Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, OR (2024 Update)
- Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hillsboro.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hillsboro is 4 per watt.Since a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Hillsboro, the average price of going solar will be about $10,677 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Hillsboro based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Hillsboro can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| 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 Hillsboro
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
The cost of installing a solar system in Hillsboro can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,500 per kilowatt in Hillsboro.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hillsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hillsboro is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 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 Hillsboro, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillsboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Hillsboro is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hillsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Hillsboro have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.