Portland Solar Panels: 2022 Cost and Local Incentives

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Portland Solar Panels

Are you wondering if solar is right for your Portland home? Solar panels can help you lower your household’s carbon footprint, and generating your own electricity can help you become energy independent. Read below to learn about Portland solar panel costs, local solar incentives, and potential savings through the years.

Cost of solar panels in Portland

The cost of solar panels in Portland can vary by installer. Median prices in the U.S. for residential solar systems were $3.82 per watt in 2020, according to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Tracking the Sun report.  

The median residential solar panel system size in the state of Oregon was 7.3 kilowatts (kW) in 2020. Oregon had a median cost of $3.57 per watt for residential systems installed in 2020. A 7.3 kW system at the price of $3.57 per watt means you might pay around $26,106 for a solar array in Portland based on medians.  

How much do solar panels cost in Portland in 2022?

To start, let’s look at how much you would pay for solar panels in Portland based on system sizes. The characteristics of your home can affect solar system size requirements, like roof size and the amount of shade on your home. The median size of a residential solar system in Oregon is 7.3 kW. So that means at $3.57 per watt for Oregon’s average, someone would pay about $26,106 for the total system before any taxes, rebates, or other incentives. 

Using the $26,106 estimate and factoring in the most recent monthly electricity cost in Oregon (11.79¢/kWh) and Oregon’s yearly consumption of 10,992 kWh, it would take you roughly 14 years to pay back the solar array costs. 

With an average monthly electricity bill of $108 in Oregon, you would have an estimated savings of $7,646 over the 20 years after the solar purchase. However, given that electricity rates rise over time, your savings could be even greater.

Average solar panel cost by system size in Portland

At the time of writing, the national median cost per watt is $3.82. The state of Oregon’s costs include:

To find your optimal array size, you’d need to check the average amount of energy you use every month. Your electric bill lists this information in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To get the most accurate numbers, check how much energy you use over the whole year. If you don’t have specific numbers, you can use SaveOnEnergy’s energy usage calculator to estimate your monthly consumption.

For example, let’s say you used an average of 900 kWh per month. The solar array would need to produce that amount of electricity each month or more to cover 100% of your consumption. If you were to pay $171 per month at 19 cents per kWh, a 5.9 kW system would sufficiently power your home.   

The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit can also help reduce costs. If you were to get a 7.3 kW system at the $3.57 per watt rate, the system would cost $26,106. After subtracting 30% for the federal tax credit, your total cost would be $18,274 for the array.

Get your free solar savings estimate

You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.

Incentives for solar panels in Portland

Portland residents can take advantage of several incentives designed to help make solar affordable. These programs can help you save thousands by lowering the high upfront costs. For instance, the 30% federal tax credit can save you $7,831 on your taxes for a 7.3 kW system at the $3.57 per watt rate. 

These are just a few of the available incentives in Portland. Check with your local utility, state, or city for any new or upcoming incentives. 

Solar companies in Portland

Considering whether solar is right for you? SaveOnEnergy can help connect you with solar installers near you. You can also read up on solar panel installation to learn more about how the process works. You can contact the number on your screen or fill out the lead form below to get started.   

Is going solar in Portland right for you?

Residents of Portland have a variety of solar payment and access options. Read on to learn how solar can allow renters, homeowners, and whole communities to help the environment and gain energy independence.   

Solar for renters

For renters, installing solar is a decision the landlord makes, since the landlord owns the property. Renters can explore financing options like a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs) or leasing. A PPA is a contract that allows a solar developer to manage and install the system right on your property. It then gives the homeowner access to electricity from the solar array.

Solar for homeowners

Homeowners have multiple financing options when purchasing a solar system. Although purchasing a solar system is a large investment, you may be able to lower the cost with federal and state incentives. It can have many long-term benefits, such as increasing your home’s resale value, establishing energy independence, and saving thousands on energy bills. 

Community solar

If you do not want the upfront cost of installing solar on your roof, you can look into a community solar program. Community solar allows residents to subscribe to a large off-site array, which provides electricity to the subscribers’ homes. Subscribing can be more affordable than the upfront installation cost, so this is an option that is growing in popularity. 

Community solar might be the answer for you if you’re unable to install a solar array on your property. For instance, some homes may have heavily shaded roofs or older roofs that can’t support the weight of the panels.