Solar Panels in Tehama County, CA
Key Points
- Solar panels for homes in Tehama county range from $2.50 to $3.24 per watt on average; prices vary based on system size & type (monocrystalline/polycrystalline/thin film).
- Solar panel installation costs include batteries ($0 -$500), racking ($0-$500) & other soft costs ($2500-$4500).
- Property taxes are exempted from solar installations in Tehama County under California's Active Solar Panel Exclusion System.
Going Green in Tehama County, CA
Solar energy offers numerous benefits to homes and businesses in Tehama County, CA. With an annual average of 284 sunny days, the county spans a land area of 2,949.14 square miles.
According to census estimates, approximately, 24,551 families resided in Tehama county between 2017 and 2021, with an average of 2.63 persons per household. The median selected monthly homeowner cost with and without a mortgage between 2017 and 2021 are $455 and $1,028 respectively.
In Tehama county, 90.3% of individuals lived in the same house as a year ago, between 2017 and 2021.
How much do Solar Panels cost in Tehama County, CA?
On average, the cost of solar panels for homes in Tehama county ranges between $2.50 and $3,24 per watt of electricity. The exact amount for California solar panels largely depends on the system size, but varies between $12,198 and $16,502 for a 5Kw system, with a gross average of $14,350.
Solar panels for sale in Tehama come in different watt ratings and sizes. The table below outlines how the cost of solar panels in Tehama county varies with system size.
Average Cost of Different Sizes of Solar Panels in Tehama County as of January 2023
| Energy System Size (in kilowatt) | Average Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost After Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) |
| 3Kw | $8,000 - $9,220 | $6,171 - $6,571 |
| 4Kw | $11,000 - $11,960 | $8,200 - $8,790 |
| 5Kw | $14,000 - $14,700 | $10,300 - $10,940 |
| 6Kw | $17,000 -$17,440 | $12,400 - $13,090 |
| 7Kw | $20,000 - $20,180 | $14,400 - $15,330 |
| 8Kw | $22,560 -$23,360 | $16,500 - $17480 |
| 9Kw | $25,530 - $26,130 | $19,000 - $19,230 |
| 10Kw | $28,200 - $29,200 | $21,000 - $21,480 |
The amount you pay to a Tehama solar panel installer depends on the types and models. Typically, the prices of solar panels in Tehama County are impacted by the type and the federal government rebates on solar panels in California.
For instance, a homeowner can expect to pay different prices for monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. The table below outlines the average price per unit watt for the solar panels available in Tehama County.
| Average Cost Breakdown for Solar Installation in Tehama County as of 2023 | |
| Cost Per Watt | |
| Monocrystalline Solar Panels | $1.00 - $1.50 per watt |
| Polycrystalline Solar Panels | $0.90 - $1 per watt |
| Thin Film Solar Panels | $1.00 - $1.50 per watt |
| Other Costs | |
| Solar Batteries | |
| Cost of Racking | $.25.00 - $.50.00 per watt. |
| Installation and soft Costs | $2.50 - $4.50 per watt |
Are Solar Panels Exempt from Property Taxes in Tehama County?
Solar panels are exempted from property taxes in Tehama County and other parts of the state. California has an Active Solar Panel Exclusion System. Typically, when you add something of value to your building, the current market value increases. However, installing a solar-powered system does not increase or decrease your building’s assessment.
For information on property records, homeowners can use Tehama County Property Records Search at countyoffice.org. Residents can also call the Tehama County Assessor’s Office at (530) 527-5931 or through mail to:
Ken Brown
444 Oak Street – Room B
Red Bluff, CA 96080
P. O. Box 428, Red Bluff, CA 96080
(530) 527-5931
(530) 529-4019 FAX
How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for themselves in Tehama County?
On average, it may take up to six years for solar panels to pay for themselves in Tehama County. How long it takes for solar panels to be economically viable depends on the cost and how much you save on electricity bills. Though the initial capital outlay for solar panels for homes in Tehama may be high, with the right system, you can become energy sufficient and independent of grid power supply.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Solar Installer in Tehama County?
To avoid accidents like fire outbreaks, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recommends that professionals carry out electrical connections. A qualified Tehama County solar panel installer must meet the various California solar contractor licensing requirements.
How can I Sell Solar Energy in Tehama County?
Homeowners can sell solar energy in Tehama County through the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program. The NEM program pays Tehama residents for the electricity they export to the grid.
The California Assembly Bill 920 of 2009 incentivized residents to seek alternative means of meeting their electricity needs through renewable sources. Participating electricity customers receive a bill credit for the excess generated solar power they export to the grid.
Under the NEM 2.0 policy available to customers until April 2023, for every kilowatt-hour of solar energy exported to the grid, the customer gets 1 kilowatt of electricity from the electricity utility company. However, to qualify, you must make:
- A one-time interconnection payment. The interconnection fee ranges from $94 to $145 depending on the electric investor-owned utility (IOU) for individuals generating less than 1 MW or solar power. For over 1 MW, the interconnection fee is $800 in addition to the transmission/distribution system upgrade fee
- A non-bypassable charge payment
Homeowners must also transfer to a time-of-use (TOU) rate if they are not already on it.
NEM 3.0
On April 2023, NEM 3.0 came into effect to replace NEM 2.0. Under the NEM 3.0 policy, customers of IOU companies like PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E receive 8 cents per kilowatt of solar energy they push to the grid. The 8 cents per kilowatt offered in NEM 3.0 is 75% less than the 30 cents per kilowatt offered in NEM 2.0.
Are Tesla Solar Panels Available in Tehama County, California?
Yes, Tesla solar panels are available in Tehama County, California. To install Tesla solar panels, consider contacting a local Tesla solar roof certified installer nearest you. Tesla-certified installers have professional certification for solar panel installation. A non-Tesla certified installer installing your Tesla solar panels will void your warranty.
How to Find Solar Companies Near Me in Tehama County, California?
County residents can find solar companies in Tehama County in several ways. The following steps outline how to find solar companies in Tehama.
- Through solar marketplace websites.
- Using Google search: Search for “Tehama solar companies near me” or “California solar companies near me” and sieve through the result to locate the ones near you. You should check their quotes to find the one that fits your budget plan
- Talk to people within your neighborhood because someone may have the information you need
- Check local government websites for listed companies
- Contact solar panel installers in your neighborhood for information.
When searching for solar companies in Tehama, you must ensure that the company has the required electrical licenses. Having the North American Board for Certified Energy Providers (NABCEP) certification is a plus for a solar company.
