Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Tehama, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, local, and family-owned solar installer serving the North State for over two decades. They are known for exceptional customer service, in-house expertise, and handling the entire process from design to permitting and installation. They have deep knowledge of local incentives and building codes.
A well-established regional provider based in Chico with a long history of serving the Sacramento and Northern California valleys. They offer comprehensive services including design, installation, and maintenance, and are known for their quality workmanship and strong manufacturer partnerships.
A large, national company with a significant local presence and a dedicated office in Redding. They are a one-stop shop, often bundling new roofs with solar installations. They provide various financing options and have the scale to manage high-volume installations.
** The home solar market in Tehama, California, is served by a mix of long-standing local/regional specialists and larger national companies. Due to Tehama's high number of sunny days and relatively high electricity rates from PG&E, the economic incentive for going solar is strong. The market is moderately competitive, with quality and local reputation being significant differentiators. Homeowners have access to the full 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and potential local clean energy rebates. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with state averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$16,800 to $21,000 for a 6kW system**. The high customer ratings of the top local providers indicate a market that values quality installation and reliable service over competing solely on the lowest price. Given the rural nature of parts of Tehama County, several of these providers also have specific expertise in off-grid and battery backup solutions, which is a valuable niche service.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Tehama regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Tehama, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Tehama County, the average gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. Beyond the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), homeowners should specifically inquire about Tehama Electric's net metering program and any available rebates. California also exempts the added value of solar from your property tax assessment, which is a significant long-term benefit.
Tehama's abundant sunshine, with over 260 sunny days per year, is excellent for solar energy production. While high summer temperatures can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours in summer more than compensate, leading to peak production. The mild winters with minimal snow mean your system will produce clean energy year-round without significant seasonal downtime.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience, as they will be familiar with Tehama County's specific permitting process, building codes, and the interconnection requirements for your utility (either PG&E or Tehama Electric). Ensure they are a licensed C-10 or C-46 California contractor, check their reviews on platforms like Yelp or the California Contractors State License Board, and ask for references from recent installations in Red Bluff, Corning, or Los Molinos.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Tehama County Building Department, installation, and the final inspection and interconnection approval from your utility. Scheduling can be affected by seasonal demand, so starting in spring can help ensure activation before the peak sun months.
Yes, pairing solar with a battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar, is a highly effective solution for Tehama's wildfire-related Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and outages. During an outage, the battery can power critical loads, and your solar panels can recharge it during the day. This setup provides crucial energy security, especially during the high-fire-risk seasons in our region.