Best 10 Solar Companies in Gresham, OR

The Gresham community is purposeful about safeguarding the planet and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,000 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll showcase Gresham's best solar companies and offer valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Gresham solar installers, using the following criteria to select the superior:

• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Gresham community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Gresham solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Gresham Homeowners?

Oregon homeowners who go solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, rebates and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Gresham

The more informed your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately function. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

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 plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Gresham

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors include these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,500 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Gresham. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Gresham

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Gresham.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy