Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Hillsboro. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, decrease your carbon footprint, and add value to your property. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and created a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation providers in Hillsboro.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. Solar companies 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 plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with installers that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of home solar panels in Hillsboro will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system costs $3,500 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Hillsboro are 4.4 kilowatts, and the typical Hillsboro homeowners spends $10,677 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, 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.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Hillsboro amount to $899.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and their rated capacity. Hillsboro gets a moderate amount of sunlight each day, so you could expect a maximum payback period of 11.9 years per 5 kW of power depending on other factors.
While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough to 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.
The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Hillsboro. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, 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 a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
