Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oregon City, OR (2024 Update)
- Oregon City Solar Installation Cost: $10,076
- 25-Year Savings: $14,805
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oregon City
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Oregon City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oregon City typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Oregon City, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,076, or $14,409 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Oregon City homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oregon City find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oregon City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,671 |
| 3 years | $-5,862 |
| 5 years | $-3,053 |
| 7 years | $-244 |
| 9 years | $2,565 |
| 11 years | $5,374 |
| 13 years | $8,183 |
| 15 years | $10,992 |
| 17 years | $13,802 |
| 19 years | $16,611 |
| 21 years | $19,420 |
| 23 years | $22,229 |
| 25 years | $25,038 |
Top Solar Installers in Oregon City
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Oregon City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oregon City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Oregon City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,500. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oregon City to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $17,490 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $23,712 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $30,130 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $36,744 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $43,554 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $50,560 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $57,762 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $65,160 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Oregon City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- 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 expectations you should have about the cost.
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 Oregon City, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oregon City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oregon City?
Solar panels aren’t free in Oregon City, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.