Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tualatin, OR (2024 Update)
- Tualatin Solar Installation Cost: $10,368
- 25-Year Savings: $14,583
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tualatin
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Tualatin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tualatin, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Tualatin, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,368, or $14,826 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tualatin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,963 |
| 3 years | $-6,154 |
| 5 years | $-3,345 |
| 7 years | $-536 |
| 9 years | $2,273 |
| 11 years | $5,082 |
| 13 years | $7,891 |
| 15 years | $10,700 |
| 17 years | $13,509 |
| 19 years | $16,319 |
| 21 years | $19,128 |
| 23 years | $21,937 |
| 25 years | $24,746 |
Top Solar Installers in Tualatin
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost 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
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 Tualatin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tualatin
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require 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 $3,500.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Tualatin, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 lower 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 Tualatin is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Tualatin know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $16,567 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $22,481 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $28,591 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $34,897 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $41,400 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $48,098 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $54,992 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $62,082 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Tualatin, OR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tualatin?
The average cost of solar panels in Tualatin 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 consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tualatin?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,061.82 per year.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.