Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bend, OR (2025 Update)
- Bend Solar Installation Cost: $9,203
- 25-Year Savings: $15,469
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bend
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bend.
In Bend, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bend, most homeowners require a 3.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,203, or $13,160 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bend homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Bend, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bend
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,994 |
| 3 years | $-5,575 |
| 5 years | $-3,156 |
| 7 years | $-738 |
| 9 years | $1,681 |
| 11 years | $4,100 |
| 13 years | $6,518 |
| 15 years | $8,937 |
| 17 years | $11,355 |
| 19 years | $13,774 |
| 21 years | $16,193 |
| 23 years | $18,611 |
| 25 years | $21,030 |
Top Solar Installers in Bend
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bend
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bend
The cost of installing a solar system in Bend can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,500.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bend, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Bend, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bend know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $20,599 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $27,858 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $35,312 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $42,962 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $50,809 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $58,851 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $67,090 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $75,524 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bend, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bend?
The average cost of solar panels in Bend 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bend?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.