With higher electric bill prices and damage to the environment, many choose to use solar panels instead. By using renewable sources of energy, the bill can be lowered along with the usage of fossil fuels. It’s no different in Oregon. Read further to know more about the cost and installation of solar panels in Oregon.
Solar System Installation Cost in Oregon
Of course, the cost is the first thing in mind with any upgrades like solar panel systems. There are a lot of factors that may affect the prices.
As of May 2023, an average of $2.73 per watt is the expected cost in Oregon. Given the minimum is a 5kW system, Oregon’s average solar panel installation cost is $11,520 to $15,600. The payback period is 7-9 years. In 20 years, you can have a net savings of $16,200 – $21,500. You can offset your electric bill from 60 to 90 percent.
Your installation costs will vary between the company you work with and the quality of the solar panels. Of course, you can get rebates and incentives, which we will see later. Here is a table of the average costs depending on the area and system size to make the price easier to see.
| System Size | Area It Covers | System Cost Before Reductions |
| 3kW | 270 sq. ft. | $9,300 |
| 4kW | 360 sq. ft. | $11,800 |
| 5kW | 450 sq. ft. | $15,400 |
| 6kW | 540 sq. ft. | $18,500 |
| 7kW | 630 sq. ft. | $21,200 |
| 8kW | 720 sq. ft. | $24,700 |
| 9kW | 810 sq. ft. | $27,800 |
| 10kW | 900 sq. ft. | $30,800 |
Remember that the price is just an estimate without the deductions you may have. There are still many factors that can affect the total costs of your solar panels. For example, the company and supplies you will work with will scale up or scale down your expenses.
If you can also install solar panels on your own, you can lower your costs. Getting discounts can also reduce the amount of money you will put out.
A factor to keep in mind is the maintenance of the solar panel system. On average, you might spend around $100-$1000 annually. You can also choose to clean and check them yourself at a lower cost.
Incentives, Tax Credits, & Rebates for Solar Panels In Oregon
Having a solar panel system can cover an enormous upfront cost. These expenses can be too much for many people. With that said, many factors might deduct the price of your solar panels. Here are the incentives, tax credits, and rebates in Oregon to make the work easier.
Incentives
You can apply for Oregon’s solar electric incentive if you’re a Portland General Electric (PGE) or Pacific Power customer. The program pays a rebate of $1,200 for PGE and $900 for Pacific Power. You will need an Energy Trust solar trade ally contractor and a working solar panel system to be eligible.
Investment Tax Credit
As of Jan 2024, Oregon offers a 30% investment tax credit. The tax credit can amount to around $3400 for a standard 5kW solar panel system. However, this tax credit will decrease in 2033.
At the end of 2034, the federal solar tax credit will decrease by 22%. If you get the standard 5kW solar panel system that costs $14,500, you can get around $3000 in tax credits. To make the expenses easier, see below the system costs in Oregon with ITC reductions.
| System Size | Area It Covers | System Cost With ITC Reductions |
| 3kW | 270 sq. ft. | $7,300 |
| 4kW | 360 sq. ft. | $9,200 |
| 5kW | 450 sq. ft. | $12,000 |
| 6kW | 540 sq. ft. | $14,500 |
| 7kW | 630 sq. ft. | $16,800 |
| 8kW | 720 sq. ft. | $19,200 |
| 9kW | 810 sq. ft. | $21,700 |
| 10kW | 900 sq. ft. | $24,000 |
Rebates
For Oregon homeowners, a rebate of up to $5,000 for a solar electric system can be acquired every year. If the solar panel system is big enough for energy storage, you can get up to $2,500 in rebate. This rebate system only allows low to moderate-income earners.
The rebate is calculated by 60% of the net cost every year. It can amount to $1.80 per watt capacity or up to $5,000, whichever is less.
If your household is a low to moderate-income earner, you will have a higher electric system rebate of up to $30,000 and up to $15,000 for an energy storage system.
To receive a rebate, your contractor must be ODOE-approved. The contractor might also help in knowing the other incentives you might get.
Check the remaining budget of the latest Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program.
Top 8 Solar Companies in Oregon
1. E2 Solar, Inc.
E2 Solar offers many types of solar panel systems for different needs. Whether you are a general contractor, home, or business owner, you can ensure that E2 Solar will give solar panels and installation the highest quality. You can ensure that the company will guide you along the installation process.
