Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tri-City, OR (2024 Update)
- Tri-City Solar Installation Cost: $9,495
- 25-Year Savings: $15,246
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tri-City
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Tri-City.
In Tri-City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Tri-City homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,495 with the federal tax credit, or $13,578 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Tri-City based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tri-City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,286 |
| 3 years | $-5,867 |
| 5 years | $-3,448 |
| 7 years | $-1,030 |
| 9 years | $1,389 |
| 11 years | $3,807 |
| 13 years | $6,226 |
| 15 years | $8,645 |
| 17 years | $11,063 |
| 19 years | $13,482 |
| 21 years | $15,901 |
| 23 years | $18,319 |
| 25 years | $20,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Tri-City
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Tri-City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tri-City
The cost of installing a solar system in Tri-City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant 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 panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tri-City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce 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 choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Tri-City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,495 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $26,386 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $33,472 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $40,754 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $48,233 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $55,907 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $63,777 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $71,844 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Tri-City, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tri-City?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want other 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tri-City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Tri-City is currently $297,975, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,217 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tri-City is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.