Best Solar Companies in Salem, Oregon

Solar panel costs in Salem

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,329 to $26,654 in Oregon. Prices in Salem are comparable, ranging from $9,503 to $27,152.

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Salem’s net metering program.

System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Salem household needs a system with a capacity of 5.9 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Salem

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Is solar worth it in Salem?

Solar panels are generally worth it in Oregon if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Salem homeowners with solar panels can avoid $61,682 in total utility costs over 25 years.

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9.29 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Considering Oregon averages 3 to 5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

How to find a reputable solar company in Salem

In our experience, the best solar companies in Oregon have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

• Check certifications: Solar installers are required to have trade and electrical licenses, which you can verify through Oregon's license holder search. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

Going solar in Marion County

Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, misleading claims, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics. Like in any booming industry, some salespeople want to make a quick buck and might say anything to close a sale. It’s important to read your contract carefully, especially if you finance or lease a system.

Residential solar panel incentives in Salem

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Oregon to maximize savings.

For instance, Oregon's solar property tax exemption means that — for tax purposes — the addition of a solar energy system won't result in an increase in your property's assessed value. Essentially, your property tax bill won't go up because your solar panels increase your home’s market value.

Federal solar tax credit expires at the end of 2025

The ITC is now set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. The credit was expected to drop gradually, then fully expire in 2035 — but those future step-downs have been eliminated under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed in July of 2025. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.