Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Grove, OR (2024 Update)
- Forest Grove Solar Installation Cost: $10,677
- 25-Year Savings: $14,347
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Grove
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Forest Grove.
The average cost of a solar system in Forest Grove is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Forest Grove is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,677 for a solar installation, or $15,268 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Forest Grove homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Forest Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,273 |
| 3 years | $-6,464 |
| 5 years | $-3,655 |
| 7 years | $-845 |
| 9 years | $1,964 |
| 11 years | $4,773 |
| 13 years | $7,582 |
| 15 years | $10,391 |
| 17 years | $13,200 |
| 19 years | $16,009 |
| 21 years | $18,818 |
| 23 years | $21,627 |
| 25 years | $24,436 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Grove
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Forest Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Grove
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Forest Grove is $10,677, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,500. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Forest Grove homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Forest Grove is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Forest Grove know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.64 | $15,288 | $15,643 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $21,250 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $27,052 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $33,051 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $39,245 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $45,636 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $52,222 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $59,005 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Forest Grove, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forest Grove?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 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 needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Forest Grove, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.