10 Best Solar Companies in Baker City, OR

How To Choose a Solar Company

Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.

Check Licensing

Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Solar installers in Oregon must be licensed and bonded according to the terms of the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. For PV 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 licensed solar heating installer and a plumbing journeyman.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with installers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar company that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Switching to solar power can help lower your energy expenses over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.

• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time with loans or leases. Verify key financing details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing solar panels.
• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states provide incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
• Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the requirements and the rebate amounts offered by your local electric provider to estimate the possible savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Baker City

The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Baker City solar array has a capacity of 3.8 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,500 per kilowatt; the average Baker City homeowners spends about $9,432 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for things like the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include costs for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.