Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, IN (2023 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $16,667
- 25-Year Savings: $29,700
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
We go over average solar pricing in Portland.
In Portland, solar panels cost about 2.68 per watt on average. The average Portland homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,659 with the federal tax credit, or $23,822 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Portland depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Portland homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,513 |
| 3 years | $-16,203 |
| 5 years | $-15,894 |
| 7 years | $-15,585 |
| 9 years | $-15,276 |
| 11 years | $-14,967 |
| 13 years | $-14,658 |
| 15 years | $-14,349 |
| 17 years | $-14,040 |
| 19 years | $-13,731 |
| 21 years | $-13,421 |
| 23 years | $-13,112 |
| 25 years | $-12,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 many 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 does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,680. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Portland have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Portland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Portland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $19,607 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $26,443 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $33,429 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $40,564 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $47,850 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $55,287 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $62,873 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $70,609 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Portland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Portland. However, you may still be able to install 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Portland?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.