5 Best Solar Companies in Oregon (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar

In my opinion, Blue Raven Solar has the best financing program in the entire solar industry, and I wish more companies would provide the perks you get from Blue Raven’s BluePower Plus+ program. It’s a solar loan option — more on why loans are preferable to leases a bit later — that gives you 18 months of interest-free financing and doesn’t require any down payment. This helps keep solar highly accessible, which is helpful in Oregon, where the cost of going solar is above the national average, as well as beneficial in the long run.

Blue Raven is also a large company, and it is one of the very few national companies that uses in-house installers, which I personally recommend, and maintains outstanding customer review scores. This helps prove the company’s commitment to customers and should give you peace of mind that you’ll have a positive experience from start to finish.

I think Blue Raven is an excellent choice for going solar in Oregon, but there are some downsides to consider. Most importantly, the company is more of a basic installer and doesn’t offer any of the add-on products or services I look for in solar companies. It’s really only a good option if you know you only want panels or panels and batteries.

What I Like About Blue Raven Solar

As I mentioned, I think Blue Raven does an outstanding job of helping keep solar accessible and beneficial. It doesn’t offer leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), which I personally don’t recommend to most homeowners anyway, but it instead keeps its loan options accessible and affordable. That means you can get the benefit of minimal or no upfront costs, but you also get the long-term perks you can only get from paying cash or with a loan.

Blue Raven’s commitment to high-quality installations is also noteworthy. Not only does it use an in-house installation team to help provide the best customer service possible, but its installers are also certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This means they receive specialized training in photovoltaic (PV) equipment installation and are more likely to provide professional services.

Blue Raven is also one of few companies in Oregon that offer a roof leak warranty, which is more beneficial for long-term savings and peace of mind than it would be in nearly any other state, given that rainfall amounts are 5 times the national average in some parts of the state.

What I Don’t Like About Blue Raven Solar

I think the biggest drawback to choosing Blue Raven to go solar in Oregon is the lack of add-on services, specifically the lack of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Oregon has laws in place that will mandate 100% of newly registered vehicles in the state to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035. Installing an EV charger now, even if you don’t currently own an EV, is likely to be beneficial down the road. Plus, you can effectively save up to 30% on the cost if you couple it with your panel installation, thanks to the federal investment tax credit (ITC).

The only other downside I see is that the workmanship warranty is lacking a bit. The average workmanship warranty lasts for 12 years, and Blue Raven only offers 10 years of coverage. That means you get slightly less peace of mind than you would from most other companies, but I think Blue Raven’s customer reviews and commitment to using NABCEP-certified installers somewhat makes up for the shorter warranty period.

Blue Raven Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Blue Raven Solar doesn’t offer an average timeline for its installations, but I would guess you’d have to wait the typical 6 to 8 weeks from your initial consultation to the day your system is activated and begins powering your home. This is about the average in the solar industry.

The company does detail its installation process, and it’s very similar to what you’d see from its competitors. First, a Blue Raven tech will inspect your roof and your home to gauge your solar viability and take measurements. Blue Raven’s team will then design a system for you and send the design to you for approval. Once you approve it, your rep will pull permits for your system and then schedule the installation. Installation should take 1 to 2 days, and then your rep will schedule final inspections before activating your panels.

Blue Raven Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Blue Raven scores well in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options, just losing points for not accepting solar leases or PPAs.

The company gets full marks in our ratings for using an in-house installation team. Companies that outsource installation labor to third parties aren’t necessarily worse, but the addition of another company does increase the risk of poor communication, delays in the installation and the two companies pointing fingers if something goes wrong. I personally went solar with a company that used in-house installers, and I recommend it to most people.

Blue Raven offers solar batteries, so if you’re concerned about losing power during outages, you can always opt for on-site storage with Blue Raven. I don’t recommend batteries for most Oregon homeowners, though, because the state currently has an excellent net metering policy. The 1-to-1 net metering (NEM) policy basically means that you get full credit for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) your system produces, regardless of when you use it. This is massively beneficial in a state like Oregon because you can overproduce in sunny weather to maintain savings during the frequent cloudy weather and rainfall. It also means batteries provide no financial benefit, so while they’re convenient to have, they’re more of a luxury item. Still, I’m happy to see Blue Raven offering them, as NEM policies have been in decline across the country over the past few years, so it’s a good way to future-proof its services.

All Blue Raven installations also include free access to a solar monitoring app that lets you track your system’s production and your energy consumption. This can sometimes help guide you to reduce your consumption, which is above-average in Oregon, but more importantly, it lets you identify production issues with your system before they cut too much into your solar savings.

Cost and Financing Options

Blue Raven Solar doesn’t publish pricing information on its site, but based on customer reviews and third-party sources, I’d expect that you’d pay slightly below average prices to go solar with Blue Raven, meaning you’re all-in cost will likely be around $21,812 after the ITC is applied.

Blue Raven only accepts cash and solar loans through its BluePower Plus+ loan program, and yet I still think it’s the company with the best financing option in Oregon because of the loan specifics.

A solar loan is really the second best way to pay for your solar panels, in my opinion, as you’ll have to pay interest on the loan that will cut into your long-term savings. Compared to paying in cash, you’re likely to save around $5,000 less with a loan due to that interest. Your savings should still average around $25,300 after your panels pay for themselves in Oregon, which is outstanding, but it’s lower than the savings you’d see with a cash purchase. Solar loans let you take the ITC, which holds an average potential value of around $9,350 in Oregon, making it a better option than leases and PPAs for savings and incentives.

A cash purchase is a better option if you can afford it because you’ll own your system immediately and won’t pay interest on a loan. That means higher lifetime savings — an average of around $30,300 — and you still get access to the ITC.

However, since most people can’t afford to pay $31,000+ — before incentives — for a solar system in Oregon, a loan is going to make more sense in most cases. Blue Raven’s loan includes no down payment requirements, and it provides interest-free financing for the first 18 months, which means you can put your electricity bill savings toward paying down your loan before it starts accruing interest. This gives you a huge head start on repaying your loan, and the lack of down payment means you get the no-upfront-cost perk of a lease or PPA but also enjoy long-term savings.

We did deduct some points from Blue Raven because it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, but since its loan program is so widely accessible, I think this is less of a big deal than it would be for most other installers.

Blue Raven Solar Extra Services Offered 

0/5

The one area where Blue Raven really falls a bit short, in my opinion, is when it comes to additional services that help you get the most out of your system and service.

First off, it doesn’t handle roof replacements or repairs. Some solar installers can tackle roof work while they’re also installing solar panels, which is helpful if you need roofing work done before it’s safe to install your system. Most installers recommend that you make sure your roof has at least a decade of life left in it before going solar. Otherwise, you might have to pay to remove your panels to do the repairs or replacement and reinstall them shortly after the initial installation, which is a waste of money. If you do need that work done, you’ll have to coordinate with a third-party roofer, which is a bit less convenient and could lead to issues with the companies blaming each other if something goes wrong down the road.

Blue Raven doesn’t provide access to any energy efficiency upgrades aside from panels and batteries. Some installers can couple your solar equipment with smart electrical panels, smart thermostats, insulation upgrades and more, which can help you get more value out of your system. These would be particularly welcome in a place like Oregon, where the monthly electricity consumption per household is above the national average.

I think the biggest downside when it comes to Blue Raven’s lack of add-on services is that it doesn’t install EV chargers. Oregon has a ZEV mandate, which requires that more and more vehicles being newly registered in the state will have to be ZEVs, up until 2035, when it will level out at a 100% requirement. That means more and more people are going to be able to benefit from at-home charging in the future. I’d really love to see Blue Raven offer EV chargers now to stay ahead of the curve.

Finally, Blue Raven Solar doesn’t offer professional monitoring services, which involves professionals remotely monitoring your system production to identify problems and fix damages before they cut too much into your savings. You can still use your free monitoring app to keep track of performance, but it’s always nice to be able to offload that responsibility on your installer.

Blue Raven Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Converting to solar power is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to reduce the progression of global warming. Installing panels means exchanging electricity produced by burning fossil fuels for clean power from the sun, a 100% clean source of energy. You can have an even larger positive impact on the environment by choosing an installer and equipment brands that take sustainability seriously themselves.

Blue Raven’s positive impact on environment mostly stems from the number of solar installations it has handled. By its own estimation, its installations alone have offset the equivalent of 3.1 billion pounds of coal being burned. Blue Raven also donates a portion of all of its sales to GivePower, which provides clean drinking water to developing countries and people in need.

I also do an assessment of the solar panel brands each company works with. Going solar has a positive impact on the environment regardless of the brand you choose, but I still think it’s important to pick a sustainable brand. Blue Raven installs panels manufactured by Maxeon, Solaria, Yingli, Jinko, Canadian Solar, JA, Trina and Panasonic. Of these brands, Maxeon, Panasonic, Trina, Jinko and JA are tier-1 brands.

All of these brands except Jinko tie for first place in our rankings when it comes to sustainability. They use recycled materials in production, have recycling programs for old panels and don’t have a history of forced labor, unfair pay, unsafe working conditions or other socially unsustainable business practices. I’d recommend avoiding Jinko, but any of the other tier-1 brands from Blue Raven are good choices in terms of sustainability.

Blue Raven Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

21/25

I’m also pleased to report that Blue Raven scores above-average in our ratings when it comes to equipment quality and reliability. I’ll get to the company’s warranty coverage in a bit, but first, I’d like to discuss the individual panel brands the company installs. I compare panel brands based on 18 specifications, and I think 3 are especially important considerations for Oregon solar customers. Those include the max efficiency, the degradation rate and the price per kW.

A panel’s max efficiency rating tells you how efficient it is at converting available sunlight into usable energy in ideal conditions. Most panels don’t actually operate at those levels in the real world, but a higher efficiency rating means better performance overall. Oregon sees fewer sunny days than most other states, which means you really need high-efficiency panels to make the most of the below-average sunlight that is available in Oregon. The best solar panels top out at 22% or higher. Of the tier-1 brands available from Blue Raven, only Panasonic panels fall below that mark. Maxeon panels are the best, hitting industry-leading ratings of 24.2%.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly your panels will lose that efficiency. All panels degrade after installation, but those with slower degradation rates will continue offsetting your electricity bills for longer periods, meaning greater solar savings in the long run. Most tier-1 panel brands guarantee that your panels will retain 85% to 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years. All of the tier-1 brands from Blue Raven fall within this range, with Maxeon and Panasonic offering the slowest rates, which are the best for low-sun areas like Oregon.

