Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, TX (2024 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $16,654
- 25-Year Savings: $25,804
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Portland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Portland, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Portland homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,654 with the federal tax credit, or $23,815 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Portland homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,979 |
| 3 years | $-11,631 |
| 5 years | $-8,282 |
| 7 years | $-4,933 |
| 9 years | $-1,584 |
| 11 years | $1,764 |
| 13 years | $5,113 |
| 15 years | $8,462 |
| 17 years | $11,811 |
| 19 years | $15,160 |
| 21 years | $18,508 |
| 23 years | $21,857 |
| 25 years | $25,206 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Portland:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Portland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portland
For many Portland homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Portland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,330. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 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 solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Portland, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Portland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $18,423 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $24,936 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $31,637 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $38,523 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $45,597 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $52,856 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $60,302 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $67,935 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Portland, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portland?
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Portland?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Portland have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Portland?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.