Solar Panel Cost Guide in McMinnville, OR (2024 Update)
- McMinnville Solar Installation Cost: $10,501
- 25-Year Savings: $14,481
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in McMinnville
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in McMinnville.
In McMinnville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $10,501 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 depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average McMinnville homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in McMinnville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in McMinnville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,097 |
| 3 years | $-6,288 |
| 5 years | $-3,479 |
| 7 years | $-669 |
| 9 years | $2,140 |
| 11 years | $4,949 |
| 13 years | $7,758 |
| 15 years | $10,567 |
| 17 years | $13,376 |
| 19 years | $16,185 |
| 21 years | $18,994 |
| 23 years | $21,803 |
| 25 years | $24,612 |
Top Solar Installers in McMinnville
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 McMinnville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McMinnville
For many McMinnville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in McMinnville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in McMinnville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,162 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $21,941 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $27,916 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $34,088 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $40,455 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $47,018 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $53,777 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $60,733 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 McMinnville, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McMinnville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in McMinnville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in McMinnville, 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in McMinnville is currently $471,545, which means you could be looking at a value of about $19,333 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in McMinnville is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in McMinnville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.