How Large Of A Solar Panel System Do I Need In Portland
This will largely depend on your current energy usage and what you are currently paying for your home or business energy usage. Just look at your bill from your utility company to see your average monthly energy usage and this will help you understand the system size of the solar energy system that you need.
Solar Power In Oregon
Oregon was one of the earliest adopters of solar power in the country. And despite the states reputation for gloomy weather, it ranks among the top half of states for solar energy generation, and its only expected to grow over the coming years. If you live in Oregon, you could save money on energy by investing in solar energy, and can help the environment by reducing your homes carbon footprint. Are you wondering if solar power is right for your home? Keep reading to learn the costs and benefits of solar power in Oregon and whether its right for you.
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Oregon Solar Panel Cost
The average residential solar panel costs between $3 and $5 per watt, with a 5-kW system costing between $15,000 and $25,000. The cost of your solar panel system in Oregon depends on many factors, including the size and configuration of your system, the components included, the local labor and permitting costs. Keep in mind that tax credits and other financial incentives can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Between these financial incentives and your energy savings, you can expect to break even on your solar panels within about 6-9 years.
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The Cost Of Home Solar Has Gone Down
A decade ago, the cost of a solar system for an average home was about $50,000.
Now a five-kilowatt solar system costs between $8,000 and $16,000 depending on the type of equipment and efficiency.
Oregon has an aggressive stance requiring half of all power coming from renewable sources like solar by 2040, but state rules make it difficult for large-scale solar projects in the Willamette Valley.
The greatest area that needs electricity, however, is in the Willamette Valley and the greatest available space to put solar panels is on the roofs of existing buildings as they take up no additional space.
No Savings Using Solar In Portland Oregon
Tags:russView PostFedupwithsolarView PostThe other half are on the East facing side. On the east side I also have a Flat roof and this is where part of the panels were to be mounted, with the rest on the west. When the sun is shining in the afternoon the west panels are in the sunlight and the east are in the shade. How can I be making full power with half of the panels in the shade???By the way I started the process of installing the system 03/01/11 and it wasn’t turned on until 10/15/11, during this time I was told that they couldn’t install the panels on the East side because of the lack of afternoon sun on them. Well they told me that because of Structural issues they couldn’t put the panels on the flat roof. So they said that they put them on the East roof, and somehow came up with an extra 8% of output doing this. Go figure, really 8% more?So where this is all going is, I’m paying more now for power then I did before the panels were installed. Ian SView Post#9peakbaggerView PostFedupwithsolarView Post
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Oregon Solar Incentives Or Rebates
While solar panels can be expensive, the federal government and many state and local governments offer financial incentives to reduce your cost burden and encourage investment in solar panels.
The federal government offers a 26% solar tax credit when you purchase solar equipment for your home. This tax credit can save you thousands of dollars on your solar panel purchase, by letting you claim the credit on your taxes. The credit will be reduced to 22% in 2023 and will disappear in 2024 if it is not renewed.
In addition to the federal tax credit, Oregon residents can take advantage of financial incentives offered by the state. Previously, Oregon offered a tax credit of up to $6,000 for homeowners who installed solar panels. This tax credit expired in 2017. That being said, residents can still save with Oregons solar electric incentive program, as well as rebate programs that several local governments offer. Oregon also offers a net metering program which allows residents to sell their excess energy to the grid to bank it and draw from it later.
The Number Of Individual Arrays
The number of individual arrays affects various cost impacts such as time to install and required materials. A single square array of panels in a 4×5 layout can be mounted on a roof in an afternoon by installers. Those same panels can take up to three days to install if theyre broken up in sections of 2-4 panels. Also, by breaking panels up, youre unable to share rail and utilize continuous wire runs, requiring additional materials and junction boxes.
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Portrait Vs Landscape Orientation
Portrait vs. landscape orientation is a big factor in material and labor costs. Mounting a panel in portrait orientation saves money on rail, wiring, and is easier to install. Mounting panels in landscape orientation uses more wiring to connect from panel to panel, and more rail to support the long side of the panel. The more rail that you have, the more standoffs that are required. The more standoffs, the more roof penetrations, the more flashing, and the more time it takes to install. Dive into the details of our article on Racking.
