Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Sutherlin homes. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. That’s why, after properly vetting installers, we assembled a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Sutherlin. These installers consistently deliver dependable quality service.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
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:
Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding 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 correctly using current best installation practices. Solar contractors 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 plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the best option that fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Going solar can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of solar panels varies based on your system's capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Sutherlin has a capacity of 3.9 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,500 per kilowatt; the average Sutherlin homeowners spends about $9,495 on a new solar system 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 factors such as the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.
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) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
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 Sutherlin, 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 when your payback period is done.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Sutherlin, meaning your payback period could last 10.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase 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.
Ultimately, the answer will depend 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 inform your insurance company 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.
The most common types of home solar panels in Sutherlin include thin-film, polycrystalline and monocrystalline. 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 the types of solar panels they work with.
