Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Slope, OR (2024 Update)
- West Slope Solar Installation Cost: $10,677
- 25-Year Savings: $14,347
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Slope
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in West Slope.
The average cost of a solar panel system in West Slope is 4 per watt.The average West Slope homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,677 with the federal tax credit, or $15,268 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in West Slope based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average West Slope homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Slope
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,273 |
| 3 years | $-6,464 |
| 5 years | $-3,655 |
| 7 years | $-845 |
| 9 years | $1,964 |
| 11 years | $4,773 |
| 13 years | $7,582 |
| 15 years | $10,391 |
| 17 years | $13,200 |
| 19 years | $16,009 |
| 21 years | $18,818 |
| 23 years | $21,627 |
| 25 years | $24,436 |
Top Solar Installers in West Slope
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 West Slope
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Slope
While the average cost of a solar system in West Slope is $10,677, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,500 per kilowatt in West Slope.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Slope to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Slope, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $15,643 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $21,250 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $27,052 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $33,051 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $39,245 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $45,636 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $52,222 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $59,005 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 West Slope, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Slope?
The average cost of solar panels in West Slope 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Slope?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 house 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.