Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandy, OR (2024 Update)
- Sandy Solar Installation Cost: $10,076
- 25-Year Savings: $14,805
- Payback Period: 11.2 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 Sandy
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sandy.
The average cost of solar panels in Sandy is 4 per watt.The average Sandy homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,076 with the federal tax credit, or $14,409 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Sandy homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Sandy for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sandy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,671 |
| 3 years | $-5,862 |
| 5 years | $-3,053 |
| 7 years | $-244 |
| 9 years | $2,565 |
| 11 years | $5,374 |
| 13 years | $8,183 |
| 15 years | $10,992 |
| 17 years | $13,802 |
| 19 years | $16,611 |
| 21 years | $19,420 |
| 23 years | $22,229 |
| 25 years | $25,038 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandy
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Sandy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandy
The cost of installing a solar system in Sandy can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,500.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sandy offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sandy homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Sandy’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $17,490 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $23,712 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $30,130 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $36,744 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $43,554 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $50,560 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $57,762 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $65,160 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Sandy, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sandy?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sandy?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sandy. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sandy?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher 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.