Solar Panel Cost Guide in Albany, OR (2024 Update)
- Albany Solar Installation Cost: $10,147
- 25-Year Savings: $14,751
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Albany
We break down average solar pricing in Albany.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Albany generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $10,147 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Albany for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Albany
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,938 |
| 3 years | $-6,519 |
| 5 years | $-4,100 |
| 7 years | $-1,682 |
| 9 years | $737 |
| 11 years | $3,156 |
| 13 years | $5,574 |
| 15 years | $7,993 |
| 17 years | $10,411 |
| 19 years | $12,830 |
| 21 years | $15,249 |
| 23 years | $17,667 |
| 25 years | $20,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Albany
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Albany
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Albany
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Albany: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Albany homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Albany’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.64 | $15,288 | $17,260 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $23,406 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $29,747 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $36,285 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $43,018 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $49,947 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $57,073 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $64,394 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Albany, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Albany?
The average cost of solar panels in Albany is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Albany?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Albany. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Albany?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.