state-level 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 Obrien regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Obrien, California.
Homeowners in Obrien benefit from the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal income tax. California also has a property tax exclusion for solar installations, meaning your property taxes won't increase due to the added value. Additionally, you'll participate in Net Energy Metering (NEM) with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), earning bill credits for excess power sent to the grid, which is crucial given Obrien's high summer sun exposure.
Obrien's hot, sunny summers are ideal for high solar energy production, especially for offsetting air conditioning costs. However, the significant wildfire risk in Shasta County can lead to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) by PG&E. We strongly recommend pairing your solar system with a battery backup (like a Tesla Powerwall) to maintain power during grid outages and to provide critical safety and comfort during fire season.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in Shasta County, as they will understand specific permitting with the county building department, optimal roof angles for our latitude, and how to design for both summer sun and potential winter snow. Always verify they are a licensed California C-10 or C-46 contractor, insured, and check their reviews and project portfolio for homes in our rural/mountainous region.
For a typical Obrien home, the process takes 3 to 5 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from Shasta County, scheduling installation (which can be weather-dependent), and finally, the PG&E interconnection agreement and inspection ("Permission to Operate"). Working with a streamlined local installer can help navigate these steps efficiently, but patience is needed for rural county permitting cycles.
Yes, but a thorough roof assessment is the first critical step. Given Obrien's climate, your roof must be in good condition with a solid structure to handle both the solar array and occasional snow. Reputable local installers will evaluate roof integrity, orientation, and shading from surrounding pines. If replacement is needed, they can often coordinate roofing and solar projects, and you may qualify for the tax credit on the roof cost if it's necessary for solar installation.