Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milwaukie, OR (2024 Update)
- Milwaukie Solar Installation Cost: $10,375
- 25-Year Savings: $24,739
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Milwaukie
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Milwaukie.
The average cost of solar panels in Milwaukie is 4 per watt.The average Milwaukie homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,375 with the federal tax credit, or $14,836 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Milwaukie find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Milwaukie, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Milwaukie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,970 |
| 3 years | $-6,161 |
| 5 years | $-3,352 |
| 7 years | $-543 |
| 9 years | $2,266 |
| 11 years | $5,075 |
| 13 years | $7,884 |
| 15 years | $10,693 |
| 17 years | $13,502 |
| 19 years | $16,312 |
| 21 years | $19,121 |
| 23 years | $21,930 |
| 25 years | $24,739 |
Top Solar Installers in Milwaukie
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Milwaukie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milwaukie
Although the average cost of a solar system in Milwaukie is $10,375, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,500.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Milwaukie, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind 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
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 | $3.64 | $15,288 | $16,545 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $22,452 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $28,555 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $34,854 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $41,349 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $48,040 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $54,927 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $62,010 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Milwaukie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power 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 secure and how long the project will take.
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 Milwaukie, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Milwaukie?
The average cost of solar panels in Milwaukie is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Milwaukie?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Milwaukie?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.