Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Grande, OR (2025 Update)
- La Grande Solar Installation Cost: $9,817
- 25-Year Savings: $15,001
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Grande
We break down average solar pricing in La Grande.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in La Grande it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in La Grande is around 4.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,817 for a solar installation, or $14,038 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in La Grande, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Grande
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,608 |
| 3 years | $-6,189 |
| 5 years | $-3,771 |
| 7 years | $-1,352 |
| 9 years | $1,066 |
| 11 years | $3,485 |
| 13 years | $5,904 |
| 15 years | $8,322 |
| 17 years | $10,741 |
| 19 years | $13,160 |
| 21 years | $15,578 |
| 23 years | $17,997 |
| 25 years | $20,415 |
Top Solar Installers in La Grande
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in La Grande, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in La Grande
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Grande
The cost of installing a solar system in La Grande 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in La Grande, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,500 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the La Grande average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in La Grande provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in La Grande, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $18,353 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $24,863 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $31,568 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $38,470 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $45,567 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $52,861 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $60,351 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $68,036 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
EcoWatch's La Grande, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Grande?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities 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.
Does La Grande have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.