Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Hillsboro, Oregon, requires you to hire a solar company that is certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've put together a list of the top solar companies in Hillsboro.
Before choosing an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Hillsboro or go with an established national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy lets Hillsboro homeowners to save approximately $900 per year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Before arranging your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Seek out Hillsboro solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Hillsboro, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the best reasons for considering solar energy:
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the average cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you select any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In Hillsboro, solar panel installation costs approximately $10,677, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Homeowners in Hillsboro who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Hillsboro. Certain programs extend to all Oregon residents, while others depend on your utility company, municipality and city.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for Oregon residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Solar Electric Incentive Program | Varies (see below) |
Rebate Program Solar + Storage Rebate Program | Varies, see below |
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Systems Exemption | 100% |
Rebate Program Columbia River PUD - Solar PV Net Metering Rebate | Solar PV: $1,000 |
Rebate Program Portland General Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Heat Pump Instant Discount: $200 Efficient Heat Pumps: $700 Heat Pump Controls: $250 Ductless Heat Pump: $800 Smart Thermostat: $50-$100 Heat Pump Water Heaters: $500 (special pricing available at certain retailers as well) |
Loan Program State Energy Loan Program | None |
Rebate Program New Homes Incentive Program | Varies based on performance above code and the particular energy efficient measures installed; can range from $600 to $4,680 Solar ready incentive: up to $200 |
Grant Program Custom Renewable Energy Projects | Varies |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local regulations. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not all residences get similar levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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