Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, CT (2024 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $11,907
- 25-Year Savings: $18,129
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
We break down average solar pricing in Portland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Portland, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Portland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,907 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Portland depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-6,375 |
| 5 years | $-2,687 |
| 7 years | $1,001 |
| 9 years | $4,689 |
| 11 years | $8,377 |
| 13 years | $12,065 |
| 15 years | $15,753 |
| 17 years | $19,441 |
| 19 years | $23,129 |
| 21 years | $26,817 |
| 23 years | $30,505 |
| 25 years | $34,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Portland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portland
For many Portland homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Portland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels 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 primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Portland, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Portland homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Portland know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.90 | $16,380 | $19,361 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,235 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,318 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,612 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,115 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $55,829 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $63,753 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $71,886 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Portland, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portland?
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Portland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Portland?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Portland?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.