Oregon solar panels: The complete guide in 2024
Data updated Jun 25, 2024
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 11.57 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Oregon, which will cost you about $21,622 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Oregon
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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- Overview
- Solar cost
- Incentives
- Electricity cost
- Companies
Going solar in Oregon
Oregon has fairly low electricity prices, so it's not an obvious fit for solar. But its commitment to renewable energy has translated to some solid solar incentives—especially if you're considered a low- or moderate-income household.
In Oregon, you'll have access to net metering, rebates for solar + battery systems, and, depending on where you live, some pretty lofty local incentives. These incentives help make solar worth it for many Oregonians.
Here's our guide to going solar in the Beaver State.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Oregon?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Oregon homeowner needs a 11.57 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $30,889 before incentives. Prices range from $26,256 to $35,522, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
After the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%, and Oregon has some local incentives as well, including the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program and the Solar Within Reach program. That's why over 14,000 Oregon homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 9.45 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront.
Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Allows you to retain ownership of your system, while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal: If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options – private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These generally provide the lowest savings and generate the most negative press about solar. If you choose this financing option, read the fine print: You can get trapped in them for longer than you'd like.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Oregon?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Oregon. Here are the major ones to know about:
Incentive | Average savings in Oregon | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $9,267 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program | Up to $5,000 for solar | If you install a battery with your solar panels, it lowers your solar panel cost by up to $5,000 and your battery cost by up to $2,500 |
Solar Within Reach | Up to $6,000 for solar | If you're income-eligible, it lowers your solar panel cost by up to $6,000 and your battery cost by up to $10,000 |
Local rebates | Up to $2,500 for solar | Depending on your utility company and where you live, additional rebates may lower your system's cost |
Is net metering available in Oregon?
In some states, you'll earn bill credits from your utility company when your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering—basically a solar buyback program—and makes it so you will owe very little, or even nothing, on your electric bills with solar panels.
As long as your system is under 25 kW, you can benefit from net metering in Oregon, though Idaho Power is trying to stop offering it. Check out the details on net metering in Oregon or see the specific programs below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
Each year, solar panels get more and more efficient—that is, they produce more power per square foot. As of 2024, the most popular solar panels can produce about 400 watts of electricity when they’re in full sunlight. If you want to make the most of your roof’s solar potential, get panels with at least that much power output.
You should also make sure to select a solar inverter setup that makes sense for your roof’s layout.
And if you want or need a solar battery, be sure to pick one that can integrate cleanly with that inverter.
Premium equipment can come with a high price tag, but it will often save you more money in the long run. The best equipment tends to have the best warranty terms, often guaranteed to 25 years (sometimes even 40!), so you’re covered in case you need repairs or replacements. The highest-quality panels also degrade more slowly, so they’ll maintain more of their power output further into the future.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Oregon?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Oregon:
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resources
Top solar resources for Oregon
- Oregon Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Community Solar farms in Oregon
Can't install solar on your roof? Check out local solar farms to save money.
- Oregon Department of Energy
Learn about federal funding for Oregon's clean energy programs.
- Oregon Public Utility Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in OR.
- Oregon Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about Oregon energy production and prices.
- OR State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in OR.
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