Best 4 Solar Companies in Medford, OR

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Medford

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

Solar companies 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), one of 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 Medford

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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 maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar company includes these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

Most Medford homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,500 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Medford

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, loans, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

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