Solar Panel Cost Guide in Altamont, OR (2024 Update)
- Altamont Solar Installation Cost: $8,677
- 25-Year Savings: $21,555
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Altamont
We go over average solar pricing in Altamont.
In Altamont, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 3.5-kW system would cost about $8,677 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Altamont based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Altamont see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Altamont for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Altamont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,468 |
| 3 years | $-5,049 |
| 5 years | $-2,631 |
| 7 years | $-212 |
| 9 years | $2,206 |
| 11 years | $4,625 |
| 13 years | $7,044 |
| 15 years | $9,462 |
| 17 years | $11,881 |
| 19 years | $14,300 |
| 21 years | $16,718 |
| 23 years | $19,137 |
| 25 years | $21,555 |
Top Solar Installers in Altamont
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Altamont:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Altamont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Altamont
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,500.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Altamont, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Altamont to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Altamont, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $22,773 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $30,756 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $38,934 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $47,309 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $55,880 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $64,647 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $73,610 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $82,769 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Altamont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Altamont, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Altamont?
The average cost of solar panels in Altamont is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Altamont?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Altamont?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher amount 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.