Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Salem, Oregon. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Pure Energy Solar is a highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company specializing in custom residential solar and battery storage solutions. They are known for their personalized customer service, in-house installation teams, and deep knowledge of Oregon-specific incentives. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
With offices in both Portland and Salem, Elemental Energy is a prominent Pacific Northwest solar installer with a strong focus on quality and sustainability. They are a Certified B Corporation and have numerous awards for their work. They offer a wide range of services, including both grid-tied and off-grid systems, and are experts in complex installations.
Sunbridge Solar is a well-regarded, Salem-based company that prides itself on building long-term relationships with its customers. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation to post-installation support, including system monitoring and maintenance. They are known for their transparent pricing and educational approach.
** The home solar market in Salem, Oregon, is robust and competitive, characterized by a high concentration of quality, regional installers rather than massive national corporations. The market quality is generally high, with companies often holding advanced certifications (like NABCEP) and forming strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers like Tesla, Panasonic, and Qcells. Competition is strong, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Salem residents have access to excellent incentives, including the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit and Oregon's unique incentives like the Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives, which local installers are typically very adept at navigating. Typical pricing for a residential system in Salem ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000** before incentives, depending on system size (typically 6kW to 10kW) and complexity. The presence of local companies specializing in battery storage is growing rapidly, driven by both energy independence goals and the region's specific weather patterns. Overall, Salem homeowners have access to a mature and reputable solar market.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Salem regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Salem, Oregon.
For a typical 6kW system in Salem, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, Oregon offers a state tax credit of up to $6,000, and Salem homeowners may qualify for net metering with Portland General Electric or Pacific Power, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid.
Yes, Salem is very suitable for solar. While summer months with long, sunny days produce the most energy, modern high-efficiency panels also generate significant power from diffuse light on cloudy days, which are common. Salem's mild temperatures also help panels operate more efficiently than in hotter climates, and your system will be sized to produce enough annual energy to offset your usage across all seasons.
In Salem, your installer will typically handle all necessary permits, which include a City of Salem building and electrical permit. The process must comply with the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). A critical local step is submitting an interconnection agreement to your utility (PGE or Pacific Power) for net metering approval before the system can be activated and begin offsetting your bill.
Look for providers with strong local experience, proper Oregon CCB licensing, and positive reviews on trusted platforms. Ask for references from recent Salem installations and verify they handle the full process, including Marion County-specific permits, utility interconnection, and incentive paperwork. A reputable company will provide a detailed production estimate specific to Salem's solar insolation and your roof's orientation.
The timeline is typically 2 to 4 months. After design and contract signing, securing permits from the City of Salem and interconnection approval from your utility can take several weeks. The physical installation often takes just 1-3 days, followed by a city inspection. Finally, your utility must install a net meter and give "Permission to Operate," which is the final step before you can turn the system on.