Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oregon, OH (2024 Update)
- Oregon Solar Installation Cost: $18,269
- 25-Year Savings: $14,163
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oregon
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oregon.
The average cost of a solar system in Oregon is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $18,269 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Oregon homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Oregon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oregon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,972 |
| 3 years | $-14,377 |
| 5 years | $-11,782 |
| 7 years | $-9,188 |
| 9 years | $-6,593 |
| 11 years | $-3,999 |
| 13 years | $-1,404 |
| 15 years | $1,190 |
| 17 years | $3,785 |
| 19 years | $6,380 |
| 21 years | $8,974 |
| 23 years | $11,569 |
| 25 years | $14,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Oregon
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Oregon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oregon
For many Oregon homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oregon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Oregon, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oregon to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect the cost. 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 keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,158 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,927 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,886 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,036 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,377 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,908 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,631 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $30,545 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect 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 some important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Oregon, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oregon?
The average cost of solar panels in Oregon is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Oregon?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Oregon. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Oregon is currently $200,439, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,218 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Oregon is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.
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.