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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
We go over average solar pricing in Portland.
In Portland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Portland, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $25,498, or $36,462 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Portland find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Portland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Portland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss 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 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 $4,100.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Portland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Portland to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Portland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. 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, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Portland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.