Best Solar Companies In Portland
If you’re a homeowner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Portland, it can be hard to narrow down which company to go with. But, the process is worth it since adopting solar energy is often a fantastic choice. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Portland, giving homeowners access to some of the best solar companies in the country.
If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Portland and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and compiled a list of the best solar companies for you. Want to know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click “get quote” below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Portland solar installer.
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Federal And State Solar Incentives In Oregon
Governments at various levels are doing their best to provide people with incentives to switch to solar energy. For instance, the ITC, or investment tax credit, also known as the federal solar tax credit, currently sits at 26%.
That 26% can be subtracted from the initial cost of the solar system. In other words, you can save just for installing a solar array, to begin with. So what do the solar costs in Oregon look like after this federal rebate is factored into the equation?
- 4kW $8,660
Remember, most people install 5-kilowatt systems in Oregon, which will cost an average of $9,360.
Commercial Solar Panel Installation Company In Oregon
Whether you have a composition roof, metal roof, or something in between, we can install it on most structures. As an experienced commercial solar panel installation company in the Willamette Valley, were adaptable to a variety of building types, slopes, and properties. We work with you to develop a solution that meets your businesss needs.
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Request Your Free Solar Energy Audit Today
Weve operated in the Salem solar market long enough to have served thousands of homeowners and business owners as theyve made the wonderful decision to go solar. Selecting an ideal solar company is crucial. We recognize how challenging it can be to choose the right solar dealer and want to prove to you that we are a trustworthy solar company that will provide first-class service, equipment, and installation. Thats why we provide Free Residential Solar Energy Audits and Free Commercial Solar Energy Audits. We intend to supply you with every detail you need to make educated decisions about your solar power needs. Youd demand a test drive before you decided to buy a Tesla vehicle. Why should selecting a solar dealer in Salem be any different?
Factors That Affect Solar Panel Costs In Portland
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Portland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
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What Is The Solar Panel Installation Process
We offer intricate installation and activation services in Portland, TN. Our high-quality services include processes like:
| Steps | Why We Do it | |
|---|---|---|
| Site assessment and analysis | Our team of contractors will go on-site and determine the state and analyze the course of action. We will prune unnecessary obstacles to ensure proper access to sunlight. | This step helps us understand the situation better and determine the unique attributes of your building to defuse the hindrance. |
| Permits and documents | After determining the design and actionable course, we will submit the draft to your local government. Our team knows the permitting process. | It ensures that the regional verification and regulations are met, and your permit is authentic and legal. |
| Installation process | Our contractors will start the work after getting acknowledgment and freeing obstacles. We will install wiring, mount the equipment and place the solar panels facing direct sunlight. | We utilize intricate and sophisticated installation processes to ensure the proper efficiency of your solar panels and the longevity of the structure. |
After completing our work, a government representative will inspect the installation. In some cases, they might install a meter that feeds the excess power into the electrical grid.
After you have gotten the green light and all our efforts have been approved, you activate your solar panels by flipping a switch.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar Panels In Oregon
The average cost to install a solar panel system in Oregon is $24,700 before the federal tax credit or $18,278 after. These figures are based on the average cost per watt in the area $2.60 and the fact that a 9.5-kW system is usually needed to offset the relatively high energy consumption in OR.
With that being said, every system will vary in size and cost, so your best option is to get a customized quote from a reputable solar installer in your area.
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Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value In Oregon
Yes, absolutely, solar boosts property value in Oregon! In fact, the bump in value you can expect from going solar is one of the more significant benefits of converting.
Based on data from Zillow, a solar panel system will increase your property value by an average of 4.1%. Given the average home price in Oregon of $492,101, that comes out to an average value increase of $20,176! This benefit alone entirely makes up for the average cost of going solar after the federal tax credit in OR.
Its crucial to understand that only buying your panels outright or financing them will provide this benefit. Solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements will not bump up your home value.
