Best 5 Solar Companies in Redmond, OR

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Redmond

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

Solar contractors in Oregon must be licensed and bonded by 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 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 respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Redmond

Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

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 efficiency. Not every solar provider offers these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Redmond homeowners opt for solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run 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 Redmond

Choosing the correct financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.