Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portland, TX (2023 Update)
- Portland Solar Installation Cost: $13,445
- 25-Year Savings: $25,812
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portland
We go over average solar pricing in Portland.
In Portland, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Portland is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,445 for a solar installation, or $19,226 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Portland based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Portland can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,874 |
| 3 years | $-8,734 |
| 5 years | $-5,593 |
| 7 years | $-2,453 |
| 9 years | $688 |
| 11 years | $3,828 |
| 13 years | $6,969 |
| 15 years | $10,109 |
| 17 years | $13,250 |
| 19 years | $16,391 |
| 21 years | $19,531 |
| 23 years | $22,672 |
| 25 years | $25,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Portland
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Portland:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Portland is $13,445, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $2,690. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Portland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Most solar installers in Portland have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Portland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $21,218 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $28,592 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $36,117 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $43,792 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $51,618 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $59,594 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $67,721 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $75,999 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portland?
The average cost of solar panels in Portland is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Portland is currently $149,811, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,142 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Portland is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 cover 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.