Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, TN (2025 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $20,094
- 25-Year Savings: $9,733
- Payback Period: 21.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Portland.
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is 4 per watt.The average Portland homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,094 with the federal tax credit, or $28,734 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,479 |
| 3 years | $-15,249 |
| 5 years | $-12,019 |
| 7 years | $-8,788 |
| 9 years | $-5,558 |
| 11 years | $-2,328 |
| 13 years | $903 |
| 15 years | $4,133 |
| 17 years | $7,363 |
| 19 years | $10,594 |
| 21 years | $13,824 |
| 23 years | $17,054 |
| 25 years | $20,284 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Portland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portland
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Portland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Portland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Portland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Portland have more knowledge 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 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $2,104 | 22.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $3,206 | 21.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $4,508 | 21.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $6,011 | 20.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $7,715 | 20.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $9,619 | 19.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $11,724 | 19.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $14,029 | 19.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to read through 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 installation process.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Portland, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portland?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Portland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Portland. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Portland have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.