Finally, the price per kW for solar varies based on many factors, but the manufacturer’s prices usually have the biggest impact on final equipment costs. Oregon homeowners need larger systems than residents of most states due to the above-average rate of energy consumption and also the low sunlight availability. Based on our research the average cost per kW among tier-1 brands is around $3.66. Maxeon and Panasonic fall slightly above that mark but offer better performance, while the other tier-1 brands available fall below that average and should lead to lower installation costs.

Warranties and Guarantees

Since you’ll be paying an average of around $31,160 before incentives to go solar in Oregon, I think most homeowners should consider the warranty coverage they get from an installer before hiring. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to get a complete picture of how well protected your investment will be.

First, I look at the equipment warranty. This comes from your manufacturer in most cases and protects you from damages caused by manufacturer defects. The typical equipment warranty lasts for 25 years. Two of the brands from Blue Raven — Jinko and JA Solar — fall short of that with 12-year warranties. The rest of the brands meet the 25-year mark, and Maxeon goes above and beyond by offering a 40-year equipment warranty, which is the best in the industry.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which is what guarantees your panels won’t lose efficiency more quickly than the specified degradation rate. This is crucial in Oregon because the longer your panels are guaranteed to function and offset your electric bills, the more likely you are to maximize your savings over time. Most tier-1 panel brands have a 25-year performance warranty that ensures your panels have 85% to 92% of their initial efficiency after that term. All of the brands from Blue Raven meet that standard.

Third, I look at the workmanship warranty, also called the labor warranty. This is what ensures that the installation is carried out properly and that your system and property won’t sustain damage due to poor installation technique. I think this is especially useful in Oregon, where above-average rainfall can quickly lead to major issues with rooftop systems that aren’t installed properly. The average workmanship warranty lasts for 12 years, and unfortunately, Blue Raven falls just a touch short of that with a 10-year warranty.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which, arguably, are the most important in Oregon. Parts of the state see rainfall that’s 5 times higher than the national average, which means a warranty that ensures you won’t see water damage and leaks from issues with the roof penetrations is invaluable. Most installers don’t provide any roof leak warranty, so I’m thrilled to report that Blue Raven includes a 10-year warranty for roof leaks. This is one of the longest roof leak warranties I’ve seen, making Blue Raven a stellar choice for peace of mind when going solar in Oregon.

Blue Raven Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Oregon is home to over 70 solar installers, and a company’s reputation is one of the easiest ways to determine if it’s a good option, as it quickly makes it stand out from the competition. I’m pleased to report that Blue Raven has a stellar reputation in the local solar market.

First, Blue Raven Solar was founded in 2014, which means it has a full decade of experience. I prefer to recommend installers with at least 10 years of experience for 2 reasons. First, they’re more likely to have their processes dialed in, which means you’re more likely to have a positive experience in line with what other customers report. Second, a lot of companies enter the solar industry and go out of business shortly thereafter when they find they’re unable to keep up with the fierce competition. When that happens, your workmanship warranty is usually voided. Companies with a decade of success are more likely to stay in business and keep your warranty coverage intact.

Blue Raven Solar isn’t a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), so it loses a few points in our ratings. Membership requires a financial investment in the industry, so it’s another thing that can suggest longevity in solar. However, I believe the company’s track record says more about future viability than membership alone.

I mentioned earlier that Blue Raven uses an in-house installation team to carry out all of its labor, which is great, but what’s even better is that its installers are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). In order to get certification, installers must go through specialized training, so this suggests that you’ll get a professional installation with minimal issues when you go solar with Blue Raven.

Blue Raven is a large company with a massive footprint in the U.S., but it doesn’t let its size get in the way of providing outstanding customer service. It’s one of the very few national companies that maintains nearly perfect customer review ratings on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot and Google Reviews. It has an A+ company rating and a 4.27-star customer rating on the BBB, a 4.3-star rating on TrustPilot and a 4.1-star rating on Google Reviews. These all suggest that you’re very likely to have a positive customer experience when you choose Blue Raven.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I think aggregate customer review ratings are important to consider, but I also think it’s crucial to dig a little deeper and look at what, specifically, a company does well and where its customer complaints come from. Most of the positive reviews for Blue Raven mention excellent communication throughout the installation process, an honest approach to marketing and sales and savings in line with expectations and company estimates. Negative reviews suggest that there are some issues with delayed responses to warranty claims, but thankfully, these seem to be few and far between and don’t suggest a pattern of problems.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative Blue Raven Solar review below that I believe captures the best and worst of what you can reasonably expect from this installer.

“Absolutely wonderful experience with them! From the initial overview to install, Blue Raven continued to be professional, communicative, and on top of everything that went into getting solar set up. We’ve worked with other solar companies in our previous house who took over a year [from] start to finish, but Blue Raven took only a couple of months [from] start to finish.” — Brenda R. via BBB

“I had my project done in October 2023. The installers were great, everything was working great until March 2nd 2024. My system went down on the 2nd of March. Seems like Blue Raven’s service department [couldn’t] care less. I called several times to get someone out to look at it. First I was told that it would take 7 to 10 days just to get on a list that would put me on a schedule. How ridiculous is that? They did have a person come out and change the circuit breaker to see if that was the issue, [but it wasn’t]. So after all that they put me on the schedule for the 26th of March. So you can see how frustrating this is. I really think this is way too long for service.” — Customer via TrustPilot

Blue Raven Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The only part of our ratings that isn’t based on hard data is our assessment of a company’s overall customer service. I come up with this score based on the dozens of customer reviews I’ve read — hundreds in the case of Blue Raven — and a call I make to the company as a secret shopper.

Most of the customer reviews are positive, and although there are some issues with delayed responses to warranty claims, it does seem like Blue Raven does everything it can to rectify problems as quickly as possible. There doesn’t appear to be a pattern of complaints, so I believe you’re far more likely to have a positive experience than a negative one.

My call to Blue Raven went about as well as I could have hoped for. The representative didn’t make it seem like they were rushing me off the phone or pushing me to schedule an in-person inspection. They answered questions, were friendly and, most importantly, were honest about solar batteries not being as good of an investment in Oregon than they would in many other states. Overall, I was impressed by the call, and it only solidified my positive opinion of the company as a whole.

Why We Chose A&R Solar

A&R Solar is a much smaller, local company, so I think it’s the best option if you want to support local businesses or are looking for a company that can offer a truly hands-on experience and a more personal touch. The company has over 15 years of localized experience and uses in-house, NABCEP-certified installers to carry out all of the labor, which all but guarantees that your system will be issue-free to maximize long-term savings and avoid frustration during the installation process.

A&R Solar also provides outstanding customer service, as is evidenced by its nearly perfect 4.8-star review ratings on Google Reviews. With almost 100 reviews and 15 years of experience, this is even more evidence that you’re investing in a company that will treat you with professionalism and stand behind its products and services — something you absolutely want when spending tens of thousands of dollars on equipment and installation labor.

While I think A&R Solar is one of the best solar installers in Oregon, there are some downsides to consider. Much like Blue Raven, A&R only tackles the basics, so if you want EV chargers, energy efficiency upgrades or roof work alongside your panel installation, you’ll have to look elsewhere. It also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs and doesn’t have the same loan options that Blue Raven does, so it’s less accessible all around.

What I Like About A&R Solar

There are a lot of great things I can say about A&R Solar, but I think the thing that makes it stand apart from the competition most is the company’s unusually high customer ratings. It doesn’t have any reviews posted to the BBB’s website or TrustPilot, but it has a 4.8-star rating on Google. The reviews I read through suggest that you can expect stellar customer service, great communication and the company’s steadfast commitment to your project and equipment long after the installation is completed.

A&R Solar also publishes information on its own sustainability efforts, including facts about how it does its part to make its business operations — and not just its overall impact — as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. It also offers its employees fair wages, promotes a work-life balance by offering 4-day workweeks and remote work opportunities and donated over $32,000 to charity in 2023 alone. If you’re looking to support a company that goes above and beyond to maximize its positive impact on the world, I’d say A&R is the right choice for you.

What I Don’t Like About A&R Solar

Of course, no company is perfect, and there are some drawbacks to consider, too. First and foremost, A&R is lacking when it comes to add-on services. Most notably, it doesn’t install EV chargers, which is a real shame, given that Oregon has a ZEV mandate that will max out in 2035 and make at-home charging all but a necessity.

A&R Solar also doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which I think is a pretty big downside in Oregon, where many parts of the state see rainfall amounts well in excess of the national average. The labor warranty is also shorter than the industry average, so warranty coverage all around is lacking a bit.

A&R Solar Installation Process and Timeline

A&R Solar details its installation process clearly on its site, and it’s similar to what you’d see from most competitors. First, you’ll have an initial consultation and property inspection, and then the company will design a system to suit your needs and fit on your roof. Once you approve the design and sign your contract, A&R will pull permits for the installation and schedule the installation date once they’re approved. The installation itself should take just a day or two, after which A&R will schedule final inspections before activating your system and officially connecting it to the grid.

The company doesn’t offer estimated timelines for its installations from start to finish, but I expect that it would take the standard 6 to 8 weeks from the initial consultation to the day your panels are actively generating power for your home.

A&R Solar Standard Services & Financing

 20/25

A&R Solar scores reasonably well in our ratings when it comes to the standard services we look for from installers, but it loses some points because it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs — more on that in a bit.

A&R earns some points in this section of our ratings because it uses an in-house installation team. Some companies focus their efforts on acquiring customers and then outsource the actual installation labor to third-party companies. I personally prefer installers who handle everything themselves because there’s a lower risk of miscommunication, and you have a single company responsible for every part of your installation, which means a lower risk of different parties putting blame on each other if something goes wrong.

A&R installs solar batteries, which I’m pleased about. I will say that solar batteries aren’t necessary in Oregon due to the state’s stellar net metering program that credits you at the retail rate for any power you overproduce and send to the grid. A 1-to-1 net metering policy like this means batteries won’t save you any additional money, but they still drive up your installation costs. They do provide the luxury of being able to avoid power outages, and they could become more beneficial and necessary in the future, as many states are downgrading their NEM policies. As such, I’m happy that A&R offers them, but I still wouldn’t recommend them for most Oregon homeowners at this time.