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Are Solar Panels Worth It If Youre Not In The Sunny Southwest
Solar loves the sun, but you dont have to live in the sunny Southwest to achieve solar savings! In fact, solar systems can sometimes cost more in these areas because you need a larger system to cover your electricity needs due to air conditioning. Certain climates, even though they can be less sunny than others, are better suited for solar. Many factors go into whether solar is a good fit or not sunshine is just one of them! Some of the states with the most installed solar in the country are in the Northeast even though theyre more famous for their cold snowy winters than their sunny summer days! These areas often have higher electricity costs and better local incentives than other states, leading to greater savings down the line.
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The Cost And Benefits Of Solar In Portland
For lots of homeowners, whether or not to invest in a solar energy system depends the most on the cost. Some important things that impact the cost and possible savings include:
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it’ll cost.
- Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce, or completely eliminate, your utility bills. In Portland, you can save an average of $90 a month.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, and your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can generate.
- How much energy your home consumes: Homes that need a lot of energy each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, be more expensive, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electricity costs, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Portland homeowners.
Clouds Are Bad But Not A Deal
On cloudy days, energy generated may be less, but even thick cloud cover doesnt mean youre relying solely on the public grid. Cities like Portland dont produce as much solar power, but its still plenty to make solar a financially and environmentally viable solution because of the long summer days.
Those long Oregon sunny summers often generate more energy than you need, and under the right conditions, it can potentially cover costs for the entire winter season.Solar irradiation occurs even with thick cloud cover, heavy storms, and when the moon is full.
Rain can be helpful by cleaning dust and debris from the panel surface. While snowfall does affect their ability to produce energy, they are still effective when there is an inch or less of snow accumulated.
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Installing Solar Panels In Portland Or
Here in Oregon, you can cut the cost of installing solar by as much as 50%
Over the last 10 years, solar has surged as Oregons fastest growing source of electricity. Were now producing enough solar energy in Oregon to power about 170,000 homes. If youre ready to join the movement and start powering your home with solar energy, give us a call at .
Determine How Many Panels You Need
Once you know your kWh numbers, youll be able to better tell how many panels youll need to replace your current electric use with solar energy. PVWatts has a simple calculator that uses your address to help you determine sunlight, angle, and amount of energy solar panels on your home should be able to generate on a yearly basis.
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How Much Do Solar Panels Save In Portland
Solar panels are prone to fluctuations because their workability depends on:
- Amount of direct sunlight received
- The size of the solar panels
- The angle at which the panels were installed
- The rate of electricity in your locality
These factors will determine the effectiveness of the solar panel’s cost savings. As mentioned earlier, your energy bill can reflect a lot of information related to solar energy.
On average, an American household will spend $1,500 every year on standard electricity costs. Even though installing a solar panel in Portland will cost thrice of that amount, the long-term cost will be less. Moreover, solar energy can feed all your requirements and have 100% effectiveness.
It translates to a potential savings of $100 per month. Consequently, if your energy bill is close to that average cost, the solar panels will bring in ROI in less than ten years.
Even with the fluctuations in utility rates, solar power generation will not be affected.
You will have access to singular electricity from solar panels without contributing to fossil fuel consumption. In addition, if you maintain your solar panels, they can last for up to 25 years, bringing in ROI tenfold!
You get free energy for 15 years without impacting the environment or paying for it every month.
The Pitch Of Your Roof
The pitch of your roof determines how fast or how slow the solar installers can move about. A 9/12 roof pitch can take twice as long to install as compared to a 4/12 pitch. The pitch can also affect solar production. A 35-degree pitch is an ideal angle for solar collection based on the latitude of Portland, OR. Any deviance off that ideal angle slightly reduces your systems production.
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Intro To Solar Costs In Portland
Oregon is one of the best states in the country for investing in solar energy systems. With our long summer days, beneficial net-metering programs, and the State and Federal incentives available, Oregon truly is a fantastic market for solar power. The Energy Trust of Oregon is committed to renewable energy, which translates into high quality, low-cost systems that provide a great return on investment for Homeowners.
Residential solar energy systems in Portland range from about $10,000 to $50,000 before incentives. However, the exact price depends primarily on 7 factors.
