Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A rooftop solar array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a qualified solar installer. That’s why, after properly vetting providers, we put together a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Albany. These providers consistently deliver high-quality service.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Solar companies in Oregon must be licensed and bonded according to the terms of the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. For photovoltaic installations, each standard journeyman on the job will have at least 8,000 hours of hands-on experience and must keep up with continuing education requirements. Installers of solar thermal systems must be either a plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer.
Check Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. The quotes should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology used. The typical Albany solar array has a capacity of 4.1 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,500 per kilowatt; the average Albany homeowners spends roughly $10,147 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for factors such as the capacity, size, and panel type of the planned system, and should include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Oregon being very mild, you have a wide time window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.
Yes. The grid in Albany already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to receive bill credits or payments for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
Although solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Absolutely. Solar panels exist independently from the power grid in Albany and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system won't take you through a nighttime outage if you don't have a storage system. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
