Portland is the largest city in Oregon. Today, more than 28, 000 homeowners are switching to solar panels. Aside from the low-energy costs, they are environmental-friendly. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a solar panel while in the city, learn more about the solar panel in Portland, OR.
Local solar system installation costs
The average cost of solar panels in Portland, Oregon, is $2.84 per watt. Therefore, a solar panel system size of 5kW costs $13,662. But if 30% of the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is applied, you can buy it for $9,563 On the other hand, its installation cost is about $11, 752 to $15, 548.
Here is the price of each solar panel system size in Portland, Oregon:
| Solar Panel System Size (kW) | Average Cost without ITC | Average Cost with ITC |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $8,197 | $5,738 |
| 4 | $10,930 | $7,651 |
| 5 | $13,662 | $9,563 |
| 6 | $16,394 | $11,476 |
| 7 | $19,127 | $13,389 |
| 8 | $21,859 | $15,301 |
| 9 | $24,592 | $17,214 |
| 10 | $27,324 | $19,127 |
Before you get the payback for your solar panel, it will take about 10 to 13 years. The incentives offered by the state can help speed up the payback schedule. These incentives are rewards for going green and helping preserve the planet.
A solar panel has a high upfront cost, but it can help you save for the long term. Compare the price of owning a solar panel versus buying electricity to know how much you can save. Using solar panels in Portland for almost 20 years, you can save up to $16, 940 to $21, 014.
There are three ways you can finance a solar panel: cash, loans, and lease. Paying in cash protects you from increasing utility costs, inflation, and interest. Its downside is the costly upfront cost that is not feasible for some homeowners.
A loan is also an option for those who cannot afford to pay the solar panel in cash. You can borrow money for the system and its installation through a solar loan. Different types of solar loans are in-house financing and home equity loans.
You can also lease a solar panel wherein you buy the electricity it produces. The disadvantage is that the ownership remains on the solar company.
Incentives, Tax Credits, and Rebates for Local Solar Panels
If you live in Oregon, you can avail of the rebates that will lessen the cost of installing the solar panels. The state offers an incentive rebate program for PGE and Pacific Power customers. For PGE customers, you will get a $1, 200 upfront rebate. If you are a customer of Pacific Power, you will be offered a $900 upfront rebate.
Eugene Water and Electric Board and Salem Electric are companies that offer rebates. In Eugene, they offer to pay $0.40/W to homeowners using solar panels. The maximum rebates amount to $2, 500. On the other hand, Salem customers can enjoy a rebate that amounts to $300 per kW or reach up to 50% of the project cost.
If you are an ineligible customer of either of the two companies, ensure that you have your system. Plus, you are required to work with a legitimate Energy Trust solar trade ally contractor.
With Oregon’s net metering, you can keep the extra electricity generated by the solar panel. If you need additional electricity, you have to draw from the excess electricity you keep. This is useful since you can save a lot of money.
To help homeowners, Congress passed the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) extension, also known as the federal solar tax credit. Through this, the cost of solar energy systems can be credited by 30 percent on your federal tax bill. This 30 percent tax credit will be available until 2033.
If you have bought your solar panel from ITC, you are qualified to avail of the federal solar incentives. Some of the expenses included are solar panels, systems equipment, and labor and costs.
Homeowners who have storage or batteries in their solar systems can enjoy a rebate. It is under the state’s Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program. But it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The maximum rebate that one can receive reaches up to $5, 000. Take note that a stand-alone storage system is not eligible for the program. Plus, a rebate reservation is needed first.
Top 7 Local Solar Companies
1. Blue Raven Solar
Without the hassle of outsourcing, Blue Raven Solar can install the solar panel in only one to two months. They take care from designing to the paperwork. The solar company has modern solar panels.
- Address: 5319 SW Westgate Dr # 162, Portland, OR 97221
- Phone Number: +1 800-377-4480
2. Elemental Energy
Elemental Energy provides the energy needs of residential and commercial buildings. The person that conducts the site assessment is the same person who will help you until the process ends.
- Address: 1339 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
- Phone Number: +1 503- 967 -5786
3. Power Northwest
If you want better technology than string inverters, the Power Northwest can help you. This solar company offers shaded applications and real-time monitoring. Services they offer are residential solar and commercial solar.
- Address: 1355 NW Everett St Suite 100, Portland, OR 97209
- Phone Number: +1 971- 801 -2258
4. Premier Solar NW
Since 2011, Premium Solar NW has provided efficient solar panels. The solar company also offers incentives. They lessen the costs of the system and installation. In addition, their customers can enjoy Federal Tax Credit and Net Metering.
- Address: 12399 NW Waker Dr, Portland, OR 97229
- Phone Number: +1 503-828-9500
5. Solar Energy Solutions
Solar Energy Solution has a solar heating and cooling installer license. In fact, it is the first solar company in the city to get the license. It offers photovoltaics, solar pool heating, and solar hot water installation.
- Address: 3730 SE Lafayette Ct, Portland, OR 97202
- Phone Number: +1 503-238-4502
6. Solopower Systems Inc.
For ultra-lightweight CIGS photovoltaic products, you can trust Solopower Systems Inc. Since 2010, it has been shipping LPV modules with UL and IEC certifications. You also won’t need typical rack mounting systems.
- Address: 6308 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97203
- Phone Number: +1 503-388-3710
7. Purelight Power of Portland
The Purelight Power of Portland offers a consultation. It will help you decide if installing solar panels is a good choice. The company also provides a design and savings report, permitting, and installation.
- Address: 422 NW 8th Ave Ste A, Portland, OR 97209, United States
- Phone Number: +19712902191
What to Look for When Installing Solar Panels in Portland, OR
For the best performance, there are factors that you must take into consideration. Climates and sunlight’s peak hours vary for every city and state. It is crucial to understand what you should look for when installing solar panels in Portland, OR.
The first thing that you must consider is the local climate. The climate in Portland is oceanic with Mediterranean influences. You can expect a mild winter and frequent rainfall in the city. Unfortunately, it also has warm to hot summers. There is an ample supply of sunlight, but keep in mind that while high temperatures can reduce solar panel efficiency, they do not necessarily harm their durability.
Monocrystalline panels work best for hot weather due to their efficiency in converting sunlight to power. When compared to polycrystalline panels, monocrystalline panels indeed have higher efficiency. The former boasts about 20% efficiency while the latter has roughly 16% efficiency.
Another factor that you must consider is the peak hours. When it is summer, the temperature in the city reaches up to 27 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect temperature for the solar panels to operate. A fixed solar panel can get up to 4 hours of peak sun hours per day. Although it has low peak hours, your solar system can get more power by using a 2-axis tracking mount.
A 2-axis tracking mount can receive the maximum solar energy. As a result, it can move in two different directions, redirecting the sunlight. It can follow the sun both horizontally and vertically.
When it comes to the solar panel’s direction and angle, the ideal angle is approximately equal to the latitude of the location. For Portland, this is close to 45 degrees. If you want to position the solar panel at the best angle, it will depend on your location. If located in the northern hemisphere, the solar panels are typically oriented toward the south for maximum efficiency. If located in the southern hemisphere, the solar panels are generally oriented toward the north.
It is not a problem if you are unsure about the direction of your roof. Some solar companies provide solar analysis since the roofs of the houses vary. They provide consultations to help you choose a suitable solar panel.
Conclusion
Because of the benefits, many homeowners in Portland are converting to these systems. With the city’s climate and peak hours, a solar panel in Portland, OR, is a great idea. But to enjoy its best performance, there are a few factors you must consider. Choosing the best solar company helps.