Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prineville, OR (2024 Update)
- Prineville Solar Installation Cost: $9,272
- 25-Year Savings: $15,416
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prineville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Prineville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Prineville typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Prineville is around 3.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,272 for a solar installation, or $13,259 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Prineville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Prineville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Prineville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,063 |
| 3 years | $-5,645 |
| 5 years | $-3,226 |
| 7 years | $-807 |
| 9 years | $1,611 |
| 11 years | $4,030 |
| 13 years | $6,449 |
| 15 years | $8,867 |
| 17 years | $11,286 |
| 19 years | $13,704 |
| 21 years | $16,123 |
| 23 years | $18,542 |
| 25 years | $20,960 |
Top Solar Installers in Prineville
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Prineville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prineville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Prineville is $9,272, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Prineville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,500 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Most solar companies in Prineville offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $20,330 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $27,498 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $34,863 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $42,423 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $50,180 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $58,132 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $66,281 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $74,625 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Prineville, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prineville?
The average cost of solar panels in Prineville is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Prineville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.