Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oregon, OH (Mar 2023)
- Oregon Solar Installation Cost: $13,709
- 25-Year Savings: $14,422
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oregon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Oregon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oregon generally cost around 2.56. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Oregon, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,709, or $19,604 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oregon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,584 |
| 3 years | $-10,333 |
| 5 years | $-8,083 |
| 7 years | $-5,832 |
| 9 years | $-3,582 |
| 11 years | $-1,331 |
| 13 years | $919 |
| 15 years | $3,170 |
| 17 years | $5,420 |
| 19 years | $7,671 |
| 21 years | $9,921 |
| 23 years | $12,172 |
| 25 years | $14,422 |
Top Solar Installers in Oregon
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Oregon: 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 a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Oregon, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Oregon to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Oregon is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $10,871 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,782 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,836 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,033 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,373 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,857 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,485 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,255 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 hire.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oregon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 Oregon?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.