Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oregon, WI (2023 Update)
- Oregon Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
- 25-Year Savings: $23,861
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oregon
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oregon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oregon it's 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,231 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oregon find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Oregon for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Oregon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,748 |
| 3 years | $-8,780 |
| 5 years | $-5,813 |
| 7 years | $-2,846 |
| 9 years | $122 |
| 11 years | $3,089 |
| 13 years | $6,057 |
| 15 years | $9,024 |
| 17 years | $11,992 |
| 19 years | $14,959 |
| 21 years | $17,926 |
| 23 years | $20,894 |
| 25 years | $23,861 |
Top Solar Installers in Oregon
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Oregon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oregon
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Oregon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,600 per kilowatt in Oregon. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Oregon offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Oregon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $19,239 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,943 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $32,792 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $39,788 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $46,928 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $54,215 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $61,647 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $69,225 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Oregon, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oregon?
The average cost of solar panels in Oregon is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Oregon?
You can't get solar panels for free in Oregon. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Oregon have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Oregon?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.