Best 10 Solar Companies in Salem, OR

Salem homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel swamped searching for the right provider. On this page, we'll highlight Salem's leading solar providers and give expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Salem solar companies.

• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Salem solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Salem community for over 15 years.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Salem Homeowners?

The state of Oregon offers several solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Salem

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

Solar contractors in Oregon must be licensed and bonded according to the terms of 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 be subject to continuing education requirements. Installers of solar thermal systems must be either a plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer. Solar installers can also earn certifications 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 Salem

Your solar modules' type will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor offers these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Salem

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're considering about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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