Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedar Mill, OR (2024 Update)
- Cedar Mill Solar Installation Cost: $10,685
- 25-Year Savings: $14,341
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cedar Mill
See how much it might cost to go solar in Cedar Mill.
In Cedar Mill, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cedar Mill, the average price of going solar will be about $10,685 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Cedar Mill based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Cedar Mill can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cedar Mill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,280 |
| 3 years | $-6,471 |
| 5 years | $-3,662 |
| 7 years | $-853 |
| 9 years | $1,956 |
| 11 years | $4,765 |
| 13 years | $7,574 |
| 15 years | $10,383 |
| 17 years | $13,193 |
| 19 years | $16,002 |
| 21 years | $18,811 |
| 23 years | $21,620 |
| 25 years | $24,429 |
Top Solar Installers in Cedar Mill
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Cedar Mill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedar Mill
The cost of installing a solar system in Cedar Mill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cedar Mill, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Cedar Mill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Cedar Mill’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,622 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $21,221 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $27,016 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $33,007 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $39,195 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $45,578 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $52,157 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $58,932 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Cedar Mill, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cedar Mill?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Cedar Mill?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Cedar Mill, 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.
Is it worth going solar in Cedar Mill?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Cedar Mill?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.