Solar in your state
With so many solar companies to choose from, we know how daunting it can be to find an installer you can trust with your home’s solar system. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best solar companies in Oregon, as rated by our SolarReviews experts and Oregon residents who’ve already gone solar.
We look for solar companies with owners who understand that when they sell you a solar system, you expect them to be there for the next 25 years to fix any issues that may arise. Here are the top companies we recommend for solar in Oregon:
Company Description
We're an employee-owned business committed to the highest quality in all areas and continually innovating in a growing industry. We started A&R Solar with the idea of changing the way business was done in the world. We wanted to build a business structure that...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Unrated
Rating breakdown
Positives:
Negatives:
0 / 10
Time in business
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Jud | Seattle, WA | 12-08-2023
Very Happy with A&R
Out of the three bids for solar installation, we found A&R best aligned not only with our hopes for the project, but also with our values (employee-ownership, socially responsible). We found the drop-box of project photos and information after completion to be very helpful. We are also very happy with the installation now that we're live. We would absolutely recommend A&R.
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
Pettibone | Seattle, WA | 09-25-2024
Bad faith contract, bait and switch
In May we got a qoute from A & R for a 25.2 kw system. After a bit of back and forth, we were promised a first year production of just under 31,000 for just over $71,000, beating a competitors bid by about $3,000. While they were slow to respond, and failed to male changes to the design based on being told multiple times that their design did not fit the south side of our house (we even provided them with the competitors design and pictures), we went with them because we were promised that they would honor the price and production promises if changes had to be made after the on site survey. We signed the contract towards the end of June, and we're supposed to have the install occur beginning of September. after the on site survey, they came back wanting to reduce the size of the system to 22.6 kw, for a higher price and massive reduction in promised production. First seemed to think we'd accept this smaller system for the same price, and then that we'd be ok with a system producing around $500 less worth of power per year for the same price. Now they seem to think thar we'd accept a $90,000 system for the agreed to production when the competitors offer was $74,000 and seem to think that canceling the contract would fit the electing to cancel cause in the contract, rather than termination with cause.
See full reviewSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Unrated
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Logen Logendran | 09-29-2021
Great Customer Service
Abundant Solar did a great job from start to finish. They were approachable and very responsive to answering the questions we had. This was very important to us as it was the first time installing solar panels on the roof of our home. The crew did an excellent job and kept us posted of the progress they were making, and what came after a step was completed. Overall, it was a positive experience and would highly recommend Abundant Solar to anyone interested in getting solar panels installed.
See full reviewCompany Description
We are located in Eastern Oregon, at the base of the Wallowa Mountains, and with a view of the Blue Mountains across the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley. The painting above was done by Lissa Firor, and shows the view of Mount Emily from downtown Cove.
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Unrated
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Best solar installers in Oregon
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
A&R Solar | Unrated | - | Get Quote | |
Abundant Solar | Unrated | Corvallis | Get Quote | |
Blue Mountain Solar | Unrated | Cove | Get Quote | |
Bobcat & Sun | Unrated | Bend | Get Quote | |
Cascade Sun Works | Unrated | Redmond | Get Quote | |
E2 Solar, LLC | Unrated | Bend | Get Quote | |
Gen-Con | Unrated | Portland | Get Quote |
Best solar companies for home battery installations in Oregon
Batteries have become increasingly popular because they take an intermittent energy source like solar and turn it into a reliable and consistent supply of electricity. We recommend getting a solar battery quote if you want a backup power source or if your utility company doesn’t have a net metering program that buys excess solar energy at the full price of power, as you could save a little extra on your electric bill.
Oregonians who want to add battery storage to their homes are in luck, with several excellent programs available for homeowners. First, a statewide solar and storage rebate program offers differing levels of incentives based on location and income eligibility. Second, PGE and Pacific Power customers can get additional incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon.
It is a great time to be a homeowner in Oregon who is interested in solar and battery storage.
Here are some Oregon companies that install panels and solar battery storage systems:
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
A&R Solar | Unrated | - | Get Quote | |
Abundant Solar | Unrated | Corvallis | Get Quote | |
Blue Mountain Solar | Unrated | Cove | Get Quote | |
Bobcat & Sun | Unrated | Bend | Get Quote | |
Cascade Sun Works | Unrated | Redmond | Get Quote |
How to find the best solar panel company near you
Picking a solar company is the most important decision you make when going solar. You need to trust them to drill holes in your roof, help you navigate financing and incentives and provide you with 25+ years of customer service.
Check out this video where our founder, who also founded a successful solar installation company, explains what to look for when choosing the best solar company near you.
Top things to consider when choosing a solar company in Oregon:
Years in business
One of the first things to look at when finding a company is how long they have been in business. We suggest looking for companies that have been around for at least five years, as the longer it has been in business, the more likely it is you’ll have a positive installation experience.
Companies with five or more years of experience will probably have established after-sales service and warranty support. It signals that they aren’t a company in it to make a quick buck; they’re in it for the long haul.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, which is why you should also keep a few other factors in mind.
Licenses, insurance and certifications
Solar companies that are licensed, insured and hold certifications take their business seriously. Look for companies that have NABCEP Certified professionals or certified electricians on staff and are properly insured, so their workers, and you, are protected.
In Oregon, solar installers are required to hold a specialty electrician license called a "Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) license." There are additional requirements for installers that serve areas covered by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power who want to become a licensed "Trade Ally" of the Energy Trust clean energy rebate provider.