A&R uses inverters and microinverters from Enphase and SolarEdge, and both of these companies include free solar monitoring apps that let you track system performance and production. It also installs panels from a few manufacturers that have their own monitoring apps. These apps let you track system health over time, which means they could be useful for identifying issues early that would otherwise lead to a loss of solar savings.

Cost and Financing Options

A&R scores well when it comes to standard services, but it loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t accept leases and PPAs. I don’t recommend these options, so to understand why we still consider this a drawback, you first need to understand how the financing options compare.

Paying in cash is usually the most beneficial option you can pick because you own your system immediately, avoid interest and start accruing savings to pay back your system right away. Cash payments lead to the highest long-term savings — an average of over $30,300 in Oregon — and they let you take advantage of the ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $9,300 in your area. The only downside to paying in cash is that you’re responsible for the entire system cost upfront, which is unrealistic for most people.

A solar loan — another option from A&R — is the next best route to go. Solar loans are more accessible than cash payments because you usually only have to pay a small down payment. However, you then pay interest on the remaining cost over time, which adds to the total and cuts into your net savings. On average, loans lead to net savings of around $25,300, quite a bit lower than you’d see if you paid in cash. You can still take the ITC if you use a loan.

Solar leases and PPAs are no-money-down options that usually just require a credit check, so they’re the most accessible. This is why we’ve deducted points from A&R for not accepting them. With that said, though, they’re far less beneficial over time. They lead to net savings of just $4,000 to $5,000 over time, which is only a fifth of what you’d save if you went with a loan. You also can’t take the ITC if you choose either of these options, so you miss out on an average potential incentive value of over $9,300.

A&R Solar Extra Services Offered 

0/5

Unfortunately, A&R is similar to Blue Raven when it comes to the lack of add-on options and equipment available, so it’s really only a good company to go with if you know you only want panels or panels and batteries.

A&R doesn’t handle any roof work, so if you need repairs or a replacement before installing panels, you’ll have to vet and hire a standalone roofer. Working with a third party is more likely to lead to delays in the process, and the two companies could try to blame each other if there’s a leak or some other issue that pops up down the road. If I knew I had to get roof work done before going solar, I’d personally choose a provider that I knew could handle it in-house for convenience.

There are also no energy efficiency upgrades available from A&R, which is a shame, given that Oregon homeowners use more electricity than residents of other states and stand to benefit more from upgrades. Some companies prove that they understand the bigger picture by coupling solar arrays with window, door and insulation upgrades, air sealing, smart electrical panels, new HVAC equipment and more. Again, you’ll have to find a third-party company for any energy efficiency upgrade you want if you go solar with A&R.

I think the biggest downside to the lack of add-on services available is the fact that A&R doesn’t install EV chargers. As I mentioned earlier, Oregon has a mandate in place that’s going to require 100% of all newly registered vehicles in the state to be ZEVs by 2035, which means the majority of new car owners leading up to and beyond 2035 will benefit greatly from home EV chargers. I’d really love to see A&R add this to its lineup to stay up to date on changes. You can always add one down the road, but if you install it with your panels, you can include it in the ITC amount and effectively save up to 30% on the cost.

Finally, A&R Solar doesn’t offer professional monitoring services. Some installers offer to monitor your system performance for you, which means you get access to the self-monitoring app for convenience but never have to take the time to track your electricity production. Professional monitoring would make life a bit more convenient for you, and it would be more likely to identify problems immediately to get a fix in place right away and help avoid a cut in your solar savings.

A&R Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Installing solar panels on your home is undoubtedly going to reduce your carbon footprint, but you can ensure an even more significant positive impact on the environment by choosing a company and panel brand that take their own sustainability efforts. A&R Solar is absolutely one of those companies, and it works with brands that tie for first place in our panel ratings for sustainability.

As I mentioned earlier, A&R publishes environmental impact reports and information about its sustainability efforts on its website. By its own calculations, the company offset the equivalent of nearly 150,000 metric tons of CO2 production with its 2023 installations alone. It also took efforts to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of its sourcing efforts, and it also donated over $32,000 to local charities in Oregon and Washington in 2023.

I also assessed the panel brands it installs for manufacturer sustainability, looking specifically for companies that use recycled materials to produce their panels, have end-of-life (EoL) recycling programs for old panels and don’t have a history of unethical business practices, like forced labor or dangerous working conditions. I’m pleased to report that all of the brands available from A&R tie for first place in our solar panel reviews in terms of sustainability, only losing points for not being manufactured in the U.S.

A&R Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18.5/25

A&R Solar uses high-quality equipment brands that score well in our ratings for quality, although the company as a whole scores a bit below average because it’s lacking in a few areas related to warranty coverage.

I compared all of the brands available from A&R Solar based on 18 metrics, and I think 3 of those are particularly important in Oregon: max panel efficiency, panel degradation rate and cost per watt. To help you choose the best option from A&R, I’ll explain what each of these are and how the available brands compare to the industry standards.

Max panel efficiency tells you what percentage of the available sunlight your panels will convert into usable electricity under ideal conditions. A higher rating means your panel is likely to offset a larger portion of your electric bill, which is crucial for two reasons in Oregon. First, electricity consumption is above average, so you’ll have a higher rate of consumption to offset than most U.S. residents. Second, Oregon sees fewer sunny days than most states, so a higher efficiency will let you take better advantage of the sunlight your roof does get. The best solar panels available have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. Panasonic and Silfab fall a bit below that number, so I’d recommend Maxeon, REC or QCells panels for efficiency. Maxeon is the best in the industry, with a rating of 24.2%.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you what percentage of your panel’s max efficiency will remain after the warranty period, which is typically 25 years. This is crucial in Oregon for the same reasons: slower degradation rates are more likely to offset your above-average consumption for longer, as well as make use of the minimally available sunlight for a longer period. Most tier-one panels guarantee between 85% and 92% of the starting efficiency remaining after 25 years, and all of the brands from A&R fall within that range. Maxeon, REC and Panasonic all tie for the best in the industry, guaranteeing the full 92%.

Finally, I recommend paying close attention to the average cost per watt of each brand available. This isn’t always indicative of what you’ll pay since prices are based on national averages, but it can give you an idea of whether your system will sit above or below the local average cost of solar. This is especially important in a place like Oregon, where larger and more expensive systems are required to offset above-average utility bills, given the below-average sunlight availability. Based on our research, QCells is the most affordable brand available from A&R, REC and Silfab fall around the industry average, and Panasonic and Maxeon fall above the average.

Warranties and Guarantees

A big part of ensuring that a particular solar installer is a solid option for long-term savings is assessing the warranty coverage it includes with your system. I recommend looking at 4 types of warranties to get a complete picture of what to expect.

First, the equipment warranty tells you how long you’re protected from manufacturer defects, which can insulate you from system repair and replacement costs. This coverage comes from the manufacturer, as the name suggests, but it’s passed to you through your installer. Most panel brands offer a 25-year equipment warranty, and all of the brands available from A&R meet that standard. Maxeon is the industry leader with a 40-year equipment warranty, and it’s one of the only companies in the industry that goes above and beyond the average 25-year coverage.

The performance warranty also comes from your manufacturer in most cases, and it’s the warranty that guarantees the long-term performance of your system. Most tier-1 panel brands guarantee that your panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years. All of the brands from A&R fall within that range. Maxeon, REC and Panasonic are industry leaders, guaranteeing a degradation of no more than 8% over 25 years. Maxeon also has a 40-year performance warranty, which is the longest in the industry and makes it the best brand for long-term performance and savings.

The labor warranty is the first piece of coverage that comes from your installer. Companies that are confident in their abilities will cover the installation labor and ensure it doesn’t lead to property or system damage for a certain amount of time. The average labor warranty is around 12 years, and this is one area where A&R falls a bit short. It only offers a 10-year labor warranty, so it lost a few points in our ratings, accordingly.

Finally, a roof leak warranty specifically guarantees that you won’t have any roof leaks or related water damage in your home as a result of water seeping through the roof penetrations made during the installation. Most installers don’t offer roof leak coverage, but it’s a great addition to have in Oregon, where annual rainfall sits well above the national average. Unfortunately, A&R doesn’t offer this coverage, so it lost some additional points in our ratings.

A&R Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Despite not having the best warranty coverage, A&R proves itself by maintaining a stellar company reputation, and in many ways, I think this partially makes up for the below-average warranty protection you get.

A&R has been in business since 2007, and with 15 years of experience and success behind it, I feel it has proved that it has what it takes to thrive in such a competitive industry. I see tons of companies go out of business in their first few years, and if that happens, you’re not only stuck with a system that most other installers won’t service, but you also lose your labor warranty and roof leak coverage. Going with a well-established company like A&R is much safer, in my opinion, than a company that has just a few years of experience.

A&R isn’t an SEIA member, and I look for membership to help better establish a company’s longevity. It requires a financial investment in the local solar industry and further proves that a company is successful. A&R does make sizable donations to charity, though, so I think the evidence of financial success is still there.

I’m pleased to report that A&R has NABCEP-certified installers on its in-house installation team, which means you’re getting highly-trained professionals working on your system. In my mind, this somewhat makes up for the below-average labor warranty the company offers, although, ideally, I’d like to see both.

As I mentioned earlier, A&R also has some of the best customer ratings I’ve seen from any company in the industry. There are no reviews posted on the BBB or TrustPilot, but it maintains a 4.8-star review on Google Reviews. This is well above the average, especially for a company with such a long history.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Of course, total customer review scores only tell part of the story, which is why I read through a few dozen reviews to see what customers are pleased with and what others complain about.

Most of the positive reviews mention excellent communication throughout the process, honest salespeople, fast response times to warranty claims and system performance that matches expectations. These are all super important things to get right. The few negative reviews that are present mention some minor issues with customer service, like long conversations with reps only to find out that the property in question isn’t a good fit for solar, and some one-off issues with the company not honoring a promise made about matching a competitor’s pricing.

I’ll include a positive and negative review below to paint a complete picture of the customer service you can expect from A&R Solar.

