Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, MI (2024 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $17,521
- 25-Year Savings: $21,562
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Portland.
In Portland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Portland, the average price of going solar will be about $17,521 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Portland homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Portland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,267 |
| 3 years | $-13,760 |
| 5 years | $-11,252 |
| 7 years | $-8,745 |
| 9 years | $-6,238 |
| 11 years | $-3,730 |
| 13 years | $-1,223 |
| 15 years | $1,284 |
| 17 years | $3,792 |
| 19 years | $6,299 |
| 21 years | $8,807 |
| 23 years | $11,314 |
| 25 years | $13,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Portland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portland
While the average cost of a solar system in Portland is $17,521, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Portland, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Portland, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Portland to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Portland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,052 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,525 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,224 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,151 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,306 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,687 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,296 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,133 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Portland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portland?
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Portland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Portland have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.