Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, NY (2025 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $11,849
- 25-Year Savings: $6,630
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Portland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Portland it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Portland, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,849, or $16,944 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Portland homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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 | $-10,940 |
| 3 years | $-9,123 |
| 5 years | $-7,306 |
| 7 years | $-5,489 |
| 9 years | $-3,672 |
| 11 years | $-1,855 |
| 13 years | $-38 |
| 15 years | $1,780 |
| 17 years | $3,597 |
| 19 years | $5,414 |
| 21 years | $7,231 |
| 23 years | $9,048 |
| 25 years | $10,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Portland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portland
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant 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 $3,650.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Portland provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Portland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Portland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,025 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,109 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,397 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,889 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,586 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,488 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,594 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,904 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Portland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portland?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional 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 want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper 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 get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Portland is currently $153,710, so you can expect a value of about $6,302 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Portland is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.