“A&R installed my solar system 4 years ago. This year, I produced more energy than I used, meaning I paid nothing (except standard $7.59/month service fee) for electricity. That included charging my plug in hybrid car.  The efficiency has not wavered over the four years, and the quality of their choice in materials seems outstanding.  It’s a great system and I’d highly recommend anyone who wants to help the environment to invest in solar.” — Timothy N. via Google Reviews

“Complete waste of my time. Their marketing team kept me on the phone for over an hour, but the lady just kept talking without letting me get a word in – a recording would have been more helpful. Now a technician calls, telling me that he looked at my property thru google maps and he doesn’t think I’m a good candidate. Told me he’s not gonna waste his time coming out to see in person. Well, thanks a bunch for wasting my time instead.” — Anja K. via Google Reviews

A&R Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last part of my review includes an in-depth look at the specific customer reviews I read through, as well as a call I make to the company as a secret shopper to see what the initial customer service is like. I then come up with subjective score based on my experience and opinions as a solar expert.

There are some issues with customer service evident in A&R’s reviews, but they’re very clearly one-off issues, as less than 1% of the customer reviews on Google are below 5 stars. I read all of the negative reviews, and not only are the issues mentioned in each unique, but they don’t seem like problems that would lead to a loss of solar savings or issues with warranty claims, which I think are the biggest red flags to look out for.

To add to that, my secret shopper call went smoothly and left me with a positive impression of the company. The representative was friendly and extremely informative. They were knowledgeable about the entire process and willing to answer questions, and they didn’t seem overly pushy when it came to scheduling an in-person inspection. Based on my initial experience and the reviews I read, I have no doubt that you’d have a positive experience if you went solar with A&R.

Why We Chose Power Northwest

Power Northwest is another solid option if you’re looking for a small, local business to support. Not only does it have outstanding customer ratings that suggest you’ll have a positive experience before, during and after your installation, but it also offers a wide range of products and services, including add-on options like EV chargers and energy efficiency upgrades to help you get the most out of your solar array.

Power Northwest is also a Benefit Corporation, which means it puts the interests of customers and employees before profits. The company couples a socially-responsible approach to solar with NABCEP-certified installers and stellar customer service to maximize its benefit on the industry and the environment.

While I think Power Northwest is a great option overall, there are, of course, some things I’m not particularly thrilled with. Most notably, it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so its wide range of products and services isn’t as accessible as they could be.

What I Like About Power Northwest

As I mentioned, I think the most compelling reason to go solar with Power Northwest is the access you get to add-on products and services. If you want more than just panels and batteries and instead want to maximize your home’s energy efficiency or invest in an EV charger to future-proof your system, Power Northwest is one of the best installers you can choose in Oregon.

The company also maintains outstanding customer reviews, including a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews. This is more or less unheard of in the solar industry, especially for a company that has over 15 years of experience behind it.

What I Don’t Like About Power Northwest

I think the biggest drawback to Power Northwest is its limited service area. It only services Northeast Oregon, as it’s a small company. If you fall outside of that small area, you’ll have to choose a different provider.

Power Northwest also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so your financing options are limited. I do only recommend the options it has available — cash or a solar loan — but I’d still prefer to see leases and PPAs being accepted, as these are more affordable upfront and help keep solar as accessible as possible for everyone.

Power Northwest Installation Process and Timeline

Power Northwest doesn’t have an estimated timeline for installation on its website, but I would guess that you’d be looking at the typical 6 to 8 weeks between the initial inspection and the day your system is turned on. I didn’t see any customer reviews that specifically complained about delays, so we can safely assume that the typical timeline is applicable.

The company does detail the installation process on its site, though, and it’s right in line with the process other companies follow. First, a representative will inspect your home to assess your solar viability, take measurements and gauge your energy demands. Then the company will design a system to suit your home and send the formal proposal to you for approval. Once you sign, the team will pull permits for the equipment and then install them when the permits are approved. Finally, a rep will schedule final inspections with your utility company and building department, if required, before activating your system.

Power Northwest Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Power Northwest provides all of the standard services we look for in solar installers, but it loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs.

It gets maximum points in our rating system for tackling all of its own installation labor with in-house contractors. Some companies will handle customer acquisition and logistics only and then outsource the actual installation to a third party. I prefer companies that handle everything in-house, like Power Northwest, because it reduces the risk of different parties pointing fingers if something goes wrong, as well as the likelihood that you’ll run into delays or problems due to communication errors between the parties.

Power Northwest installs solar batteries alongside its panels, which is a core service that I think every installer should offer. I don’t recommend batteries for most Oregon homeowners because the net metering policy leans so far in favor of solar customers that batteries don’t provide any financial benefit. The only real perk they offer is being able to maintain power through outages, and in my opinion, the $10,000 you’d spend per battery, on average, isn’t worth it. However, net metering policies are in decline across the country, so I’m still happy to see Power Northwest offering batteries, as they may become a necessity in the future.

All installations from Power Northwest include access to a solar monitoring app, too, which gives you the ability to see your system production in real time and track long-term performance. If you’re diligent about checking the app, you can potentially identify problems with your system and get repairs underway quickly to avoid losing out on savings due to decreased production. Most installers offer this through the equipment manufacturers they work with, but it’s still worth mentioning.

Cost and Financing Options

As I mentioned above, Power Northwest loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. I don’t usually recommend these options, but I still like to see companies making them available. The financing option you pick will have a major impact on your upfront costs and savings over time, so having more options is always beneficial.

Power Northwest accepts cash purchases, which I recommend if you can make it work. This is the least accessible option because you’ll have to have the entirety of your system cost saved up at once, and in Oregon, that means having an average of over $31,000 lying around. However, if you can make it work, you’ll see the highest solar savings over time — an average of over $30,000, and those are net savings after your system pays for itself — and you’ll also be able to take the ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $9,300 in Oregon.

Power Northwest also accepts solar loans, which are a much more accessible option. Rather than requiring $31,000 upfront, you’ll usually pay just a small down payment, making a loan more realistic for most people. Loans still let you access the ITC, and much like cash payments but unlike leases and PPAs, a loaned system won’t complicate the sale of your home. The only downside of going with a loan is that you’ll have to pay interest, which usually adds up to around $5,000 total. That means your all-in savings will come down from an average of $30,000 to $25,000.

I don’t recommend leases and PPAs because they reduce your savings even further, usually only saving you $4,000 to $5,000 over the life of the agreement. Not only that, but they can complicate the sale of your home, and they don’t let you take the ITC, which means you miss out on an average potential value of over $9,300. The upside of leases and PPAs, though, is that they require no money down, and they save you money in month one, so they’re the most accessible from a financial perspective. That’s why I’d really love to see Power Northwest accepting them, even though I don’t recommend them.

Power Northwest Extra Services Offered 

4/5

Power Northwest really stands apart from the competition when it comes to the add-on services it makes available to customers, and it scores higher in this portion of our rating system than any of our other picks for the best solar companies in Oregon.

First, Power Northwest handles roof repairs and replacements in-house, which I love to see. If your roof isn’t in good condition and doesn’t have at least a decade of life left in it, you should really consider a replacement before installing panels. Putting panels on a damaged roof is a recipe for disaster, but even putting them on an older roof that isn’t leaking will mean you’ll just have to pay to remove the panels and reinstall them when you have to replace the roof in a few years. If you need roof work done before going solar, I’d personally recommend having a single company like Power Northwest do everything. That way, you don’t have to coordinate between contractors, and you have a single company to hold responsible if there’s a leak or another issue in the future.

Power Northwest also offers energy efficiency upgrades, including smart electrical panels, Tesla solar roof installations and energy audits. Something like a Tesla solar roof provides an alternative to traditional panels, but smart electrical panels and energy audits can help you maximize your home’s efficiency, reduce your energy consumption and get the most value possible out of your solar array. I think these are particularly beneficial in Oregon, where the monthly electricity consumption per household is above the national average.

I’m also thrilled to see Power Northwest offering EV chargers. Oregon has a ZEV mandate in place that’s aiming to ramp up the number of ZEV and battery-powered vehicles in the state each year until 2035, when 100% of all newly registered cars will need to be ZEVs. That means EV chargers are going to be more and more beneficial in Oregon in the coming decade. I’m happy to report that Power Northwest is staying ahead of the curve here and helping current EV owners get more savings from their solar system.

The only add-on service we look for in installers that Power Northwest doesn’t offer is professional system monitoring. This service would have professionals checking your system performance in live time, reporting performance issues and even recommending repairs to help avoid a dip in your solar savings. You’ll still get access to an app to self-monitor if you choose Power Northwest, but that means the responsibility to identify problems will be on you, which is a bit less convenient.

Power Northwest Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Converting your home to solar will always have a positive effect on the environment because you’re trading energy created using fossil fuels for a clean energy source: the sun. However, I still think you should consider the overall sustainability of your solar project, which means looking at how sustainable and environmentally friendly your installer and equipment manufacturers are.

Power Northwest doesn’t publish sustainability reports, but it is a Benefit Corporation, which means it prioritizes the environment, customers and employees over profit. I think this is generally a good sign, and it means you’re investing in a company that cares about more than its bottom line.

I also look at the sustainability of the brands each installer works with to see how sustainable they are compared to competitors. Power Northwest installs panels manufactured by Maxeon, QCells and REC, all of which tie for the most sustainable brands in our solar panel review standards. They all make use of recycled materials during production to reduce strain on the environment, they all have recycling programs for old panels to keep them out of landfills and none of them have a documented history of unethical business practices, like child labor, forced labor or unfair pay.

Power Northwest Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18.5/25

Power Northwest loses quite a few points in our ratings when it comes to its equipment quality and reliability, mostly because a few of its warranty coverages are lacking when compared to what you’d get from competitors.

I’ll cover warranties and guarantees shortly, but first, I think it’s worth discussing equipment reliability. I compare panel brands based on 18 metrics using hard data to determine longevity and quality. In my opinion, 3 of those factors are especially important in Oregon: the max efficiency, the panel degradation rate and the average price per watt.

A panel’s efficiency rating tells you how efficiently it can convert sunlight into usable electricity for your home, so the higher the efficiency rating, the more power you’ll get in all conditions. This is a crucial consideration in Oregon, a state that sees far fewer sunny days than the national average. Panels with high efficiency ratings are more likely to be able to offset your electricity consumption even during partially cloudy days, leading to greater savings over time. The best solar panels for homes have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. All of the brands available from Power Northwest meet that standard, with Maxeon being the best in the industry at 24.2%.

