Rose City blossoms with help from solar energy

The state of solar in Portland

Unlike other cities known for solar production, Portland, OR, only has an average of 144 sunny days a year, far below the national average.^*Bestplaces.net, Climate in Portland, Oregon (accessed 8/29/2021) However, Portland’s residents and their local government are avidly embracing clean solar energy.

How much solar energy does Portland produce?

Portland ranks 23rd in the nation for solar PV capacity, at 57.9 watts of power per person. The Rose City comes in 21st in the U.S. for total solar installations, at 37.83 megawatts (a megawatt, or MW, is one million watts). Moreover, 83% of the buildings in Portland are solar-viable, with the potential to generate 3,000 MW.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018)

What are the advantages of going solar in Portland?

Going solar in Portland comes with several economic and environmental benefits. Economically, solar system owners will reduce or eliminate their dependence on the local electrical grid by generating their own power.

In Portland, a single-kilowatt (kW) installed system will produce about 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts of power. A measure of energy output, a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a kilowatt producing energy for one hour. The average U.S. household uses just over 900 kWh per month.^*Energy Sage, What is a Kilowatt Hour? (Accessed Sept. 10, 2021)

A standard residential solar system will has a 6.5-year average payback period—the time it takes to completely pay off your solar power system through savings on your electric bill. And it will provide up to 80% of the residential electrical output after three decades.^*Solar Oregon, Benefits of Solar Energy (accessed 8/29/2021)

Environmentally, it makes great sense to go solar because solar PV panels are carbon-free when they’re producing electricity, meaning they emit no air pollution, such as greenhouse gases.

How much does solar cost in Portland?

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

• Condition and size of the roof

• Home’s energy needs

• Quality of the solar panels

• Solar installation company

• Local weather

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.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020

In Portland, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kilowatt solar system—the system an average home can accommodate—ranges from $12,700 to $14,000. Or, in other words, it will cost from $2.54 to $2.80 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The state of Oregon makes it simple for Portland residents to save on new solar PV systems through the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program. A Approved contractors can apply for a rebate and pass the savings on to customers.

Under the program, residential customers can receive a solar storage rebate of up to $2,500 and save up to 40% on the cost of the storage system, while low- and moderate-income families can save up to 60%.^*Ossia.org, Solar+Storage Rebate for Consumers (updated 6/28/2021) https://www.orssia.org/rebate/consumer

Portland property owners can also participate in Oregon’s net metering program. Under net metering, you can sell your surplus solar energy to the local electrical grid for credit on your electricity bills. Solar owners with systems under 25 kW on residential properties are eligible for the program. Please contact your local utility to find out rates and details.

Portland residents can also take advantage of the federal solar Investment Tax Credit. As a new solar system owner, you can claim a 26% credit toward the cost of the system on your federal income taxes.

Please note that tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Similarly, the availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

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

Many factors go into selecting the appropriate type, style, size, and number of solar panels for your home. A solar system that works for other properties in your Portland neighborhood may not work for yours.

You’ll have to consider factors such as your home’s energy needs as well as its exterior aesthetic and design. You’ll also have to think about storage solutions for excess energy. And, of course, your budget will be a factor.

With so much to consider, it’s best to consult with an experienced solar provider. These experts take the guesswork out of going solar and simplify the process for you.

Before meeting with a solar installer, use a savings calculator to quickly build a custom solar system design for your home. This virtual design will help you estimate how much money you’ll save on electric bills and the amount of power your system will produce.

Get started now. Request your consultation with SunPower. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.