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 will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Switching to solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most dependable solar Installers in La Grande. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and dependable services.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Solar installers in Oregon must be licensed and bonded by 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 follow continuing education requirements. Installers of solar thermal systems must be either a licensed solar heating installer and a plumbing journeyman.
Check consumer review platforms like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
In La Grande, solar panels cost an average of $3,500 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 4.0 kilowatts. The typical La Grande homeowner spends $9,817 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's capacity, size, required preliminary work, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Heat Pumps/Manufactured Homes/HVAC: Varies, contact utility for more information
Windows: $2 - $4/square foot
ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer: $20 - $50
ENERGY STAR Clothes Dryer: $50 - $175
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator/Freezer: $10.00
Electric Water Heater: $100
ENERGY STAR Dishwasher: $10.00
Electric Range Rebate: $50
Electric Cooktop: $25
Electric Oven: $25
Thermostatically Controller Outlet: $10
Smart Thermostat: $100
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. La Grande gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 10.9 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
