Solar Panel Cost Guide in Albany, OR (2025 Update)
- Albany Solar Installation Cost: $10,147
- 25-Year Savings: $14,751
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Albany
We break down average solar pricing in Albany.
The average cost of a solar system in Albany is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Albany is around 4.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,147 for a solar installation, or $14,510 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Albany homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Albany
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,938 |
| 3 years | $-6,519 |
| 5 years | $-4,100 |
| 7 years | $-1,682 |
| 9 years | $737 |
| 11 years | $3,156 |
| 13 years | $5,574 |
| 15 years | $7,993 |
| 17 years | $10,411 |
| 19 years | $12,830 |
| 21 years | $15,249 |
| 23 years | $17,667 |
| 25 years | $20,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Albany
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Albany, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Albany
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Albany
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Albany: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Albany, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,500 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Albany to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Albany homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Albany, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Albany have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.64 | $15,288 | $17,260 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $23,406 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $29,747 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $36,285 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $43,018 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $49,947 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $57,073 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $64,394 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Albany, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Albany?
The average cost of solar panels in Albany is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Albany?
Solar panels aren’t free in Albany, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Albany have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Albany?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.