Best 5 Solar Companies in Bend, OR

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bend

The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the provider that mounted them. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar provider.

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 must follow continuing education requirements. Installers of solar thermal systems must be either a licensed solar heating installer and a plumbing journeyman. Solar installers can also pursue accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized 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 Bend

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.

You can plan to spend about $17,500 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Bend. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Bend solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Bend

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, loans, and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

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