Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, IN (2024 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $25,498
- 25-Year Savings: $29,700
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
We go over average solar pricing in Portland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Portland it’s 4 per watt.Because a 8.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Portland, the average price of going solar will be about $25,498 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Portland homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Portland homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Portland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,032 |
| 3 years | $-21,098 |
| 5 years | $-18,164 |
| 7 years | $-15,231 |
| 9 years | $-12,297 |
| 11 years | $-9,364 |
| 13 years | $-6,430 |
| 15 years | $-3,497 |
| 17 years | $-563 |
| 19 years | $2,370 |
| 21 years | $5,304 |
| 23 years | $8,237 |
| 25 years | $11,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,100 per kilowatt in Portland.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Portland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Portland have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. 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 larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $13,404 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $18,332 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $23,489 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $28,875 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $34,491 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $40,337 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $46,412 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $52,717 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portland?
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Portland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.