Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Going solar helps cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. That’s why we’ve reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the most dependable solar providers in Salem. These top providers offer high-quality and reliable services.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could reduce 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.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. Solar installers 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 licensed solar heating installer and a plumbing journeyman.
Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot 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 companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact three to five solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for you.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help reduce your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
In Salem, solar panels cost an average of $3,500 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 4.2 kilowatts. The typical Salem homeowner spends $10,345 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information reflecting your desired system's capacity, required preliminary work, size, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, save money, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
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 Salem, 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 once the payback period passes.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Salem, meaning your payback period could last 11.5 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to notify your insurer about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Salem include monocrystalline, thin-film and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while thin-film and polycrystalline panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about which solar panels they work with.
Solar panels are gaining wider adoption for their low upkeep costs and high efficiency under a variety of conditions. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.