- Location: 20784 High Desert Ln, Bend, OR 97701
- Contact Number: +1 (541) 388-1151
2. SolarWorld
If you are looking for a company known worldwide, SolarWorld might be the one for you. This solar installation company has been serving many institutions globally. The company strives to provide the best service through its assessment process.
- Location: 4050 NE Evergreen Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
- Contact Number: +1 (503) 844-3400
3. Energy Solutions
As a homegrown Solar Energy Company, Energy Solutions ensure that its network comes from local. Through the help of their renewable energy experts, the company provides that they offer a great quality job. They have over 950 successful installation jobs throughout Oregon.
- Location: 16070 S Rifle Way, Oregon City, OR 97045
- Contact Number: +1 (503) 476-3243
4. Elemental Energy
Elemental Energy, a Portland solar company, offers outstanding service and custom solar solutions. Renowned for residential, commercial, and mobile installations, they prioritize client satisfaction and education. Customers value their skilled team, seamless installation, and competitive pricing. Partnered with non-profit Twende Solar, they strive for a greener future.
- Location: 6800 NE 59th Pl, Portland, OR 97218
- Contact Number: +1 (503) 967-5786
5. Power Northwest
Power Northwest has a mission of providing their solar panel serves as a means to lower the toll on the environment. With their latest technology, solar panels, you will know the capabilities of clean energy to their fullest. They want to make the generation of tomorrow have a brighter future.
- Location: 1355 NW Everett St Ste 100, Portland, OR 97209
- Contact Number: +1 (971) 801-2258
6. Sunbridge Solar
Sunbridge has been serving Oregon since 2010. They ensure that their customer is well-informed about their solar energy needs through their process. They provide the Oregon locals with the knowledge and supplies to achieve their solar energy goals.
- Location: 421 C Street, Unit 5A, Washougal, WA 98671
- Contact Number: +1 (855) 920-1231
7. Sunlight Solar Energy
Sunlight Solar will provide excellent services in whatever renewable energy needs you have. Whether you are a company, resident, or business, Sunlight Solar Energy can provide good service. In 2019 alone, they served around 714 customers.
- Location: 7935 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97215
- Contact Number: +1 (503) 305-5397
8. Imagine Energy
The Imagine Energy team has over fifty years of experience with solar energy. With their free consultation, you can check out the scope of their services for free. Whether you are a not-for-profit or a business, Imagine Energy will provide an excellent service.
- Location: 5506 SE International Way, Milwaukie, OR 97222
- Contact Number: 503-477-9585
9. Unity Solar
Unity Solar is one of the best choices for residential solar energy. They offer a hassle-free solar installation with their programs. The company’s site service and fast process are best for homeowners and small businesses.
- Address: 814 SE 46th Ave, Portland, OR 97215
- Contact Number: (360)559-8699
Things To Know When Installing Solar Panels in Oregon
Installing a solar panel system can be daunting if you lack information. To remove that trouble for you, here is the thing you need to know when installing solar panels in Oregon.
Local Climate
On average, Oregon has around 2300 hours of sunlight every year. The state rank pretty low with the sunlight it receives. Oregon stands at rank forty-one in the fifty different US states.
This can sound very low, but the state has used around 53.7 million MWh of electricity in 2020. As it stands, Oregon is an excellent place for solar energy installation. It also needs green energy as the state is known for its dense forest and diverse wildlife.
Peak Hours
Oregon has an average of four hours of peak sunlight. These peak hours can vary widely depending on the season and place. As Oregon is a pretty large state, peak hours differ from one place to place. Portland averages 3.9 peak sunlight hours while Burns can get 5.9 hours.
In summer, the state can average around 5.71 hours per day. On the other hand, winter can only provide up to 1.9 peak sunlight hours.
Solar Panel’s Direction and Angle
You should place your solar panel at a 46 degrees angle for the optimal angle. The direction should be facing south to maximize the solar energy you can harvest. You can also choose an adjustable solar panel to change the angle throughout the year.
Summary
Having a solar panel system is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. Oregon is a great candidate for a greener energy source. With its dense forest, you can help preserve wildlife by switching to renewable energy. The state also offers a significant amount of rebates, incentives, and tax credits.