Are Solar Panels Worth It in Oregon?

Oregon's notoriously rainy climate may not be the most suitable for solar panels, but you could still lower your energy bills with solar power.

Solar panels have become drastically cheaper in the last decade.

Solar panels may produce a small amount of Oregon's electricity right now, but that figure is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. Should your rooftop be part of that growth?

Oregon currently has enough solar capacity installed to power more than 170,000 homes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Solar provides less than 4% of the state's electricity generation, per data from the US Energy Information Administration.

The SEIA projects the state's solar power capacity will nearly triple in the next five years.

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Residents of the Beaver State pay some of the lowest electricity bills in the country. Oregon's residential energy rates are normally lower than the US average, based on data from the US Energy Information Administration. In 2022, the average residential energy rate in Oregon was 24% lower than in the rest of the country. Oregon is among the top 10 states with the lowest average electricity bills. Last year, the typical monthly energy bill in Oregon was $106, or $1,283 for the entire year of electricity, according to CNET's sister site SaveOnEnergy.

Many Americans have experienced a sharp increase in electricity bills in recent years. On average, energy prices nationwide have gone up by 15% since 2020. But Oregon's energy rates tell a different story, only increasing by 2% in the last two years.

Can solar panels save you money?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

While electricity rates in Oregon haven't experienced the same increase as many other states, the cost of solar panels has decreased in the last 10 years. According to SEIA, solar prices in Oregon have fallen by 52% in the last decade, leading to a rise in residential solar installations. There are tax credits and incentives to help lower the cost of solar even more.

If you live in Oregon and are considering solar panels as a way to cut energy costs, it's important to consider whether the investment in a solar panel system will pay off in the long run. Here's what you should know.

Here's a look at the average cash price for a 5-kilowatt system before factoring in tax credits incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. But your system might become more expensive if you choose to include Solar Batteries or additional equipment in your purchase.

The average installed cost of a solar panel system is higher in Oregon because the average system size and price per watt are higher than the US average. However, there are several financing options available to make the purchase easier. Some residents are able to purchase solar panels outright, while others finance them with a solar loan. Solar leases and power purchase agreements are also available in Oregon, although you won't own your system or qualify for tax incentives with these options.

Here are some of the ways to pay.

Cash: If you have the money to pay upfront, this saves on financing costs and interest. If solar panels are in your long-term plans but not your short-term plans, consider saving up for them with a high-yield savings account.

Solar loans: These financing options are offered by installers, solar companies or their partner financial institutions. Get a few different offers and shop around to make sure you're getting a good deal.

Home equity: Many people pay for large home improvements with home equity loans or lines of credit, aka HELOCs. These loans are secured by your home equity, which means they often have lower rates and longer terms. Be advised: If you fail to repay, the lender can foreclose on your home.

Personal loan: Unlike a home equity loan, a personal loan generally isn't secured by property. They often come with higher rates and shorter terms than other types of loans, but are generally available relatively quickly from lenders.

Lease or power purchase agreement: With these two arrangements, you won't actually own the solar panels, a solar company will. You'll either rent the panels, through a lease, or buy energy from the solar company, in a power purchase agreement. Both save you the upfront cost, but your savings will be lower over time.

Depending where you live in Oregon, you may get more or less sun.

The cost of solar panels has decreased in recent years, but it's still a significant investment, especially if you decide to purchase your system. There are a variety of tax credits and incentives at the federal, state and local levels to make solar more affordable in Oregon.

For starters, every resident who purchases solar panels will qualify for the federal residential clean energy credit. This solar incentive offers 30% of the cost of a solar system to consumers in the form of credit when they file their federal tax return. This tax credit was increased and extended when the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022.

There's no cap on how much you can claim with the residential clean energy credit and you can combine it with other solar incentives. To apply for the federal solar tax credit, fill out IRS form 5695 (PDF), following the instructions provided by the IRS. Once your application's approved, you'll receive your 30% savings in credit when you file your tax return.

Oregonians may qualify for a wide range of state and local solar incentives and rebates. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency offers an extensive list of available incentives. Here are a few you should know about:

More than 140 solar companies operate in Oregon, according to the SEIA, many of them offering installation services. Finding the right solar installer for your home is important because installers provide different levels of service, warranties and products.

Based on our research, we've created a list of solar panel installers we think are worth considering. Here are just a few of the solar installers operating in Oregon.

Smart Solar Energy is a local solar installer operating across Oregon, Washington and parts of Idaho. Founded in 2020, Smart Solar Energy offers solar panel systems for residential and commercial projects. This installer will provide a free solar audit of your home.

