Solar Panel Cost Guide in Medford, OR (2024 Update)
- Medford Solar Installation Cost: $8,870
- 25-Year Savings: $15,722
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Medford
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Medford.
In Medford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 3.6-kW system would cost about $8,870 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Medford depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Medford
| 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 Medford
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Medford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Medford
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Medford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Medford to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Medford homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Medford is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $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 companies to choose from in Medford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Medford, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Medford?
The average cost of solar panels in Medford 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Medford?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Medford, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Medford?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Medford?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.