Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oregon, MI (2024 Update)
- Oregon Solar Installation Cost: $17,632
- 25-Year Savings: $15,462
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oregon
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Oregon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oregon it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,632 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Oregon can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oregon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,332 |
| 3 years | $-13,733 |
| 5 years | $-11,133 |
| 7 years | $-8,533 |
| 9 years | $-5,933 |
| 11 years | $-3,333 |
| 13 years | $-733 |
| 15 years | $1,866 |
| 17 years | $4,466 |
| 19 years | $7,066 |
| 21 years | $9,666 |
| 23 years | $12,266 |
| 25 years | $14,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Oregon
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Oregon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oregon
The cost of installing a solar system in Oregon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need 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 $4,060.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Oregon, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Oregon’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 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $9,021 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $12,483 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $16,172 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $20,089 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $24,233 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $28,604 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $33,202 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $38,028 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Oregon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Oregon, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oregon?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oregon?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.