Solar Panels in Glenn County, CA
Installing Solar Panels in Glenn County, California: Costs & More
Key Points
- Solar panels in Glenn county cost around $2.90 per watt on average for installation.
- Net metering gives credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid.
- Installing solar energy can boost home value up to 6k/KW or 4%, overall depending on location, size of installation and quality/warranty..
- When looking for installers it’s important they have experience installing solar energy systems
Glenn County has an estimated population of approximately 28,805 (as of July 1, 2021). The county has over 10,944 housing units with an average of 2.91 persons per household. Between 2017-2021, Glenn county had a median gross rent of $954. A total of 19 building permits were issued in 2021. The median selected monthly ownership costs with and without a mortgage ranged from $1,626 to $455, respectively.
How much do Solar Panels cost in Glenn County, CA?
As of 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels in Glenn county, CA is $2.90 per watt. A typical solar installation in Glenn County, California costs between $12,325 and $16,675, with the average gross price for solar in Glenn County, CA coming in at $14,500 (given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW)).
The net cost of going solar decreases further once the federal investment tax credit (ITC) and other state and local solar incentives are taken into account.
| Energy System Size | Solar Panel Cost | Cost After Credit |
| 3 kW | $8,700 | $6,438 |
| 4 kW | $11,600 | $8,584 |
| 5 kW | $14,500 | $10,730 |
| 6 kW | $17,400 | $12,876 |
| 7 kW | $20,300 | $15,022 |
| 8 kW | $23,2000 | $17,168 |
| 9 kW | $26,100 | $19,314 |
| 10 kW | $29,000 | $21,460 |
Other factors may influence the price of a solar installaton. The table below breaks down the cost of solar installations based on the type of panel and wattage rating.
| Average Cost Breakdown for Solar Installation in Yolo County | |
| Panel Type | Cost Per Watt |
| Monocrystalline Solar Panels | $1 - $1.50 per watt |
| Polycrystalline Solar Panels | $0.90 - $1 per watt |
| Thin Film Solar Panels | $1 - $1.50 per watt |
| Other Costs | |
| Solar Batteries | |
| Cost of Racking | $.25 - $.50 per watt. |
| Installation and soft Costs | $2.50 - $4.50 per watt |
Are Solar Panels Exempt from Property Taxes in Glenn County?
California offers a solar tax exemption to homeowners in Glenn county and other parts of the state. This solar panel installation exemption is a part of a new construction exemption designed to aid homeowners in switching to solar power. The quickest way to find property records in Glenn county, California is to reach out to the Glenn County Assessor's Office.
Contact Address:
516 West Sycamore Street
(Courthouse Annex)
Willows, CA 95988
Telephone: (530) 934-6402 | Fax: (530) 934-6571
How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for themselves in Glenn County?
In Glenn County, CA, solar panels typically pay for themselves after about 6 years. The more energy your system produces, the quicker it pays for itself.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Solar Installer in Glenn County?
The US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recommends hiring a professional Handyman or certified Solar Installer with experience installing high-quality solar panels and systems. All contractors in California are regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
There are 73 licenses available to contractors in California. Below are some licenses for solar installers;
"A" – General Engineering contractors
These contractors are authorized to install solar energy systems in Glenn County, California.
"B" – General Building contractors
Since solar energy systems involve using two unrelated building trades or crafts; these contractors are licensed to install solar energy systems under the B&P Code section 7057.
C-4 Boiler, Hot-Water Heating, and Steam Fitting contractors
Contractors qualified to work on the boiler, hot-water heating, and steam fitting projects can also work on solar heating equipment related to systems covered by this classification.
C-10 Electrical contractors
Any solar installation that involves the use of electrical energy in any way for any purpose may be carried out by electrical contractors.
C-36 Plumbing contractors
Any project that involves connecting solar equipment to warm water or other fluids may be carried out by plumbers.
C-46 Solar contractors
This contractor can install, modify, maintain, and repair thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems.
C-53 Swimming Pool contractors
These contractors can install solar heating in swimming pool projects.
How can I Sell Solar Energy in Glenn County?
Net metering is a utility billing system that gives credits to both residential and commercial customers who use solar power systems to generate excess electricity, which is then sent back to the grid.
Net metering saves homeowners hundreds of dollars annually on their utility bills. With net metering, your solar system produces electricity close to the location where it will be used.
NetMetering 3.0
The third iteration of net metering in California, also known as NEM 3.0, was unanimously approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on December 15, 2022.
Under the updated tariff, NEM 3.0 lowers net metering compensation rates for new California solar customers by about 75%.
Are Tesla Solar Panels Available in Glenn County, California?
Yes, Tesla Solar Panels are available in Glenn County, California. With equipment and installation, a Tesla solar panel can cost anywhere between $11,840 for an 8.2 kW system and $22,200 for a 16.3 kW system (both after tax incentives).
