Why Go Solar in Oregon? An Overview
I get it – when you think of solar power, Oregon doesn‘t immediately come to mind like the sunshine states. But despite the predominantly gray skies, solar can actually be a smart home energy investment here in the Beaver State.
Advancements in solar technology have made systems quite productive even without direct sunlight. Plus, you can take advantage of solar incentives exclusive to Oregon residents that improve cost-effectiveness.
On average, solar systems here can pay for themselves within 8-12 years thanks to upfront rebates, tax credits and Oregon‘s net metering policy. After the payback period, you enjoy 10-15+ years of free renewable electricity from the sun. Not bad considering panel warranties now span 25-30+ years!
Oregon‘s solar industry has grown over 600% since 2015. With over 100 installation companies now operating locally, you have options – but it also makes selecting the RIGHT solar company more crucial.
The seven Oregon solar companies recommended here are proven experts at providing high-quality solar installations while maximizing savings through incentives. They have collectively installed solar on thousands of local homes with excellent feedback.
Now let‘s explore what makes for a quality solar installation and breakdown how these seven top-rated local companies excel in these regards:
What To Look For in a Solar Company
While simply sorting by "best price quoted" may seem tempting, low pricing often comes at the cost of quality, safety or subpar components with weaker warranties.
To avoid surprises down the road, here are a few key standards to look for from reputable solar companies:
- Locally-based – Local companies are more familiar with Oregon building codes and permitting processes, which goes smoother than large national chains sending satellite salesmen.
- Established history – Proven experience installing solar demonstrates dependability and financial stability. Look for 5+ years locally.
- Quality components – Parts like solar panels and inverters should come from Tier 1 reputable brands known for reliability and performance.
- Robust warranties – At minimum 25 years for equipment/parts coverage plus 10+ years for craftsmanship defects.
- Certified installers – Crew leads holding advanced certifications like NABCEP reassures quality and safety.
- Permits and inspections – A must to legally operate the system and qualify for incentives. Don‘t cut corners here.
The solar companies recommended below meet or exceed expectations across all these standards. Now let‘s explore each in more detail:
1. SunPower
With over 375,000 residential installations globally plus nearly 40 years perfecting solar technology, SunPower is one of the most reputable and reliable names in solar.
Their high-efficiency panels routinely rank among the top performers and output up to 30% more energy yearly than conventional panels. So even with Oregon‘s solar resource challenges, you‘ll get more bang for your buck!
SunPower offers Robust 25-year warranties covering the full system, including parts AND labor. Add in their aesthetically pleasing all-black panel design, and SunPower is a great choice for those prioritizing performance, reliability and dealing with an established industry leader.
While their premium panels come at a higher upfront price, SunPower systems generate the highest lifetime energy and fastest payback of those featured. Their stellar output offsets much of the initial cost difference when comparing total 25-year lifecycle costs and savings.
Service Area: Available to homeowners across all Oregon
Years in Business: Founded in 1985
Headquarters: Silicon Valley, CA
Notable Credentials: A+ BBB rating, CEC listed top tier solar manufacturer
Equipment Brands Used: Proprietary SunPower X-Series panels made in USA, CEC top efficiency rating
Sample Pricing Before Incentives:
- 5.3 kW system: $16,900 ($3.20/Watt)
- 10 kW system: $29,500 ($2.95/Watt)
- Pricing includes full turnkey installation
Warranties Offered: 25 years coverage on equipment, parts AND labor
Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans
2. Solar Oregon
Since 2009, Solar Oregon has installed over 1,500 solar energy systems on homes across Oregon – from small 2 kW setups to large off-grid arrays over 20 kW.
As one of Oregon‘s original solar installers, Solar Oregon has unparalleled expertise guiding homeowners through all the state and utility incentive programs, renewable energy credits (RECs) and financing options to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
With a sterling A+ BBB rating and 5-star customer feedback, Solar Oregon has built a reputation for quality workmanship and top-notch customer service – critical for a major home improvement investment.
Their installers take special care weatherproofing panels and equipment to handle Oregon‘s wet climate conditions. Expect Tier 1 equipment packages covered by 25-year warranties on parts and equipment.
