5 Best Solar Companies in Oregon (March 2024) – MarketWatch
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The average solar system in Oregon costs $3.13 per watt, a rate that is higher than the national average of $2.85. That puts the cost of an 8 kilowatt (kW) solar system in Oregon at $25,050. The following table gives an overview of the pricing for Oregon’s top solar installers.
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Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kW solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower and local providers. Your cost may vary.
Top 5 Solar Companies in Oregon of 2024
Based on our detailed surveys and research, here are Oregon’s five best solar installation companies:
We at the MarketWatch Guides team offer reliable information on the best solar companies nationwide. We shortlisted the above installers after sorting through data gathered from our detailed homeowner surveys and local market research. We also use an elaborate methodology to rate and review solar providers featured in our guides.
What To Look For in a Solar Company
Installing a solar panel system costs upwards of $15,000 to $20,000 or more. The high cost makes it important to choose a solar installer carefully and ensure it fulfills your specific needs. Here are a few important factors that can make it easier to find the right installer in Oregon:
Compared to the national average of $2.85 per watt, Oregonians pay a significantly higher average solar cost of $3.13. This results in longer solar system payback periods, averaging over 10 years in Oregon. For this reason, it is important to choose an installer offering reasonable pricing. Affordable systems will not only reduce the upfront expense but also improve your savings and payback period over time. However, exert caution when considering lower-than-average solar system pricing to avoid scams.
A solar panel installation may look straightforward, but it is a complex procedure involving many components. When choosing an installer, you should ensure the company has sufficient expertise and experience with solar panels. Look for trustworthy companies in your area by checking online customer reviews and ratings on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
An experienced, reputable company is more likely to install robust, high-quality solar systems. You can read reviews on platforms including the BBB and Trustpilot to assess a company’s reputation. Last year, the Energy Trust of Oregon listed names of installers and platforms that offer misleading or false information to homeowners.
Benefits of Going Solar in Oregon
Oregon residents have several reasons for switching to renewable energy, including:
- Electricity bill savings: Oregon has some of the lowest electricity prices in the country, and yet, homeowners in the state pay well over $100 each month for their electricity consumption. Solar panels have a typical lifetime of three decades or more, during which homeowners can save tens of thousands in grid power costs.
- Protection from rising power costs: Between 2022 and 2023, electricity costs in Oregon rose more than 12% on average. Such price hikes are common, and residents can expect more increases due to fluctuating fuel prices, inflation and other economic factors. Over multiple decades, the increase in energy bills can add up. By offsetting a majority of your grid power consumption, solar power can protect Oregon residents from the brunt of local rate hikes.
- Security against power outages: In 2021, Oregon ranked tenth on the list of states most affected by power outages, with ice storms leaving hundreds of thousands of families without power. In early 2024, Portland experienced a power outage that lasted for multiple days after a winter storm. As the climate changes, extreme weather events and resulting blackouts are becoming increasingly common. Homeowners can fight debilitating power outages by installing a solar system with energy storage to keep appliances and lights running.
- Positive environmental impact: In 2016, Oregon updated its Clean Energy and Coal Transition Plan to set higher targets To achieve the targets, Oregon will need to increase the adoption of renewable energy faster than before. Homeowners can aid in this transition by installing solar panels on their roofs.
- Increased property value: Oregon homeowners who install solar can see an increase in the valuation of their property. A study by Zillow reported an average 4.1% increase in home value as a result of installing solar panel installation. While this value will vary in Oregon based on location and other factors, a 4.1% increase in Oregon’s average home price could add $19,676 to the value.
Common Concerns
While installing solar power can benefit Oregon homeowners, some residents may find the state’s long payback periods a concern. Oregon’s low electricity pricing makes it difficult for solar panel buyers to save large amounts of money compared to other states. Over a system’s two to three-decade lifetime, solar panels can still achieve more savings than buying grid power. However, from a purely financial view, Oregonians may not consider the return on solar worth the initial investment.
Another issue is the state’s level of sunshine. Portland, for example, sees an average number of 144 sunny days, much lower than the national average of 205 days. However, solar panels can still produce electricity in Oregon, or residents can use a solar battery bank to use excess energy generation on cloudy days.
Solar Trends in Oregon
The benefits of solar energy, combined with a slew of incentives and rebates, have allowed solar power to accelerate rapidly in Oregon. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Oregon saw a 150% increase in the number of new solar installations compared to 2022.
The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) recently launched a solar dashboard, which shows the remarkable growth of solar power in Oregon over the past few decades. It also shows the steep decline in the prices of residential solar — from an average of $16.53 per watt in 1999 to $3.66 in 2021. “Solar has really taken off in Oregon and one of the main stories that has driven that adoption of solar is the cost reduction,” according to Rob Del Mar, policy analyst with the ODOE.
Oregon Solar Incentives
One of the factors that have led to the fast growth of solar energy in Oregon is its strong incentive program. Homeowners benefit from federal and state tax credits as well as other rebates.
Federal Incentives
Residents of Oregon can claim the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), also known as the federal solar tax credit. The incentive offers savings on the purchase of a solar system through a federal tax credit of 30% of the overall project cost. With Oregon’s average solar system price of $25,050, homeowners could deduct about $7,515 on their next tax return by claiming the ITC.
Statewide Incentives
In addition to the federal tax credit, the state of Oregon offers the following solar incentives:
| Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
| Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program | Up to $5,000 | Homeowners can receive a rebate of up to $5,000 for a solar system and up to $2,500 for an energy storage system. Rebate amounts vary based on family income. |
| Energy Trust Solar and Battery incentive | Up to $450 for solar systems and $3,000 for batteries | PGE customers can claim a cash incentive of $400 on solar systems and $250 per kilowatt-hour of solar battery capacity, up to $3,000. Pacific Power customers can claim the same rate on batteries and $450 on solar systems. |
| Energy Trust Solar Within Reach | Up to $6,000 for solar systems and $10,000 for batteries | Income-eligible PGE customers can receive $0.90 per watt or up to $5,400 for solar systems and $750 per kWh or up to $10,000 for battery systems. Income-eligible Pacific Power customers claim the same incentive for batteries and $1 per watt or up to $5,000 for solar systems. |
| Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) | $2,500–$1 million | Agricultural producers and small rural businesses can apply for loan financing and grant funding for solar projects. |
| Net metering | Savings will vary | Homeowners with grid-interconnected solar systems can send excess solar energy to the grid in exchange for power bill credits. |
Local Incentives
A few local authorities and utilities in Oregon also offer solar incentives to customers, including:
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Oregon
Based on our research, going solar is worth the price in Oregon if residents want to offset power grid costs or combat blackouts. Oregon has an array of attractive incentives that reduce the upfront cost of solar systems. Customers also enjoy other benefits such as significant energy bill savings, protection against blackouts and increased home value.
Although multiple Oregon authorities offer incentives, Oregon does not have a free solar program. In some cases, solar companies may label solar leases as “free solar,” which is misleading as you still pay for the system monthly. Each solar payment model has pros and cons, and homeowners should understand the terms and conditions before arriving at a decision.
The average cost to install solar panels in Oregon is $3.13 per watt. In terms of total cost, a typical 8 kW system would cost about $25,050 before incentives or rebates.
Yes, solar panels can increase the value of a property in Oregon. Multiple studies conducted nationwide showed the price of homes with solar systems was notably higher than comparable homes without solar.
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Companies
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