One of the benefits of working with a local Tesla certified installer is that Tesla offers a price-match guarantee, cutting-edge solar panel technology with sleek designs, and the best solar batteries on the market. Tesla solar panels are protected by a “panel performance warranty” for at least 25 years following installation.
Do Solar Panels Increase a Home Value in Glenn County?
Yes. Solar panels increase your home value in Glenn County, California by $20 for every $1 in utility bill savings according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). According to a Zillow study, installing solar energy can boost a home's resale value by up to $6,000 for every kilowatt of power generated, or 4.1% of the home's value.
Some factors that influence how much value your home gets from installing solar panels include:
Location
How much solar panels will increase the value of a home depends in part on where it is. For instance, installations in solar markets with active markets, like California typically produce higher returns than equivalent installations in markets with less development. This is due to the fact that at the beginning of the process, buyers, realtors, appraisers, and lenders are more familiar with the advantages of solar.
Size Of The Installation
Your home's post-installation property value is positively correlated with the number of solar panels your roof can support. Your solar panels' output must match the size of your home in direct proportion. What impact do solar panels have on property values then? According to a Berkeley Lab study, each kilowatt (kW) of solar energy will raise the resale value of your home by approximately $5,911.
Average Energy Usage And Savings
Conducting your own cost/benefit analysis is one of the simplest ways to determine how much your home's value will increase as a result of your energy usage. The value of your system will also vary depending on how much electricity costs in your area. This views solar as a rental asset that generates income. The asset's value increases as rents, or in this case, energy prices, rise!
Quality Of The Solar Panels
Different technology features, lifespans, and warranties are provided by the solar system manufacturers. To get the most out of your long-term investment, be sure to research the best solar technology products.
How to Find Solar Companies Near Me in Glenn County, California?
There are dozens of solar installers in Glenn County and other parts of the state. Here are some tips to consider when choosing the best solar company for your installation:
1. Consult with your coworkers, friends, family, and neighbors.
Don't be afraid to ask your neighbor about their experience. Good questions to ask include the following:
- Was the estimate given by the solar installer accurate?
- Were there any unforeseen expenses or snags?
- Was the project finished on schedule?
- Were the employees polite, on time, and helpful?
- How did the installer respond to obstacles?
- Was the contractor helpful in responding to queries and issues?
2. Schedule an in-person meeting
It's a good idea to have any potential solar contractors visit your property. This gives you the chance to speak with their administrative team and perhaps get to know some of the team members who will be spending some time on your roof.
During the visit, a good contractor will be able to identify any potential problems, such as shaded areas, problematic vents, and obstacles to safe roof access, right away.
3. Don’t just go with the lowest price option
Solar panel installations can be very expensive, and the lowest quote isn't always the best. In fact, there might be a good reason for a quote that is significantly higher than the others. For example, a solar installer may have taken into account a solar battery storage system, whereas others may have overlooked it. Or the other companies might have overlooked certain permit fees and other costs that would later come as a surprise to you.
4. Check if the Solar Company is Licensed and Insured
Companies that install solar panels should be fully licensed and insured, or at the very least have a C-10 license. General contracting, electrical, home improvement, or home performance contracting licenses are typical licenses for solar installers. Make sure they have the necessary licenses to handle your system's wiring and electrical components.
Additionally, installers ought to be OSHA-certified and carry general liability insurance. To determine whether your prospective contractor is up to date on their licensing, check the California's Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It's a smart move to also look up the installer's Better Business Bureau ratings and inquire about their workers' compensation insurance.
7. Choose a Solar Company with Expertise
Your installer needs to be skilled at setting up solar energy systems, and have at least two years of practical experience in solar or a related field. The best solar installers are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), which is currently the best national standard certification program available.
You can also search the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Contractor Database if you reside in California.
8. Research their Credibility and Reputation
Another way of evaluating a solar company's reputation is by speaking with past clients or looking them up on solar review sites. Customers who leave ratings and reviews can provide you with information that is useful. Ratings and reviews can alert you to the unprofessional conduct of your installer.
9. Check their Solar Warranties and Maintenance Skills
A workmanship warranty will pay for the repairs if a panel becomes loose or develops maintenance issues. These warranties are offered by contractors in a wide range, ranging from 1 to 25 years of coverage. If a company offers an extended warranty, you should first ensure that they have a track record of successful operations in the solar sector.
10. Solar incentives & financing options
Excellent solar installers will even assist you in finding any local rebates, grants, loans, or other financial incentives that may be able to reduce the cost of going solar. A solar installer ought to be able to work with you to create a plan for financing your installation, at the very least. This could be a lease or power purchase agreement, or it could be full ownership.
