Oregon

Oregon goes solar with SunPower®

Home solar energy is on a roll in Oregon

The state of solar in Oregon

While few would associate Oregon with solar power, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) currently ranks the state as 19th in solar power production across the country.* The progressively green state enjoys roughly 175 sunny days per year,* powering the 24,418 solar systems currently installed on homes, businesses, and solar farms.*

How much energy does Oregon produce?

Oregon currently produces 1,122.6 MW of solar energy each year, enough to power more than 144,000 homes throughout the state.* While the state already boasts an impressive solar capacity, Google’s Project Sunroof offers an encouraging look at the future of solar in Oregon.

The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is requiring its electric utilities to use renewable energy to meet at least 50% of their load by 2040. Oregon currently features roughly 773,000 solar-viable rooftops, or about 86% of all buildings. Oregon could produce 15,400 MW annually at full capacity, resulting in enough clean power for more than 2 million homes statewide.*

Oregon has initiated a series of Community Solar collectives for customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. This initiative enables residents unable to host their own solar system, such as renters and lower-income residents, to benefit from new solar energy projects.*

What are the advantages of going solar in Oregon?

The cost of getting solar panels for homes in Oregon has dropped considerably in the last five years, making it easier than ever to transition your home or business to solar power. However, you can count on more than financial benefits when you install a home solar system.

When you transition to solar in Oregon, you can expect to recover your installation costs in as few as ten years. In addition, you can net a lifetime savings of more than $20,000 following installation, thanks to reduced energy bills. Environmentally, a solar system may reduce your carbon footprint by as much as 80% as it minimizes your CO2 emissions.*

How much does solar cost in Oregon?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

  • Roof materials

  • The angle of the roof

  • Quality of the solar panels

  • Quality of the solar system

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Oregon, we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,700 to $18,500, or in other words, from $2.54 to $3.71 per watt, and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Similar to the rest of the country, the average cost of solar panels for an Oregon home has decreased by 43% over the last five years. Still, solar energy projects vary widely and may include large-scale ventures like comprehensive installations and power farms as well as small consumer installations for individual homes.

Oregon residents can benefit from a number of solar incentive programs: Most notably, homeowners who purchase their system can take advantage of a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit.*

You may also qualify for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program for both solar electric systems (up to $5000) and energy storage systems (up to $2500). Rebates for homeowners are up to 40% of the net cost, with higher amounts (up to 60%) for low- or moderate-income customers.

Cash incentives up to $0.25 per watt of solar power generated are also available through the Energy Trust of Oregon, with a $2000 limit for PGE customers and less for Pacific Power customers.*

Oregon’s net metering program encourages all customers of participating utilities, such as PGE or Pacific Power, to generate solar power to offset their electric bill. Those who generate surplus power earn credits that can be applied toward future utility bills during less-sunny months.*

Oregon requires its large investor-owned electric utilities to offer green power programs to residential customers and small businesses. These programs, such as Blue Sky* and Green Future Impact,* let homeowners locally source renewable energy.

What’s the best way to go solar in Oregon?

Transitioning to solar power is one of the most beneficial decisions you can make as a homeowner or business owner. That said, remember that not all solar systems are created equally. The quality, appearance, and durability of your system may vary based on the solar contractor you choose.

Further, the size of your system and the number of panels you will need depend on your budget, available roof space, and your energy needs. For example, if you plan to generate extra power to store onsite or sell back to your utility provider for net metering credits, you may opt for a larger initial investment of a comprehensive system.

On the other hand, if you prefer to minimize upfront costs or preserve the aesthetics of your home, high-efficiency solar panels can also help maximize production with fewer panels.

Additionally, you can opt for panels designed to withstand various types of weather events. Solar contractors in Oregon should be aware of earthquake safety standards for materials and installation.

Get started now by requesting a free home solar consultation below. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.

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