Service Area: Operating across Oregon but primarily Portland metro area and Willamette Valley
Years in Business: Founded 2009
Headquarters: Portland, OR
Notable Credentials: A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB), 5-star online reviews
Equipment Brands Used: REC, Mission Solar, Enphase microinverters
Sample Pricing Before Incentives:
- 5 kW system: $15,000 ($3.00/Watt)
- 10 kW system: $28,000 ($2.80/Watt)
- Pricing includes full turnkey installation
Warranties Offered:
- 25 years on equipment/parts
- 10 years workmanship guarantee
Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
3. Elemental Energy
Founded in 2015 by renewable energy veterans, Elemental Energy leverages decades of insider expertise guiding Oregon homeowners through the rapidly evolving solar landscape.
The company‘s founders helped draft Oregon‘s original solar incentive programs and remain highly engaged creating new policy supporting renewables. This benefits clients ensuring the maximum savings.
Elemental Energy maintains an A+ rating with Oregon‘s BBB thanks to quality craftsmanship and top-notch customer service. Their NABCEP-certified installers design and build high performance solar systems tailored to each client‘s unique home energy needs.
Their complete equipment packages come with 25-year equipment and production warranties, factory-direct pricing and made in the USA components when possible. Expect reputable brands like LG, Panasonic and Solaria panels paired with microinverters or standard string inverters optimized for the situation.
Service Area: Available to solar customers statewide
Years in Business: Founded 2015
Headquarters: Portland metro area
Notable Credentials: A+ Better Business Bureau, NABCEP-certified installers
Equipment Brands Used: LG, Panasonic, Solaria panels; Enphase or SolarEdge inverters
Sample Pricing Before Incentives:
- 6 kW system: $16,200 ($2.70/Watt)
- 10 kW system: $30,000 ($3.00/Watt)
- Pricing includes full turnkey installation
Warranties Offered: 25 years coverage on equipment and production
Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans, PACE eligible
4. Pacific Power Solar
As Oregon‘s largest electric utility with over 100 years serving the region, Pacific Power intimately understands home energy needs. Their solar division leverages this expertise and established infrastructure to provide solar installations customers can depend on.
Thanks to bulk equipment purchasing and streamlined operations, Pacific Power Solar offers very competitively priced complete system packages. Expect high-grade solar panels from LG, Longi and Solaria paired with reliable microinverters or string inverters depending on your site specifics.
While founded in 2017, their solar offerings complement the exceptional electrical knowledge and resources of parent company Pacific Power‘s long legacy in Oregon. Plus with an A+ BBB rating and thousands of customers powered by renewable energy, they’ve quickly proven themselves a dependable solar provider.
Service Area: Available to homes across most of Oregon
Years in Business: Founded 2017
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
Notable Credentials: A+ Better Business Bureau rating, endorsed by Clean Energy Association
Equipment Brands: LG, Longi, Solaria solar panels
Sample Pricing Before Incentives:
- 5 kW system: $14,500 ($2.90/Watt)
- 10 kW system: $26,900 ($2.69/Watt)
- Pricing includes full turnkey installation
Warranties Offered: 25 years coverage on equipment
Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans
5. LightWave Solar
Since 2009, LightWave Solar has brought over 1,500 Portland and Willamette Valley homes into the solar era. The company sets themselves apart with robust warranties covering workmanship for 10 years and system output for a full 25 years – key given solar equipment ages over decades.
LightWave‘s crews are EcoFast certified, meaning they take extra care properly flashing and weatherproofing roof penetrations made during installations. This prevents moisture issues down the road – critical given Oregon’s wet climate.
Expect complete equipment packages from quality brands like REC, LG and Enphase sized to offset 80-100% of your current electricity usage. While LightWave commands a slight premium for their services, the exceptional 25-year production guarantee provides peace of mind on your investment.
Service Area: Portland metro area
Years in Business: Founded 2009
Headquarters: Sherwood, OR
Notable Credentials: A+ Better Business Bureau
Equipment Brands Used: REC, LG, Enphase solar equipment
Sample Pricing Before Incentives:
- 5 kW system: $17,500 ($3.50/Watt)
- 10 kW system: $35,000 ($3.50/Watt)
- Pricing includes full turnkey installation
Warranties Offered:
- 25 years system production guarantee
- 10 years workmanship
Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans
6. SunConnection Solar
Servicing homes across Oregon‘s Willamette Valley since 2010, SunConnection Solar takes a highly consultative approach to crafting custom solar and storage solutions tailored to each client‘s needs and budget.