All panels lose that efficiency over time, and the degradation rate tells you how quickly. The faster the degradation rate, the less time your panels will continue to meet your energy demands. In Oregon, it takes an average of 13 years for panels to pay for themselves, and every year beyond that your panels last will contribute to your long-term savings. Most panel brands guarantee no more than an 8% to 15% loss of efficiency over 25 years. All of the panels available from Power Northwest meet this standard, as well, with Maxeon and REC both being industry leaders. Maxeon actually goes above and beyond by guaranteeing efficiency for 40% as opposed to the industry standard of 25 years.

Finally, the average cost per watt of a brand tells you, of course, what you can expect to pay per watt for a specific brand. Our research shows cost data based on national averages and not local costs in Oregon, but you can reasonably expect those national averages to scale with local prices. Maxeon is the most expensive brand available from Power Northwest, QCells is the most affordable and REC falls somewhere in the middle, right around the local average of $3.28 per watt.

Warranties and Guarantees

It’s also really important to look at the warranty coverage you get with your system, as this will give you more specifics about how your system will function over time than individual panels specifications will. I recommend looking at 4 types of solar warranties to get a sense of how comprehensive your total coverage is: equipment warranties, performance warranties, labor warranties and roof leak guarantees.

The equipment warranty protects you from manufacturer defects, and, as you might have guessed, comes from the manufacturer rather than the installer. However, your equipment warranty can still depend on your installer, as they choose which brands to work with. The typical equipment warranty covers defects for 25 years, and all of the brands from Power Northwest provide at least that. Maxeon has the best warranty coverage in the industry and includes a 40-year equipment warranty.

The performance warranty is what guarantees your panels won’t lose more efficiency than is dictated in the specified degradation rate. Performance warranties help ensure long-term performance from your panels, which helps lock in savings, too. As I mentioned earlier, most manufacturers guarantee your panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their initial efficiency after 25 years. All of the brands available from Power Northwest match that, but Maxeon goes beyond it with a 40-year performance warranty.

Performance warranties typically come from the manufacturer, so very few installers include their own performance warranty. This is one area where Power Northwest stands apart from competitors. In addition to the manufacturer’s performance warranty, Power Northwest guarantees that your system’s production will meet its estimated production for 1 year following the installation, or it will pay you the difference based on your local electricity prices. This is a great way to ensure you’re getting a system that will be able to offset your electric bill for years to come.

The labor warranty almost always comes from your installer, and it guarantees that the installation labor won’t lead to any system or property damage. A longer labor warranty is usually a good way to gauge how reputable and experienced your installer is, as a company is less likely to stand behind poor workmanship. The standard labor warranty is 12 years, and Power Northwest falls just short of this with a 10-year labor warranty.

Finally, I recommend look at roof leak warranties. These protect you specifically from roof leaks and water damage after penetrating your roof to install panels. They’re especially helpful in areas that see above-average rainfall and snowfall, and with annual precipitation sitting several times the national average in some parts of Oregon, this coverage is great to have in your area. Unfortunately, Power Northwest doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which is standard practice in the solar industry.

Power Northwest Company Reputation 

22.5/25

I always look at a company’s reputation in the local solar market when assessing installers, as this usually gives me a good idea of the company’s professionalism and likelihood to stick around and honor your warranty coverage. Power Northwest scores very well in this regard.

First, it was founded in 2008, so it has over 15 years of experience. I always prefer to recommend companies with a decade or more of experience because they’ve proven they have what it takes to succeed in the high-competition solar industry, and they’re more likely to remain in business and keep your warranties intact. Companies with just a few years of history too often go out of business and void your coverage in the process.

I also love to see companies maintaining SEIA membership, which suggests a financial investment in the local solar industry and serves as additional proof that a company is likely to stick around. Unfortunately, Power Northwest isn’t an SEIA member, so it loses some points in our ratings, but I think the 15+ years of experience are enough to suggest it’s here to stay.

Power Northwest uses in-house installers, which I prefer over a company that outsources installation labor, but more importantly, those installers are NABCEP-certified. Getting certified requires intensive training for PV installations, specifically, so it’s a great way to distinguish a high-quality installer that’s unlikely to make mistakes during the installation process.

Finally, Power Northwest maintains stellar customer ratings, which is a great sign that you’re likely to have a positive experience and be pleased with your system’s performance and the company’s responses to any warranty claims. It isn’t listed on the BBB’s website or TrustPilot, but it maintains a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews. This is better than just about any other installer I’ve reviewed, and it should instill tons of confidence that you’re getting involved with a reputable and reliable installer.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I never take a company’s overall scores at face value, partially because customer complaints, while all valid, don’t hold the same weight, in my opinion. For example, a complaint about a company neglecting to respond to a warranty claim is a much bigger red flag than a complaint about a company using annoying door-to-door sales tactics. That’s why I read through a few dozen customer reviews for each company I assess to see what it’s doing well and where it could improve.

Nearly all of the customer reviews for Power Northwest are positive. They mention things like great communication, professional and courteous installation teams and the company’s fast response times to issues and warranty claims. These are a few of the specific things I look for in solar installers. The one negative review — out of over 80 — mentioned that the company missed 2 consultation appointments and then rescheduled the third the day of. While this isn’t ideal, it’s far from what I would consider a red flag, in my opinion, and it’s bound to happen in 15 years of service. Luckily, this seems to be a one-off issue, as none of the other reviews I read mention the same problem.

I’ll include 1 positive review below, along with the only negative review I could find for Power Northwest.

“Can’t speak highly enough about the entire Power Northwest business. I had a very complex solar and battery project that required some significant electrical upgrades (old house), and this company was outstanding. Excellent communication, professional, high level execution, [and] all members of this team strive for perfection. They treat every aspect as if they are working on their own house. I wouldn’t hesitate working with them again, and will be recommending them to my friends. Special thanks to the lead electrician, who oversaw the design and install team — by far the best electrician I’ve worked with (and I’ve worked with many over the years).” — Kevin W. via Google Reviews

“I called the company to set up a time for a price quote. The person ghosted me during the meeting time slot, so I called them to try and see what was going on. They hadn’t prepared anything for the meeting and seemed to have forgotten about it, so we rescheduled for a later date and I sent them some additional information to help expedite the process. The next time slot rolls around and the person ghosts me again. I again called them to see what’s going on, and they said they weren’t able to complete the quote due to some missing information that had in fact already been sent over. I direct them to the info and we reschedule again. The next time slot rolls around and they follow up to reschedule on the day of. Overall, if it’s this difficult to arrange a price quote with a company I don’t feel I can recommend them.” — Heather via Google Reviews

Power Northwest Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our solar company review process is the only one that isn’t based on hard data. Instead, I come up with an overall customer service score based on the customer reviews I read through, as well as a secret shopper call I make to the company.

As I mentioned above, nearly all of the reviews are positive and touch on the major things I look for in solar installers. There’s only a single negative review, and that customer only mentioned that the provider ran into some issues with scheduling the initial consultation. I don’t doubt that this led to frustration for the customer, but I don’t consider this a reason to consider not giving your business to Power Northwest. Based on the many positive customer reviews I read, I’m very confident that you’ll have a positive experience.

My secret shopper call to the company only served to solidify that opinion. A live representative picked up within just a few rings — there was no automated menu, and I was immediately connected to a real person. They were friendly and willing to answer questions, and I got the sense that the company puts customers and honest salesmanship first, as the rep was upfront and realistic about solar savings and solar incentives in Oregon. If I lived in the state, I’d absolutely consider Power Northwest to handle my solar installation.

Why We Chose Sunbridge Solar

Sunbridge Solar stands out from other solar companies in Oregon primarily because of its customer review scores. With over 100 reviews on Google, only 4 are below 5 stars, and only a single review has something negative to say about the service after installation. I’m more confident in Sunbridge Solar providing a positive customer service experience than I have been in any other company I’ve reviewed in Oregon.

Sunbridge has a solid reputation in the local solar market, too. It has 14 years of experience, uses an in-house installation team with NABCEP-certified installers on it, and maintains some of the highest review scores I’ve seen in the industry as a whole.

I think Sunbridge is a great option if you want to ensure you have a positive customer experience, but there are quite a few downsides to consider, too. The company doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so financing options are limited, which means going solar is less accessible through Sunbridge than it could be. It also has one of the lowest scores in our ratings for equipment reliability and durability. I still think the panels will last for 25 years, which is standard, but they’re not as efficient as some of the top brands, like Maxeon.

What I Like About Sunbridge Solar

As I mentioned above, the biggest upside to using Sunbridge Solar is the customer service you’ll receive. Only around 3% of the reviews for the company are negative, and of the few negative reviews it has received, only 1 calls out what I’d consider an actual red flag that would make me reconsider an installer. It’s abundantly clear from the other reviews that this was a one-off issue, and there’s no pattern of related problems whatsoever.

Sunbridge also covers the basics well, like panel and battery installations, as well as app monitoring for installed systems, and while it doesn’t offer many add-on services, the 1 it does provide is access to EV chargers. I’d argue that, given Oregon’s ZEV mandate, access to EV chargers is 1 of the most important add-on options a company could offer.

What I Don’t Like About Sunbridge Solar

There are, of course, plenty of things about Sunbridge Solar that I’m not a huge fan of. Most importantly, the warranty coverage is lacking. The company only includes a 10-year workmanship warranty, which is 2 years shy of the industry average, and it doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty at all. Roof leak warranties are some of the more beneficial coverages in Oregon, in my opinion, as the rainfall is well above the national average in much of the state.

Sunbridge also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so you don’t have access to any no-money-down options. I don’t recommend leases or PPAs in most cases, as I’ll discuss a bit later, but I do still like to see companies offering them because they help keep solar as widely accessible as possible. They’re especially beneficial in areas like Oregon, where the cost to go solar is above the national average.

Sunbridge Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Sunbridge breaks down its entire installation process on its website, and it’s in line with what you’d see from most other installers. First, a representative from Sunbridge will come to your home to inspect your property, gauge your solar viability and check your roof and electricity consumption. The company will then design a system for you and have you approve the design. It will then pull all necessary permits for the installation and schedule an inspection date once the permits are approved. After the installation, Sunbridge will schedule final inspections with your building department and utility company, and then turn your system on.

The company doesn’t offer an expected installation timeline, but I’d assume you’d have to wait 6 to 8 weeks from the consultation to the day your panels begin generating power for your home, which is the industry standard.

Sunbridge Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Sunbridge Solar offers all of the standard services I look for in a solar installer, but it does lose some points in our ratings because it has limited financing options available.

