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 could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Making the transition to 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 analyzed local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in The Dalles. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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 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.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. Solar companies in Oregon must be licensed and bonded by 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 licensed solar heating installer and a plumbing journeyman.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact three to five solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.
High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
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.
The Dalles homeowners typically spend about $9,581 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in The Dalles cost approximately $3,500 per kilowatt, with an average size of 3.9 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's panel type, size, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, save money, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. The Dalles gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 10.7 years per 5 kW of capacity.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in wet or dark 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.
Absolutely. Solar panels are independent of the The Dalles grid and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep in mind, however, that a solar system won't take you through a nighttime outage if you don't have a storage system. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
