Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, OR (2024 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $10,474
- 25-Year Savings: $14,502
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Portland.
In Portland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Portland, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,474, or $14,978 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Portland find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Portland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,069 |
| 3 years | $-6,260 |
| 5 years | $-3,451 |
| 7 years | $-642 |
| 9 years | $2,167 |
| 11 years | $4,976 |
| 13 years | $7,785 |
| 15 years | $10,594 |
| 17 years | $13,404 |
| 19 years | $16,213 |
| 21 years | $19,022 |
| 23 years | $21,831 |
| 25 years | $24,640 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
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 Portland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portland
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,500 per kilowatt in Portland.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Portland homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,244 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $22,051 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $28,054 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $34,253 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $40,648 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $47,239 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $54,025 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $61,008 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
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 Portland, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portland?
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Portland?
Solar panels aren’t free in Portland, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Portland?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Portland?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.