Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central Point, OR (2024 Update)
- Central Point Solar Installation Cost: $8,870
- 25-Year Savings: $21,363
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Central Point
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Central Point.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Central Point it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Central Point, most homeowners require a 3.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,870, or $12,684 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Central Point depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Central Point find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Central Point
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,661 |
| 3 years | $-5,242 |
| 5 years | $-2,824 |
| 7 years | $-405 |
| 9 years | $2,014 |
| 11 years | $4,432 |
| 13 years | $6,851 |
| 15 years | $9,269 |
| 17 years | $11,688 |
| 19 years | $14,107 |
| 21 years | $16,525 |
| 23 years | $18,944 |
| 25 years | $21,363 |
Top Solar Installers in Central Point
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Central Point
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central Point
There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Central Point, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Central Point, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,945 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $29,652 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $37,555 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $45,654 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $53,949 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $62,440 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $71,127 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $80,010 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Central Point, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Central Point?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Central Point?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 property 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Central Point?
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 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.