Best 5 Solar Companies in Lake Oswego, OR

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lake Oswego

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these criteria in your company search.

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 companies can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The top 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 Lake Oswego

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 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.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Lake Oswego homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,500 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Lake Oswego

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. 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 advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each business you're considering about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

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