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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Albany. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Albany, Oregon, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Albany.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for you. You can go with a local Albany solar company or select an established national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that moving to solar energy lets Albany homeowners to save an average of $900 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
When looking into Albany solar companies, look for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
3895 Cascadia Canyon Ave SE Suite 140, Salem, OR 97302
(971) 272-8717
purelightpower.com/salem-solar-instal...Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Albany, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any extras like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
Drawing from data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Albany typically costs $10,147.
Installing solar panels means considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Homeowners in Albany who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
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Several solar incentives are offered to Albany homeowners. Some programs are available to all Oregon residents, though others change by utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible solar incentives to Oregon homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Solar Electric Incentive Program | Varies (see below) |
Rebate Program Solar + Storage Rebate Program | Varies, see below |
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Systems Exemption | 100% |
Rebate Program Columbia River PUD - Solar PV Net Metering Rebate | Solar PV: $1,000 |
Loan Program State Energy Loan Program | None |
Rebate Program New Homes Incentive Program | Varies based on performance above code and the particular energy efficient measures installed; can range from $600 to $4,680 Solar ready incentive: up to $200 |
Grant Program Custom Renewable Energy Projects | Varies |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, go over these important questions.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. Incorporating battery storage can increase the cost of installation.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
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While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
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Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
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