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 solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Cottage Grove. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
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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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly 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 be subject to continuing education requirements. Installers of solar thermal systems must be either a licensed solar heating installer and a plumbing journeyman.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar companies. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Avoid providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Switching to solar power can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Cottage Grove has a capacity of 4.0 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,500 per kilowatt; the average Cottage Grove homeowners spends about $9,753 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the panel type, size, and capacity of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees.
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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Oregon being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Cottage Grove, the average amount someone can save is $899 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Many solar contractors in the Cottage Grove area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
