Best 10 Solar Companies in Hillsboro, OR

With Hillsboro's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. 3,464 homes in the area already use a solar PV or water heating system. Certified installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to embrace the solar bandwagon with confidence. In this guide, we'll showcase Hillsboro's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar providers near Hillsboro, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Hillsboro solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Hillsboro community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Hillsboro Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hillsboro

The price and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

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 keep up with continuing education requirements. Installers of solar thermal systems must be either a licensed solar heating installer and a plumbing journeyman. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro

Your solar modules' model will affect how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Hillsboro and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,500 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Hillsboro

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 power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar loans and solar leases. We recommend making a cash payment or using 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 cut 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 installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Ask each company you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.

Sources

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