First, I’m happy to report that Sunbridge uses in-house installers and doesn’t outsource any of the installation labor to third parties. Companies that do outsource installations aren’t always worse options, but getting another company involved can create issues with communication, and there can be problems with the companies pointing fingers if something goes wrong, meaning you could have more of an issue getting one party to take responsibility for a problem.

Sunbridge installs solar batteries alongside panels, although it doesn’t specify on its site which brands it works with. Solar batteries are more of a luxury item in Oregon right now because the state’s net metering program is so good. You get credited at a 1-to-1 rate for all excess power you generate, so you can effectively use your utility company as a battery to maximize savings. Investing in a battery won’t save you any additional money, although you do still get the benefit of maintaining power through outages. I’m still happy to see Sunbridge offering batteries, though, because net metering policies are in decline all across the country, so I suspect they’ll be more of a necessity in Oregon at some point in the future.

Sunbridge’s installations include access to a self-monitoring app, either from the panel manufacturer or the inverter manufacturer. The app provides real-time and historical information about system performance, so you can use it to monitor your system’s production and health over time. If you pay attention to production in the long run, the app gives you the power to identify potential issues that decrease system performance, which means you might be able to get a fix underway sooner to preserve your solar savings.

Cost and Financing Options

As I mentioned above, Sunbridge Solar loses some points in our ratings because it has limited financing options available. The financing option you choose will have a major impact on your upfront cost to go solar, as well as your long-term savings, so understanding the options available and how they compare is crucial for maximizing the benefits of going solar.

Cash purchases are the best option long-term because they lead to the highest net savings. I recommend these to any customers who can make them work, although this is the least accessible option because it comes with the highest upfront cost — an average of over $31,000. You do get access to the ITC, though, which holds an average potential value of $9,348 in Oregon, and you’ll see the fastest panel payback period, an average of around 12 years in your area.

Solar loans are the next best option, in my opinion. The interest you’ll pay over time will cut into your savings, bringing them down from $31,000 to $26,000, on average. Solar loans are much more accessible, though, because you’ll only need a few thousand dollars for a down payment as opposed to $31,000+. Loans also still let you take advantage of the ITC.

Sunbridge Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, but it’s worth discussing how these could benefit you in case they’re the only options you can make work. Leases are like rental agreements where you pay a monthly rental fee for your equipment, and you get to use the energy your panels generate to offset your electric bills. PPAs are similar, but instead of a set monthly rental fee, you buy power that the panels produce at a reduced price to see savings each month. These both preclude you from taking the ITC, though, they only save an average of between $4,000 and $5,000, and they can complicate the sale of your home.

While I don’t recommend leases or PPAs, I did deduct some points from Sunbridge Solar for not accepting them. They’re the only no-money-down options — although certain solar loans may have $0-down options — and they save you money beginning in the first month, so they help keep solar as accessible as possible.

Sunbridge Solar Extra Services Offered 

1/5

Unfortunately, Sunbridge Solar isn’t the company for you if you want a bunch of options to customize your system or maximize the benefits of going solar, as it offers very few add-on services.

It doesn’t handle roof repair or replacement, which means you’ll have to coordinate with a third-party roofing company if you need any roof work done before going solar. Needing repairs or a replacement is somewhat common because it’s not worth it to install panels only to remove and reinstall them in a few years when a roof in poor condition fails. If I knew I needed roofing services before installing panels, I’d personally look for a company that could handle everything at once. This would make the process simpler and leave me with a single company to hold responsible if there’s a leak or some other issue down the road.

Sunbridge also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, which I think is kind of a shame. I really like to see solar installers going above and beyond by offering things like electrical panel upgrades, smart home thermostats, air sealing, insulation, window and door services, and more. These help reduce your carbon footprint even further, help you get the most value out of your solar array and, perhaps most importantly, help maximize savings on utility bills. These add-ons would be especially welcome in Oregon because of the above-average rate of energy consumption in the state.

I’m happy to report that Sunbridge does install EV chargers, which I honestly think is the most important add-on service to offer in Oregon. The state has a ZEV mandate in place that’s going to require that 100% of all newly registered vehicles inside state lines be ZEVs by 2035, and the percentage until then will increase annually. That means more and more homeowners and solar customers will benefit from at-home charging. I’m pleased to see Sunbridge staying ahead of these changes by installing EV chargers now.

Finally, Sunbridge loses some points in our ratings when it comes to add-on services because it doesn’t offer professional system monitoring services. Professional monitoring provides the same benefits as self-monitoring via the app you get access to, but the responsibility of monitoring your system is on your installer rather than on you. Of course, professional monitoring is more convenient, so it’s kind of a shame that Sunbridge doesn’t offer it.

Sunbridge Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Converting your home to solar is always going to benefit the environment. Manufacturing the panels is going to put strain on the environment, but there’s a net positive change because you’re trading your dependence on fossil fuels for a 100% clean energy source. With that being said, though, you can still make more of a difference by working with an installer and manufacturer that take their own efforts to be as sustainable as possible. That’s why I always review the installer and the brands it works with for overall sustainability when ranking companies.

Sunbridge has a commitment to contributing to one charitable project per year, which has led the company to projects like  electrifying off-grid schools in Colombia, installing a solar-powered water pumping system in Nepal and more. Supporting Sunbridge means supporting the world at large and the global solar movement, which I personally am a big fan of.

I also assessed the equipment brands Sunbridge offers to gauge how sustainable the manufacturers are. Sunbridge installs 2 different tier-1 brands: Canadian Solar and Silfab. Both of these brands tie for first with a few other tier-one brands in terms of sustainability. They both use recycled materials in the manufacturing process, they both have recycling programs for old panels to keep them out of landfills and neither has a documented history of unethical business practices that we would consider socially unsustainable.

Sunbridge Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17/25

Sunbridge doesn’t score particularly well when it comes to equipment quality and reliability. I think the panel brands it offers are good, although they do lose the company some points in terms of equipment quality, but the biggest issue I see is that the warranty coverage is less than ideal.

To gauge equipment quality, I compare panel brands based on 18 metrics, and I think 3 of those are particularly important considerations in Oregon. Those include the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the price per watt for each brand.

The panel efficiency is the specification that tells you how efficient your panel is at converting sunlight into energy. In effect, efficiency rating determines how much of your utility bills your panels will offset and how and how much you’ll save on utility bills over time. Efficiency rating is so important in Oregon because the state sees fewer sunny days than most other areas in the U.S., so you really need high efficiency ratings to see substantial solar savings. I’d look for efficiency ratings of 22% or higher in Oregon. The Silfab panels from Sunbridge fall just shy of that mark at 21.4%, and Canadian Solar are far better equipped to maximize savings in your area with efficiency ratings of 23.3%.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly your panels will lose that efficiency after installation. All panels degrade, but slower degradation rates mean your panels have a higher chance of offsetting your electric bills for longer. Again, this is important in Oregon because of the above-average energy consumption and the below-average sunlight availability. Slower degradation rates will help maximize long-term savings. Most tier-one panels guarantee between 85% and 92% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. Both brands from Sunbridge fall within this range and actually go beyond the industry standard by including 30-year performance warranties for even longer guaranteed performance.

Of course, the price per watt of a panel is important no matter where you live because it affects your upfront cost of going solar, but I think it’s especially important in Oregon because going solar in the state is already more expensive than the national average. Both brands from Sunbridge fall right around the industry average in terms of cost per watt, making them solid investments, especially for the value you get for the money.

Warranties and Guarantees

In addition to panel specifications, I think it’s crucial to look at the warranty coverage you get with your system, as this is really what guarantees performance and longevity from your equipment. I looked at 4 types of solar warranties to compare Sunbridge to other installers.

First, I consider the equipment warranty. This actually comes from the panel manufacturer, but it depends on your installer since the installer decides which brands and warranties to work with. This warranty protects you from manufacturer defects, and the standard coverage lasts for 25 years. Both brands available from Sunbridge are in line with the industry average.

Next, I look at the performance warranty, which is what guarantees your panels won’t lose more than a specified percentage of their starting efficiency over the warranty term. As I mentioned above, most tier-1 panel brands guarantee a loss of no more than 8% to 15% over 25 years. Both brands from Sunbridge fall within that range, with Silfab being a bit better for long-term performance. I’ll note again that both Canadian Solar and Silfab have performance warranties that last for 30 years, which is longer than most competing brands.

Third, I look at the labor warranty, which guarantees that the installation process won’t damage your home or the equipment being installed. This coverage comes directly from the installation company, in most cases, and the typical labor warranty lasts for 12 years. Sunbridge falls a bit short here by offering just a 10-year labor warranty.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties. These are uncommon in the solar industry, and most installers don’t offer them at all. They’re beneficial no matter where you live, as roof leaks usually are the potential problem with the highest risk after going solar. They’re especially beneficial in an area like Oregon, though, where annual precipitation is well above the national average throughout most of the state. Much like most other providers, though, Sunbridge doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty.

Sunbridge Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Sunbridge has one of the more impressive scores in our ratings when it comes to company reputation, which is a good sign that you’re getting a true professional tackling your system installation.

First, the company was founded in 2010, so it has just under 15 years of experience in the industry. I’m most comfortable recommending installers that have at least a decade of experience because newer companies are more likely to go out of business, which means your warranty company gets voided. The solar industry is incredibly competitive, so companies that have the wherewithal to succeed for a decade or longer are, in my opinion, the most likely to stick around and keep your warranty coverage intact.

I also look for SEIA membership, which requires a financial investment in the local industry, to suggest longevity in the industry. A company that invests in the future of the solar industry is very likely one that’s going to stick around for the long haul, which means, again, that your warranty coverage will remain intact. Sunbridge isn’t an SEIA member, but I do think its near-15 years of experience should be enough to instill some confidence that the company will be around for years to come.

I mentioned earlier that Sunbridge uses in-house installers to complete all of the installation labor, but it also comes with the added perk of having NABCEP-certified installers on its team. NABCEP certification means an installer has gone through more extensive and more specialized training for PV installations that the State of Oregon doesn’t legally require, so it’s a good sign that your installation will go smoothly and won’t leave you with property damage or the headache of failed inspections.

Finally, I assess each company based on its customer review scores, as these provide some solid insight into the kind of service you can expect. Sunbridge has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and although it doesn’t have any customer reviews posted there or on TrustPilot, it does have a 4.9-star customer rating on Google Reviews. This is better than just about any other solar installer I’ve ever reviewed, and I believe it more or less guarantees that you’ll be pleased with the service you receive.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

In addition to looking at total customer review scores, I think it’s crucial to read through actual reviews to see what the company does well and what patterns of issues there are, if any. I read through a few dozen reviews for Sunbridge, and I’m thrilled to see that the large majority of customers are overwhelmingly pleased with the service and systems they receive. Over 95% of the reviews are 5 stars, and they mention things like good communication, honest salesmanship, transparent pricing, outstanding service even after the installation and production and savings in line with expectations.

There are only 3 negative reviews on Google for the company. Two of them mention delays with getting a quote for solar, and the other mentions some issues with the company responding slowly to a warranty claim. While this last issue is one I’d consider a red flag, it’s clear that this is a one-off issue and not one I’d expect you to run into if you choose Sunbridge as your installer.

I’ll include 2 reviews below from either end of the spectrum to give you an idea of the best and worst customers have gotten from this installer.

“I highly recommend Sunbridge Solar. We received 3 bids. The reasons we chose Sunbridge [are] the reasonable price, [it’s a] local company [and there’s] no sales pressure and great product knowledge. Jim, our salesperson, and Haley, our product manager, guided us through the process and kept us informed every step of the way. If we had questions, they got back to us within 24 hours. Matt and the rest of the install team were hard working, efficient, friendly and great communicators. Sunbridge Solar takes care of all the permitting. They coordinate with the utility company (and the cost of the new meter is included in the contract). No hidden costs!

We have hired many contractors for a variety of home improvements over the years. None have measured up to the quality of work and customer service we received from Sunbridge Solar.” — Karen D. via Google Reviews

“Approximately 3 years ago I called Sunbridge to install solar on my house. I was told I would not be able to use the system when power went out unless I had battery back up, so I told them that is what I wanted. I was told that the battery systems were not reliable and they asked if I could wait until better systems came on the market and they would get ahold of me in a few months. After several months, I sent a message asking [for an update]. I did not get a reply. I was getting tired of waiting for replies to messages, and I finally was told they could not do my job due to my roof. I asked what had changed and why they could not do it. I was told engineering would get back to me. I have heard nothing. Maybe there is a legit reason why, not sure why they can’t tell me, and why it took this long to give me that answer. Very unprofessional. [I] guess my money wasn’t good enough for them but they sure wasted my time and now that PGE has raised the rates so much it also has cost me money.” — Brian G. via Google Reviews

Sunbridge Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our review process is the only one that includes a subjective score. I come up with this rating based on the customer reviews I read through, as well as a call I make to the installer as a secret shopper. Sunbridge has instilled more confidence in me in both areas than just about any other installer.

First, nearly all of the customer reviews are positive, and there’s only a single negative review that includes what I’d consider a red flag. With over 100 reviews posted, it’s clear that that was a one-off issue and not one that’s likely to continue to be a problem for future customers. Most customers have been thrilled with the service before, during and after the installation, and many mention savings in line with expectations, which is a great sign.

I also called Sunbridge Solar as a secret shopper to see what the initial customer service experience was like. It’s very clear that this is a small, local company that cares about its customers as much as it does about the solar industry. The rep I spoke with answered quickly and was super friendly. They discussed some of the benefits of solar and were honest and upfront about the minimal upside I’d see with a battery in Oregon. They also didn’t pressure me into an in-person consultation and simply offered to keep in touch with me as I gathered more information. Overall, I’m pleased with the company’s initial service, and I’d absolutely consider this installer if I were going solar in Oregon.

Why We Chose Sunlight Solar Energy

Sunlight Solar Energy has a unique arrangement with SunRun, a company that offers one of the best solar system protection plans in the industry for systems purchased with a lease or PPA. I don’t recommend these options in most cases, but if you know you want one for the affordability, then I think the added protection you get through SunRun via Sunlight Solar makes it one of the best companies to hire for your installation. That includes a 20-year workmanship warranty, free maintenance and repairs for the entirety of your contract and free professional monitoring services to help keep your system up and running.

Sunlight Solar also has a solid and long-standing reputation in the local solar industry in Oregon. It has been in business since 1988, making it the oldest and most experienced solar provider on our list. This solar veteran has proved that it has what it takes to succeed in the solar industry while also providing stellar customer service, so I expect it will be around for many more years to come, which means your warranty coverage will, too.

While Sunlight Solar has a lot going for it, it’s not a perfect company. It scores below average in our ratings when it comes to equipment quality and reliability, based on our solar panel brand reviews. The equipment should still serve you well, but the company loses some points for installing specific brands that score lower in our ratings. The company’s warranty coverage is also contingent on whether or not you take advantage of its partnership with SunRun, which means you’ll only get the outstanding system protection plan if you use a lease or PPA, both of which come with some downsides.

What I Like About Sunlight Solar Energy

Sunlight Solar Energy has a nice array of add-on services to help you get the most value out of your solar system, and it covers all of the basics, too, like panels, inverters and solar batteries. It also accepts all 4 of the primary solar financing options, which means you can take advantage of cash purchases or loans for long-term benefits or leases or PPAs for upfront savings and solar accessibility.

Sunlight Solar also gives you the opportunity for above-average warranty protection, including a 20-year labor warranty — which is longer than the industry standard of 12 years — and a roof leak warranty, which is particularly beneficial in high-precipitation areas like Oregon.

What I Don’t Like About Sunlight Solar Energy

While I love that Sunlight Solar Energy accepts all of the common financing options, I’m not a huge fan of the requirement to go with a lease or PPA to get the best coverage. Loans and cash payments are more beneficial to customers in the long run, so I’d very much prefer companies prioritizing those options.

The base warranty coverage you get from Sunlight Solar if you don’t go through its partnership with SunRun via a lease or PPA is also a bit lackluster, as there’s no roof leak warranty, and the labor warranty lasts for 10 years, which is 2 years shy of the industry average.

Sunlight Solar Energy Installation Process and Timeline

Sunlight Solar mentions on its site that the actual installation process takes just 1 to 2 days, on average, but it doesn’t include a timeline for the entire process. I assume, based on the industry average and the lack of customer complaints about the timeline, that the entire process from start to finish would take between 6 and 8 weeks.

The company does detail the process on its site, and it’s what you’d see from most other installers, too. You’ll have your initial consultation with a representative, and then you’ll wait for the company to design a system to suit your needs. Once you approve that design, Sunlight Solar will pull all of the necessary permits for you before scheduling the installation. The installation should take a day or 2, after which the company will file for interconnection on your behalf before the system is activated.

Sunlight Solar Energy Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

Thanks in part to its partnership with SunRun, Sunlight Solar Energy gets a perfect score in our rating system in terms of its standard services and financing options offered.

First, it uses an in-house installation team to complete all of its installations. I recommend companies that handle everything in-house because it reduces the risk of miscommunication between the parties, and it also ensures you have a single entity to hold responsible in case something goes wrong.

Sunlight Solar offers battery installations, as well, specifically with Tesla Powerwalls, the most popular type of solar battery. Batteries are a great add-on option to have because they let you maintain electricity through power outages, and in some cases, they can boost your long-term savings. However, the net metering policy in Oregon is currently one of the best in the country, so batteries won’t add any financial benefits. I recommend against them at this point in your area, but I’m still happy to see Sunlight Solar offering them. NEM policies are declining and even being discontinued across the country, so I suspect that batteries will eventually be more of a necessity in Oregon in the future.

Finally, Sunlight Solar uses Enphase inverters, so you get access to the Enphase solar monitoring app with your installation. This lets you track system performance and keep an eye out for production dips, potentially allowing you to identify problems and damages before they cut too much into your savings.

Cost and Financing Options

Sunlight Solar technically accepts all 4 payment options for solar equipment, although the lease and PPA options are only offered through its partnership with SunRun. The option you choose will determine your upfront costs and savings over time, so it’s worth discussing how each of them will affect the financial aspects of your system.

Cash purchases are the most financially beneficial option, as they lead to immediate panel ownership and let you start building toward savings right away. You’ll see the highest potential savings from a cash purchase — an average of around $30,300 in Oregon. Paying in cash also means you can access the ITC, which holds an average potential value of around $9,350 in your area. Buying in cash also raises your property value by over 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The only downside is that it’s the least realistic option for most people, as you’ll need over $31,000 saved upfront, on average.

A solar loan is much more accessible because you usually only need a small down payment to get started. You will finance the rest, though, so you’ll pay interest that bumps up your system cost or cuts into your savings, depending on how you look at it. Compared to a cash purchase, a solar loan’s net savings are around $5,000 lower. You can still take the ITC, and your property value should still go up, so along with increased accessibility, solar loans are all-around still an excellent option.

Leases and PPAs don’t lead to panel ownership, and you instead pay monthly for access to the electricity your panels generate. They both save far less over time — an average of between $4,000 and $5,000 — so the long-term benefits aren’t nearly as appealing. These options also don’t let you take the ITC, and they can cause issues with the sale of your home if the buyer doesn’t want to assume the agreements. The upside of these options is that they require no money down, so they’re the most accessible of the bunch.

Sunlight Solar accepts leases and PPAs through its partnership with SunRun, and you do get added perks if you go that route. Those include longer labor warranties, as well as free maintenance and repairs and free professional monitoring for your system. I’m not a fan of companies promoting these less beneficial options, but I am still happy to see them available for increased accessibility.

Sunlight Solar Energy Extra Services Offered 

3/5

As I mentioned earlier, Sunlight Solar has a fairly impressive array of add-on services that give you some options to customize your system and get the most out of your solar investment.

The only service I look for that Sunlight doesn’t offer is roof repair and replacement. It’s important that your roof be in good condition and have 5 to 10 years of life left in it before you install panels, or you’ll just have to spend more money to remove and reinstall the solar equipment in a few years to do the replacement you should have done upfront. I love when solar installers can tackle roof work, too, because it makes the entire process of going solar as simple and as streamlined as possible if you do need a new roof first. You also have one company responsible for any issues, so there’s a lower risk of your installers not taking ownership of damages. It would be nice if Sunlight Solar handled roof work in addition to solar installations.

