Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eugene, OR (2024 Update)
- Eugene Solar Installation Cost: $9,753
- 25-Year Savings: $15,050
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eugene
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Eugene.
The average cost of a solar system in Eugene is 4 per watt.Since a 4.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Eugene, the average price of going solar will be about $9,753 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Eugene, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eugene
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,490 |
| 3 years | $-5,963 |
| 5 years | $-3,435 |
| 7 years | $-908 |
| 9 years | $1,619 |
| 11 years | $4,146 |
| 13 years | $6,673 |
| 15 years | $9,201 |
| 17 years | $11,728 |
| 19 years | $14,255 |
| 21 years | $16,782 |
| 23 years | $19,309 |
| 25 years | $21,836 |
Top Solar Installers in Eugene
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Eugene, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Eugene
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eugene
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Eugene: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,500.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Eugene offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Eugene is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.64 | $15,288 | $18,574 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $25,157 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $31,936 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $38,912 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $46,083 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $53,450 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $61,013 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $68,773 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Eugene, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eugene?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Eugene?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Eugene. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,128.73 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.