Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Bend homeowners. A rooftop solar array can help you add value to your property, provide a dependable source of power, and decrease your carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we assembled a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Bend. These providers consistently deliver high-quality service.
Family-operated business
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
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 lower electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is reliable.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. 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 be subject to continuing education requirements. Installers of solar thermal systems must be either a plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, 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 dependability and level of service. Use caution with providers that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should outline all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the option that aligns with your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help reduce your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
In Bend, solar panels cost an average of $3,500 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 3.8 kilowatts. The typical Bend homeowner spends $9,203 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information reflecting your desired system's size, panel type, required preliminary work, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Energy Star/NEEM Manufactured Home: $500
Heat Pumps (includes geothermal): $500 or a 0% loan up to $9,000
HVAC Repairs: 25% of cost, up to $1,000
Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heaters: $200 - $400
Solar water heater: $500
Solar PV: $0.5/watt, up to $1,000
Incentive Amount:
Weatherization: up to $9,000
Heat Pump (must have a minimum HSPF of 9.0 and a SEER rating of 14.0): loan up to $9,000 OR $500 rebate
HVAC duct sealing and whole house air sealing(Vinyl window replacements, ceiling, floor, and wall insulation, HVAC duct sealing and repair, door and window caulking, weather-stripping, and general air sealing): up to $1,000
Incentive Amount:
Energy Star/NEEM Manufactured Home: $500
Heat Pump: $500
Qualifying Ductless Heat Pump: up to $3800
Heat-Pump Water Heater: $200 - $400
Weatherization Cash Grant: 25% of total measure cost up to $1,000
Low Income Weatherization Cash Grant: up to $1500
Solar Photovoltaics Rebate: $0.50/Watt, up to $1,000
Incentive Amount:
Clothes Washer: $30
Clothes Dryer: $50
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500- $1,400
Geothermal Heat Pump: $3,000
Ductless Heat Pump: $800-$1,000
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Duct Sealing: $200
Windows: $3 per square foot
Energy Star Manufactured Home: $1,200
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, save money, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Bend, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Of course. The grid in Bend 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.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Bend, meaning your payback period could last 10.2 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Full-service solar contractors in the Bend area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
The best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Bend. However, if you have a limited budget, then you could thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
