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10 best solar companies in McMinnville, Oregon
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 McMinnville. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in McMinnville, Oregon, you'll need to hire a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in McMinnville to help you choose the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, vet the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can go with a local solar company in McMinnville or choose a leading national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy lets McMinnville homeowners to save about $900 per year.
Different solar companies provide different services. Be sure to review each company and get quotes from all before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in McMinnville
Search for McMinnville solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Purelight Power of Salem
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
3895 Cascadia Canyon Ave SE Suite 140, Salem, OR 97302
(971) 272-8717
purelightpower.com/salem-solar-instal...
Advanced Energy Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
ION Solar - Oregon
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Pure Energy Group
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
A&R Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Earthlight Technologies
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Purelight Power of Portland
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunpath Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinity Solar USA
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Wire Nutz Solar
Nationwide Solar
Elemental Energy
Pro-Stat Electric & Solar Group
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in McMinnville?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like McMinnville, can still use solar power. The top reasons to switch to solar power are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best assurance that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about McMinnville
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McMinnville?
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you choose any accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In McMinnville, solar panel installation costs approximately $10,501, according to data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
How much can you save by going solar in McMinnville?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in McMinnville from going solar
In McMinnville, you can expect to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, McMinnville's standard solar payback period is 11 years.
- Annual solar savings in McMinnville: On average, McMinnville homeowners can save $899 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by switching fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $14,481 after 25 years.
Energy savings in McMinnville from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 8 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in McMinnville?
A variety of solar incentives are offered to McMinnville homeowners. Various programs are offered to all Oregon residents, while others change by utility company, city and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives to Oregon homeowners, per 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 |
Rebate Program Portland General Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Heat Pump Instant Discount: $200 Efficient Heat Pumps: $700 Heat Pump Controls: $250 Ductless Heat Pump: $800 Smart Thermostat: $50-$100 Heat Pump Water Heaters: $500 (special pricing available at certain retailers as well) |
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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a McMinnville solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't large enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
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.
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