The company‘s passionate belief in renewable energy drives them to maximize the performance of every system. Their NABCEP-certified design team leverages energy monitoring to appropriately size solar arrays based on each home‘s unique power requirements.
SunConnection Solar stands behind their work with a 25-year comprehensive equipment warranty. They use only Tier 1 components from reputable brands like REC, Mission Solar and Outback Power to ensure decades of trouble-free operation.
Service Area: Willamette Valley region
Years in Business: Founded 2010
Headquarters: Junction City, Oregon
Notable Credentials: A+ Better Business Bureau rating, NABCEP & EcoFast certified installers
Equipment Brands Used: REC, Mission Solar, Outback Power
Sample Pricing Before Incentives:
- 5 kW system: $15,500 ($3.10/Watt)
- 10 kW system: $29,500 ($2.95/Watt)
- Pricing includes full turnkey installation
Warranties Offered: 25 years comprehensive coverage
Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans, PACE financing
7. SolarTech Oregon
SolarTech Oregon focuses specifically on providing solar power solutions optimized for Oregon‘s unique climate of overcast skies and rainy weather.
Their systems feature high-efficiency SunPower panels rated for exceptional low-light and shade tolerance – critical generating ample electricity even when the sun isn‘t directly out.
The company‘s crews have advanced thermography imaging certification allowing them to identify hidden heat-related defects that could impact long term equipment life and safety. This extra attention to detail ensures your system will last its full life expectancy.
Customers backed by 25-year comprehensive warranties giving assurance on both equipment and workmanship for decades to come – eliminating worries about future repair bills. Expect SunPower‘s elegant panels paired with Enphase microinverters for maximum harvest from Oregon‘s available sunlight.
Service Area: Central and Southern Oregon
Years in Business: Founded 2016
Headquarters: Bend, OR
Notable Credentials: Elite SunPower dealer status
Equipment Brands Used: SunPower panels, Enphase inverters
Sample Pricing Before Incentives:
- 5 kW system: $15,000 ($3.00/Watt)
- 10 kW system: $29,500 ($2.95/Watt)
- Pricing includes full turnkey installation
Warranties Offered: 25 years comprehensive coverage
Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans
How To Save Even More On Your Solar Power System
While the reputable solar companies above can guide you through maximizing Oregon incentives, here are extra insider tips to stretch your solar investment dollars furthest:
Bundle with roof replacement
If you were already planning on a new roof in the next 5 years, have it installed at the same time as your panels. You‘ll save substantially on labor, crane/equipment rental fees and permit costs doing both projects together. Materials can potentially be bundled as well.
Research all incentives available
Make sure whichever installer you choose helps enroll you in all the Oregon solar incentives, renewable energy certificates, and utility rebate programs you qualify for. This includes:
- Federal Solar Tax Credit – 26% credit on system cost through 2023, 22% thru 2024
- Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate – Up to $5,000 back plus bonus for paired storage
- Energy Trust Cash Incentives – Up to $1,500 back
- Utility Net Metering – Credit for excess solar energy sent to grid
- Low/moderate income programs
Compare quotes from multiple installers
While tempting to go with the first bid you get, pricing can vary widely when all factors are considered. Get proposals from 3-4 of the reputable solar companies above to maximize deal sweeteners and your incentive capture.
Buy instead of lease
While $0 down lease options are popular for their low entry costs, you don‘t reap the long-term financial benefits. Purchasing your system outright has the highest return and fastest payback on investment.
Solar Power Has a Bright Future in Oregon
Despite perceptions about Oregon‘s rainy climate, technological improvements have made solar a viable renewable energy source here. And as discussed, our state offers some of the best incentives nationwide – shortening system payback periods to less than 10 years in many cases.
The reputable solar companies listed above can assess your home‘s unique situation to determine if solar power makes sense and, if so, design a high performance system tailored to your needs. They‘ll also help navigate the nuances of Oregon‘s incentive programs to maximize savings.
By leveraging solar tax credits, rebates, net metering and competitive installer pricing, you can secure your home‘s power supply for decades while minimizing electric bills. Reach out today to start your journey towards energy independence!