Financing options
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a solar panel installation. So, you’ll want to find a company with solar financing options that work for you. Ask for quotes for various types of financing plans to see which one will work best for your budget. Solar loans are often your next best choice if you can’t pay in cash. But, if you don’t pay federal income taxes or can’t qualify for a loan, finding a company that offers solar leases or power purchase agreements might be the right move.
Services and products offered
Don’t choose a company that can’t complete the job that you want to be done. If you need an energy storage system, get quotes from companies that install batteries! Maybe you want a particular brand of panels or an electric vehicle charger installation. Ask the company if they provide those services or carry those brands so you don’t have to settle for less.
Customer review scores
Customer ratings give valuable insight into how a solar company actually operates and treats its customers. Read SolarReviews, Google and Yelp reviews to understand the company’s installation process, sales practices and overall customer service. But remember that some companies incentivize customers to leave positive reviews, so make sure you read reviews with some scrutiny.
Warranty
Any reputable solar installation company will offer a workmanship or labor warranty that covers any damages that may occur during the installation process. We recommend using an installer with at least a ten-year labor warranty.
Some installation companies, like SunPower, include a system performance guarantee. This promises you’ll get a certain amount of electricity from your solar panels and is an excellent added protection.
Oregon incentives and rebates
Solar incentives and rebates can cut the cost of installing solar in Oregon by thousands of dollars. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, available to any taxpayer in the country when they purchase solar panels or battery storage.
Some states and utility companies offer additional solar incentives, saving homeowners even more money. Here are the solar incentives available in Oregon:
Incentive | Eligibility | Type |
---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program | State | Rebate Program |
Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
How much can you save with solar incentives?
What to look for in solar quotes in Oregon
Once you’ve found a few companies you like, you can start getting solar quotes. You can get a better deal when you get quotes from multiple solar installers; we suggest getting at least three quotes. Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for comparing quotes and what questions you should ask installers.
System size and energy production
All solar quotes should include the size of the system and how much energy it is projected to produce. Most of the quotes you get will probably be in the same ballpark. But, if one is drastically larger or smaller than the others — ask about it! Maybe one installer included shading from a tree, while another based its estimates on having that tree removed.
Oregon isn't exactly known for its sunshine, but it is still a great place to go solar! Oregon has many different biomes, and the climate in each will affect the number of solar panels you need. In sunny Eastern Oregon, solar panels will produce significantly more energy per year than they will in the Cascades or Coast Range. Your installer can help you figure out the details.
If you choose reliable installers, you can trust that these estimates will be as accurate as possible. But you can always double-check using the SolarReviews solar calculator and enter the information received in your quotes.
Pricing
You should know as much as possible about how much the solar panels cost. Make sure you know both the total cost of the system and the price per watt of solar installed. The cost per watt makes it easier to compare prices between quotes and gives you a better idea of how fairly the system is priced. The average price of solar is about $2 to $3 per watt in Oregon, so anything in that range is a fair price.
Financing
Financing is one of the most important things to look for in your solar quote. There are a few different things to keep an eye out for, depending on what type of solar financing you’re using.
If you’re looking to use a solar loan, you should ask the company for both a cash quote and the financed quote. Solar loans include something called dealer fees, which can sometimes add 20% or more to the total cost of your system in exchange for a lower interest rate. It’s worth comparing what dealer fees and interest rates you’re quoted from different companies to get the best deal possible.
If you want a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you’ll want to look for an escalator clause in the contract. The escalator clause outlines how much your payments will go up every year. Ideally, this should be lower than the rate at which electric prices increase in your area, typically about 3% annually. If the escalator rate is higher than this, you could end up paying more than if you hadn’t gone solar at all!
Payback period
Some quotes may include when you’ll break even, meaning when your panels have saved as much as you spent on them. If it’s not explicitly listed on the quote, you can compare any savings estimates they provide to the system’s total price and get a rough estimate of when your panels will pay themselves off. The shorter the payback period, the better.
Equipment
Good quality solar installers will carry good quality equipment. So if you pick an installer you trust, you can expect reliable products. But, it can’t hurt to research and ask the installer questions about what would be going on your roof.
Most solar panels installed today are about 400 watts in size and have efficiency ratings above 19%. Higher wattage and efficiency panels can produce slightly more electricity but may add a price premium. You’ll want to make sure the solar panels have the industry standard 25-year product and performance warranties.
Frequently asked questions about solar in Oregon
How much do solar panels cost in Oregon?
How much can solar panels save in Oregon?
Do I need a solar battery in Oregon?
How can you pay for solar panels in Oregon?
What are the best solar companies for a solar lease in Oregon?
What are the best solar companies for zero-down solar loans in Oregon?
How SolarReviews rates installers
SolarReviews developed our Expert Rating criteria to make it easier for homeowners to find solar companies they can trust. It’s not just about the consumer reviews or the products they sell — it’s about how they treat their employees, how they support their customers and whether they run an honest business.
We used our team’s extensive knowledge of the solar industry to create a data-based scoring system for rating solar companies that encompasses all of the most important things to consider when picking the best solar company, including:
- Background checks
- Licenses and insurance
- Profitability
- Consumer reviews
- Local service
- Brand quality
- Vertical integration
- Transparency
- Loan options
- Responsible pricing
Learn more about the SolarReviews Expert Rating System
Andy is arguably the most qualified rooftop solar expert in America. He is in a unique position, having founded a large solar company but now being independent of any particular company. He has appeared on CNBC, has been referenced in public hearings concerning the rooftop solar industry ( such as the recent CPUC NEM 3 decision) and has been referenced by many major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and many others.