Best 5 Solar Companies in Corvallis, OR

The Corvallis community is intentional about safeguarding the planet and living greener lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for an excellent contractor. In this guide, we'll highlight Corvallis' best solar companies and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Corvallis solar companies.

• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative 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 Corvallis community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Corvallis solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Corvallis Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Corvallis

The price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

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 plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Corvallis

Your solar modules' type will influence how much electricity you can produce. 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.

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 provides these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Corvallis homeowners opt for solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,500 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Corvallis

Solar companies 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, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Similar to 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) lets you 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 panels and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and obtain 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 Corvallis.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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