Solar Panel Cost Guide in The Dalles, OR (2024 Update)
- The Dalles Solar Installation Cost: $9,581
- 25-Year Savings: $15,181
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in The Dalles
We go over average solar pricing in The Dalles.
In The Dalles, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in The Dalles, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,581, or $13,701 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in The Dalles depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average The Dalles homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in The Dalles for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in The Dalles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,371 |
| 3 years | $-5,953 |
| 5 years | $-3,534 |
| 7 years | $-1,116 |
| 9 years | $1,303 |
| 11 years | $3,722 |
| 13 years | $6,140 |
| 15 years | $8,559 |
| 17 years | $10,978 |
| 19 years | $13,396 |
| 21 years | $15,815 |
| 23 years | $18,233 |
| 25 years | $20,652 |
Top Solar Installers in The Dalles
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 The Dalles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in The Dalles
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in The Dalles: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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 kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in The Dalles to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for The Dalles 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in The Dalles, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in The Dalles have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $19,184 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $25,970 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $32,953 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $40,132 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $47,506 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $55,077 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $62,844 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $70,806 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 The Dalles, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in The Dalles?
The average cost of solar panels in The Dalles 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in The Dalles?
A solar panel system isn’t free in The Dalles, 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 can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in The Dalles?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in The Dalles?
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.