Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, NY (2024 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.The average solar panel system size in Portland is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,849 for a solar installation, or $16,944 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Portland can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Portland for a personalized quote.
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
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Portland:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Portland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portland
There are a number of factors that can affect 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Portland.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Portland to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Portland, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Portland have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Portland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portland?
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Portland?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Portland, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Portland?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.