Solar Panel Cost Guide in McMinnville, OR (2024 Update)
- McMinnville Solar Installation Cost: $10,501
- 25-Year Savings: $14,481
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McMinnville
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in McMinnville.
In McMinnville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in McMinnville is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,501 for a solar installation, or $15,016 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in McMinnville based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average McMinnville homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McMinnville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,097 |
| 3 years | $-6,288 |
| 5 years | $-3,479 |
| 7 years | $-669 |
| 9 years | $2,140 |
| 11 years | $4,949 |
| 13 years | $7,758 |
| 15 years | $10,567 |
| 17 years | $13,376 |
| 19 years | $16,185 |
| 21 years | $18,994 |
| 23 years | $21,803 |
| 25 years | $24,612 |
Top Solar Installers in McMinnville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of 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 McMinnville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McMinnville
For many McMinnville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in McMinnville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in McMinnville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,500 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. McMinnville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $16,162 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $21,941 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $27,916 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $34,088 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $40,455 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $47,018 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $53,777 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $60,733 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in McMinnville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 McMinnville, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McMinnville?
The average cost of solar panels in McMinnville 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in McMinnville?
Solar panels aren’t free in McMinnville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in McMinnville is currently $471,545, which means you can look forward to a value of about $19,333 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in McMinnville is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.