Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kent, Oregon. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer based in The Dalles, known for high-quality residential and commercial installations. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, with a strong focus on customer education and maximizing energy savings.
While based in Bend, TerraFirma has a strong reputation across Central and Eastern Oregon for robust, high-performance solar systems, particularly for homes in rural and off-grid settings. They excel in designing systems that withstand the region's climate and integrate seamlessly with backup power solutions.
A highly-rated and experienced provider headquartered in Portland but with a significant project portfolio throughout the Columbia River Gorge and Eastern Oregon. They are known for their meticulous design process, use of premium equipment, and expertise in navigating state and federal incentives.
The home solar market for a rural community like Kent, Oregon, is characterized by a high reliance on regional providers from larger hubs like The Dalles, Bend, and Portland. The competition to serve this area is moderate, with a handful of established, high-quality companies vying for projects. The average quality of available installers is very high, as companies operating in this region must be equipped to handle both grid-tied and complex off-grid applications common in rural settings. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$25,000 to $42,000** for a typical 10kW system. However, the final 30% federal tax credit and potential state-specific programs can significantly reduce the net cost. Customers in this market should prioritize providers with proven experience in Eastern Oregon's specific environmental conditions and a strong track record of servicing the systems they install.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kent regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kent, Oregon.
For a typical 6kW system in Kent, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. Importantly, Oregon homeowners can combine the 30% federal solar tax credit with the state's unique incentive, the Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentive, which can provide a significant upfront rebate based on your utility (Pacific Power or Portland General Electric). These incentives can reduce your net cost by 40-50%, making solar much more affordable.
Kent's climate is actually quite favorable for solar. While winter months see more clouds and rain, the long, sunny summer days with moderate temperatures are ideal for peak solar production. Modern panels are efficient at capturing diffuse light on overcast days, and the cooler temperatures help panels operate more efficiently than in hotter climates. Your system will produce more energy from spring through fall, which aligns well with higher summer electricity usage for cooling.
In Kent, your solar installer will typically handle all necessary permits. This includes an electrical permit from the City of Kent's Building Division and compliance with Clackamas County building codes. Crucially, your system must be approved for interconnection by your local utility (either Pacific Power or Portland General Electric). Oregon has statewide "solar-ready" building codes and prohibits homeowner associations (HOAs) from unreasonably restricting solar installations, protecting your right to go solar.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience in the Willamette Valley, as they will understand Kent's specific permitting process, utility requirements, and optimal system design for our climate. Look for Oregon-licensed electrical contractors (LEC) with certifications from organizations like NABCEP. Always check reviews, ask for local references in Kent or nearby communities like Oregon City, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to your home's orientation and shading.
Staying connected to the grid through a net metering program is highly recommended and more cost-effective for most Kent homeowners. Net metering with Pacific Power or PGE allows you to send excess summer power to the grid in exchange for credits to use during less productive winter months, effectively using the grid as a battery. Going completely off-grid would require a very large and expensive battery bank to get through weeks of limited winter sun, making it impractical for most residential applications.