Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hood River, OR (2024 Update)
- Hood River Solar Installation Cost: $9,585
- 25-Year Savings: $15,178
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hood River
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hood River.
The average cost of solar panels in Hood River is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $9,585 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hood River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,375 |
| 3 years | $-5,957 |
| 5 years | $-3,538 |
| 7 years | $-1,119 |
| 9 years | $1,299 |
| 11 years | $3,718 |
| 13 years | $6,136 |
| 15 years | $8,555 |
| 17 years | $10,974 |
| 19 years | $13,392 |
| 21 years | $15,811 |
| 23 years | $18,230 |
| 25 years | $20,648 |
Top Solar Installers in Hood River
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hood River, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hood River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hood River
The cost of installing a solar system in Hood River can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hood River, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hood River, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $19,170 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $25,952 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $32,930 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $40,104 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $47,474 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $55,040 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $62,802 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $70,760 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Hood River, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hood River?
The average cost of solar panels in Hood River 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hood River?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hood River. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably 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 a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.