Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, OR (2024 Update)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $10,692
- 25-Year Savings: $14,336
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Fairview.
In Fairview, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $10,692 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Fairview based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Fairview homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fairview that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,288 |
| 3 years | $-6,479 |
| 5 years | $-3,670 |
| 7 years | $-860 |
| 9 years | $1,949 |
| 11 years | $4,758 |
| 13 years | $7,567 |
| 15 years | $10,376 |
| 17 years | $13,185 |
| 19 years | $15,994 |
| 21 years | $18,803 |
| 23 years | $21,612 |
| 25 years | $24,421 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
For many Fairview homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Fairview, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,500 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fairview, 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 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 in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,600 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $21,192 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $26,980 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $32,964 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $39,144 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $45,520 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $52,092 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $58,860 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. 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 offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Fairview, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairview?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.