It does get some points in our ratings for handling energy efficiency upgrades, although the only one I could find from the company is the option for a solar carport or awning. This is helpful for customers who may not have the roof space to accommodate the system size they need — which is more of a risk in Oregon, given the above-average rate of electricity usage — but I still would love to see other upgrades, like smart electrical panels, air sealing, insulation upgrades and other perks that would help boost efficiency rather than just solar production.

I’m happy to see Sunlight installing EV chargers, too. Oregon is the 16th most popular state for EV adoption, and the adoption rate is only going to continue to climb as the state improves its ZEV mandate, which is expected to max out in 2035, at which point 100% of all newly registered cars in the state will have to be ZEVs. EV chargers are just going to increase in popularity and demand over the coming years as a result, so I love to see Sunlight Solar offering them now in advance of that.

Finally, you can get professional monitoring services from Sunlight Solar, which means an expert will monitor your system for decreased performance and potential damages and recommend repairs as soon as production dips to help protect your savings. Note that you’ll only get this if you go with a lease or PPA through Sunlight’s partnership with SunRun, but the company still gets points in our ratings for providing access to that perk.

Sunlight Solar Energy Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Solar conversion is one of the best things you can do in terms of reducing your carbon footprint and breaking free from fossil fuels to power your home. Provided you choose a reputable installer and high-quality equipment, you’re all bu guaranteed to have a lasting positive impact on the world around you. However, you can go the extra mile by ensuring you work with an installation company and a panel manufacturer that take their own efforts to be as sustainable as possible. That’s why I review each installer based on their own sustainability efforts and how sustainable the panel brands they work with are.

The positive impact Sunlight Solar has on the environment comes largely from its installations. In 2019 — the year it most recently offers data for — it installed over 700 systems, which means it helped 700 homes reduce pollution and convert to clean, renewable energy. That’s especially impressive for such a small company.

I also assess each installer’s panel brands based on overall sustainability. Sunlight Solar installs panels manufactured by QCells and Silfab. Both of these manufacturers tie for first place in our panel rankings in terms of sustainability. They both make use of recycled materials to manufacture panels, they have recycling programs available for old panels to keep them out of landfills and neither of them have a history of questionable business practices, like forced labor, unsafe working conditions or unfair pay.

Sunlight Solar Energy Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18.5/25

Sunlight Solar offers great warranty protection for its panels and services, including a roof leak warranty, which is particularly beneficial in Oregon, where annual precipitation is several times the national average in some areas. I’ll get more into warranty coverage in a bit, but first, I think it’s important to look at overall equipment quality. I assess panel brands based on 18 factors, and I focused on 3 of those when ranking solar companies in Oregon: the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the price per watt.

The panel efficiency tells you how efficient a particular solar panel is at converting sunlight into usable electricity. Higher efficiency rates mean more energy production in all weather conditions and especially in high-sun conditions, so a panel with a higher efficiency is more likely to offset your electric bills, especially in areas like Oregon, where sunlight availability is below average. The highest-rated panels in our reviews have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. The Silfab panels from Sunlight Solar fall below that mark at 21.4%, but the QCells panels are well-suited for use in Oregon, as they have efficiency ratings that top out around 22.5%.

A panel’s degradation rate tells you how quickly your system will lose its starting efficiency. The faster your panels degrade, the less electricity they’ll generate over time. Panels with a lower degradation rate are usually worthwhile in Oregon since the available sunlight is already below average, so a slow degradation rate should ensure long-term performance and savings from your solar array. Most tier-1 panels guarantee that they’ll retain between 85% and 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years, with numbers closer to 92% being better for long-term performance. Both Silfab and QCells panels fall within that range, guaranteeing 90.8% and 90.58% remaining after 25 years, respectively.

The cost per watt of a panel brand tells you roughly how much you can expect to pay for your equipment. It’s possible to find average per-watt prices for specific brands, although it’s important to note that these will usually be national averages, and prices can vary for Oregon solar installations. However, it’s still useful to know the per-watt pricing, as it helps you compare panels in a relative sense. Based on our research, Silfab panels are right around the industry average, and QCells are a bit more affordable per watt. Since they also have superior efficiency and a degradation rate that’s very similar, I’d personally recommend QCells panels if you’re going solar in Oregon.

Warranties and Guarantees

In addition to assessing the quality of the actual panels installed on your roof, I think it’s crucial to look at the warranty coverage you get with your system, which guarantees a safe and problem-free installation, as well as system longevity and long-term savings. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to see what kind of coverage a company provides.

First, I look at the equipment warranty, also called the manufacturer’s warranty. As the name suggests, this comes from the manufacturer in most cases, and it protects you from manufacturer defects. The typical manufacturer’s warranty lasts for 25 years, and both of the brands available from Sunlight Solar match that standard.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which is the coverage that guarantees the specific degradation rate for your panels. Again, this is critical in Oregon, where slower degradation can lead to a massive improvement in long-term savings, given the lack of available sunlight. Most tier-1 panel brands guarantee that your panels will still have between 85% and 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years. Both QCells and Silfab have guarantees that fall within that range, and Silfab actually goes above and beyond by providing a 30-year performance warranty.

Third, I look at the labor warranty. This comes from your installer and covers the installation labor to guarantee that your equipment and home won’t suffer damage as a result of the installation. The standard labor or workmanship warranty lasts for 12 years, and Sunlight Solar goes above and beyond here, as well, by providing up to a 25-year workmanship warranty. Note that you only get this extensive coverage if you choose a SunRun lease or PPA through Sunlight. If you buy with cash or a solar loan, you get a below-average 10-year workmanship warranty.

Finally, I look at roof leak warranties. A roof leak warranty guarantees that the penetrations made to install your panels won’t lead to roof leaks for the length of the warranty coverage. This protection is more helpful in places like Oregon, where annual precipitation is well above the industry average and roof leaks after solar installation are a higher risk. Most installers don’t offer a roof leak warranty at all, but if you choose a SunRun lease or PPA through Sunlight Solar, you get a 10-year roof leak warranty, which is outstanding.

It’s also worth noting that going with a lease or PPA option and taking advantage of Sunlight Solar’s partnership with SunRun will mean you get free maintenance and repairs for the life of your system, which is outstanding.

Sunlight Solar Energy Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Sunlight Solar scores well in our ratings when it comes to its reputation in the Oregon solar market, which is unsurprising, given the small size of the company and its focus on providing outstanding customer service.

Sunlight Solar has been serving Oregon residents since 2014, so it has a decade of experience behind it. In terms of company age, we give full credit in our rankings for those that have 10 or more years of success behind them. Younger companies are more likely to go out of business if they can’t keep up with the highly competitive market or adapt to the constantly changing industry. I prefer to promote companies like Sunlight Solar with a decade of experience or more because they’re the most likely to stay in business and keep your warranty coverage intact.

For the same reasons, I look to see if each company I’m reviewing is an SEIA member. Membership proves a financial commitment to the industry, which is another good way to confirm a company’s ability to succeed and remain in the industry. Sunlight Solar doesn’t maintain SEIA membership, but I think the decade of experience more or less speaks for itself in that regard.

I’m very happy to see that Sunlight Solar has NABCEP-certified installers on its in-house installation team. Getting NABCEP certification means going through solar-specific training that’s more intensive than what the State of Oregon requires for installers. A certified solar installer is one that’s less likely to make a mistake that could lead to system or property damage.

Finally, I assess each company’s customer reviews across multiple sites, including the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews, to see how it actually treats customers. Sunlight Solar doesn’t have any reviews on the BBB or TrustPilot, but it maintains an outstanding 4.8-star rating on Google Reviews, with over 55 individual reviews. This is well above the industry average and suggests that you’re all but guaranteed to be pleased with the service you receive from Sunlight.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Even more important than the total customer ratings, in my opinion, are the specific things past customers comment about in reviews. I read through a few dozen customer reviews to look for what the company does correctly, but also to look for red flags, like a lack of responses to warranty claims, property damage during the installation and misleading marketing and sales tactics.

Most of the positive reviews for Sunlight Solar mention things like good company communication throughout the installation process, production and savings expectations being met post-installation and a professional and friendly staff. There are only two negative reviews on Google, neither of which left any explanation for the low review. The company responded to both noting that neither came from past customers. Effectively, I’d say there are no real negative reviews, which makes the company’s local reputation even that much better.

I’ll include 2 positive reviews below to give you an idea of the service you can expect from Sunlight Solar. I typically include a negative review, too, to remain unbiased, but there simply are no negative comments about this installer, which is impressive.

“I had a 6.7 kW Solar system and a Tesla Powerwall 3 battery installed.  I had a great experience with Sunlight Solar!  The drone site investigation gave very accurate solar data to design the system.  Their staff were very professional. They scheduled and set-up on schedule.  Their solar panel installation crew did a great job.  The electricians worked with me to minimize conduit runs and deliver a clean installation. We had a slight delay in getting the Tesla app on my phone. ( They closely monitored Tesla support to sort out the problem.) Sunlight Solar handled all the permits and Oregon Energy Trust incentive paperwork.  I would highly recommend Sunlight Solar to anyone considering a solar photovoltaic system and/or battery backup.  The incentives right now are significant!” — Chuck T. via Google Reviews

“It was such a seamless process, from receiving an estimate to the install. Max was great about communicating with us every step of the way; I never had time to wonder or worry about what comes next. Even the install was amazing; they cleaned up so well I would have never known they were there. We are so glad we went with Sunlight Solar.” — Megan G. via Google Reviews

Sunlight Solar Energy Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our company review involves an in-depth look at a company’s overall customer service. I personally assign this score to each installer, and I base it off of the customer reviews I read through, as well as a call I make to the installer as a secret shopper.

As I mentioned above, Sunlight Solar effectively has no negative reviews. There are negative reviews posted on Google, but neither have any context, and the company noted that neither is from an actual customer. I think the numerous positive reviews reinforce that this is true, too. Customers rave about the service, the honesty and professionalism of the staff and the value and savings the company helps customers achieve. No one has anything bad to say about this company, and with a decade of installations behind it, that’s all the more impressive.

My call to the company also reinforces the idea that you’ll get above-average customer service if you choose Sunlight Solar to complete your system design and installation. The rep I spoke with was friendly and informative, they were honest about solar batteries being more of a luxury item and they were up to date on local solar incentives in Oregon. They offered to schedule a free in-person inspection without being pushy or overly sales-y. Based on the dozens of customer reviews I read and my own interaction with the company, I’d be very comfortable choosing Sunlight Solar to install solar on my own home if I lived in Oregon.