Best 5 Solar Companies in Springfield, OR

With Springfield's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll highlight Springfield's premier solar contractors and provide valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Springfield solar companies.

• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Springfield solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Springfield community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Lower utility costs: Generating some or all of your own energy will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Springfield Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Springfield

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

Licensing and Training

Solar installers 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 plumbing journeyman and a licensed solar heating installer. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Springfield

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 maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor offers these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,500 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Springfield. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Springfield

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and solar leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, 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) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant 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 Springfield.

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

Sources

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