What’s it like to install rooftop solar in Central Oregon?

This week, you’ll find a full breakdown of a Bend, Oregon solar installation. You’ll see system specs, energy savings, costs, financing, incentives, tax credits, and more.

If you’d like to get a proposal to install solar panels on your home in Central Oregon, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 541-248-5373 or send us a message anytime.

Since 2008, Earthlight Technologies has completed more than 2,000 projects.

Bend Solar: Project Overview

With solar panels from Earthlight Technologies, Sam produces 105% of the energy that his family needs. Check out the video to hear about Sam’s project in his own words.

There are lots of Bend solar companies. Why Earthlight Technologies?

 “I had several quotes from different solar companies, and I decided to get a quote from Stacey at Earthlight. She came out, and it was the best presentation out of all the quotes that I got. I was really impressed.” -Sam R.

What’s it like to have solar panels installed by Earthlight Technologies?

“I moved forward with Earthlight Technologies for my install, and the process was super easy. I loved it. It seemed just like a few emails, a couple things to fill out, and it was pretty quick. [They] came out and measured the roof on the first trip. On the second trip, it got installed. Then some inspections after that, and I was good to go. Flip the switch.” -Sam R.

How do SunPower solar panels perform over time in Bend, Oregon?

“I have everything on the app on my phone that’s super easy to use. I can see exactly how much power I’m pulling from the sky everyday. It’s great; I love it. I’m saving 100%. We produced 105% of our power last year. My bills are under $11 every month for power, which is great.” - Sam R.

Bend Solar Panels: How Many To Install?

We initially proposed a 7.2 kW solar panel array with 20 panels spread out over two roofs. A system of about this size work well for most homeowners in Bend, Oregon.

In Sam’s case, we ended up consolidating the 20 panels on one roof, which receives the most direct sunlight and maximizes his energy production.

The 7.2 kW rating of the rooftop solar array means that it can produce 7.2 kilowatts of electricity at any given moment under ideal conditions. However, the actual output of the solar array will vary depending on factors such as the weather, the time of day, the orientation and tilt of the panels, and the efficiency of the inverter.

To estimate how much energy the solar array will produce over a year, we use software that accounts for the specific location of the home, system size, and other details. The 7.2 kW solar array that we proposed for Sam in Bend produces about 9,878 kWh of electricity per year, which is roughly enough to zero out Sam’s electricity bills.

To determine how many solar panels you need for a 7.2 kW solar array, you can simply divide the system size by the wattage of each panel. For Sam’s house, we proposed 360 watt solar panels (more on this in the next section), so we needed 20 panels (7,200 watts / 360 watts = 20 Bend solar panels).

Which Solar Panels Work Well in Bend, Oregon?

We get this all the time. The short answer is that any solar panels will perform reliably for a rooftop solar array in Central Oregon. To choose the right panels for your home, you have to account for your budget, energy needs, and other factors.

For Sam’s house in Bend, we installed SunPower X22 solar panels. These solar panels come with the highest efficiency rating on the market, so Sam produces more power from every square foot. Homes in Bend do not have unlimited space, so high performance solar panels make a lot of sense.

How efficient are the X-Series solar panels? They deliver 45% more energy in the first year than conventional systems. The advantage grows over time, producing 60% more energy for average homeowners over the first 25 years.

How Much Does Solar Cost in Bend, Oregon?

Costs vary widely depending on a few factors like the size of your system as well as the condition and complexity of your roof. Below we offer a breakdown of the costs, incentives, tax credits, and financing for Sam’s 20 panel solar array in Bend, Oregon.

Bend Solar Costs, Incentives, and Financing

• Initial Cost: $31,464

• Energy Trust of Oregon Solar Incentive: -$400

• Oregon State Solar Incentive: -$1,440

• Upfront Cost (Amount Financed): $29,624

• Downpayment: $0

• 30% Federal Tax Credit: $8,887

• Net Cost (After All Incentives): $20,737

• Monthly Payment (3.99% / 15-Year Term): $155.87

Please note that pricing, incentives, and financing change constantly. For the latest information about costs, savings, and incentives, please send us a message anytime. Or, you can view our Oregon solar incentives guide.

How Much Energy Will I Save with Solar in Bend?

Just like with costs, energy savings vary widely depending on factors such as the shading, slope, and orientation of your roof. Our goal is for every homeowner to eliminate their electric bills as much as possible, offsetting all or most of the cost to install the solar panels in the first place.

Here are the estimated energy savings from the 7.2kW solar array that we installed for Sam in Bend, Oregon. Feel free to give us a call to get a sense for your savings: 541-248-5373.

Estimated Energy Savings from 7.2 kW Solar Panel Array in Bend, Oregon

Final Thoughts on Comparing Solar Companies in Bend, Oregon

Choosing the right solar company is a big decision. Don’t let yourself feel rushed. There are unfortunately too many solar companies in Bend that use high-pressure sales to close deals. You don’t have to put up with that.

Here at Earthlight Technologies, we pride ourselves on offering the service of a family-owned and operated company. It’s easy. We are a family company. If you’d like to install solar panels on your home in Bend, please give us a call anytime: 541-248-5373.