Smart Solar Energy offers strong warranty terms. If you purchase solar panels through Smart Solar Energy, you receive a 25-year service and labor warranty, a 25-year production guarantee and a 25-year factory warranty on solar panels and inverters. Smart Solar Energy also provides 15 years of support, which includes helping you apply for solar incentives in your area.

Sunlight Solar has been around more than 30 years and serves regions of Oregon, Colorado, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Sunlight Solar offers solar products for residential and commercial customers, as well as solar for RVs, electric vehicle charging options and battery storage. If you choose this installer, you have the option of installing rooftop solar or ground-mounted solar panels.

Sunlight Solar offers virtual or in-person site assessments, during which one of its designers determines what type of solar system will be most compatible with your home and energy goals. You can purchase solar panels upfront or finance them through Sunlight Solar. Its warranty terms are competitive with industry standards, including a 10-year quality-of-work warranty, a five-year production guarantee and 25-year warranties on panels, inverters and optimizers.

Founded in 1985, SunPower Solar stands apart from competitors because it offers the most efficient residential solar panel in the industry. SunPower's solar panels have an efficiency rating of up to 22.8%, which set a world record for efficiency.

The SunPower Equinox system includes solar panels, built-in microinverters and mounting hardware. SunPower guarantees 92% production capacity for 25 years and offers 25-year warranties on materials and quality of work. These warranty terms are among the most competitive in the industry.

Contrary to popular belief, the sun does shine in Oregon, even on the coast.

If you're considering solar panels, Tesla might have been one of the first installers to come to mind. Tesla provides two primary solar options: traditional solar panels and the Tesla Solar Roof. The cost, specifications and warranties differ depending on which solar option you choose.

Tesla's solar panels are similar to the traditional PV modules you'll find with other installers. Tesla solar panels have an efficiency range between 19.3% and 20.6% and are relatively affordable compared to the Solar Roof. Tesla guarantees its solar panels at 85% capacity after 25 years.

The Tesla Solar Roof is the more expensive option, but it offers a modern design. With the Solar Roof, Tesla replaces your roof with shingles that generate solar power. The Tesla Solar Roof is warrantied at 95% capacity after five years and 85% after 25 years.

Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.

Solar panels are a substantial investment, even as prices have dropped in recent years. Before signing a contract with an installer, you should consider whether solar panels are right for your home. Here are some of the most important factors to think about:

Are you allowed to install solar panels? In some states, homeowners' associations and neighborhoods can ban or restrict solar panels. However, Oregon has a solar rights law, which guarantees an HOA resident's right to install solar panels. There may be approval processes or specific requirements in your area, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Do you live in a prime location for solar? Solar panels can work in warm and cold climates and can also generate power in indirect sunlight. However, they'll produce much more electricity when they receive at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. The more power your panels generate, the less electricity you'll have to pull from the grid. Oregon tends to get more rain and less sun per year than the US average. While solar panels can still generate power when it's cloudy, they probably won't save you as much on bills in Oregon as they would in an especially sunny state like Florida.

Is your roof right for solar? The size, shape and even the slope of your roof affects how much power solar panels can produce. According to the US Department of Energy, roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees will work best with solar panels. You may also need to perform maintenance or repair your roof before installing solar panels. Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, so you'll need to make sure your roof is in the right condition to handle having the panels installed on it.

Will your insurance cover solar panels? Most homeowner's policies cover rooftop solar panels, so you may be able to update your current policy so it covers your panels. You can check with your homeowner's insurance agency before or after installation day to learn about your policy's specific details.

Do you rent your home? Rooftop solar panels might not be an option if you rent your home or live in an apartment. You can check with your landlord or property manager for details specific to your home. If solar panels aren't allowed, you can look into community solar options in your area. Community solar lets you pay a subscription for solar energy produced at another location. In exchange, you receive a credit on your energy bills. The subscription fee you pay is lower than the credit you receive, so you come out ahead financially. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible to participate in the Oregon Community Solar Program.

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The answer depends on a number of factors, including how much energy you use each month, whether your home is a good candidate for solar and your eligibility for solar incentives. The biggest drawback for solar panels in Oregon is the state's cloud coverage. Because Oregon tends to get a lot of rain, solar panels might not generate enough electricity to fully power your home. The average solar panel price per watt in Oregon is also higher than the national average, so you might end up paying more for a solar system in Oregon than you would in other states. However, an installed solar panel system could help you significantly lower your electricity bills, especially after the payback period.

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Oregon's energy mix is relatively diverse compared to other states. Based on data from the EIA, over 50% of Oregon's energy generation came from hydroelectric sources in 2022, while another 32% came from natural gas. Wind and solar also contribute to the state's electricity production. Solar is currently the smallest contributor, generating almost 4% of the state's energy mix. If solar capacity grows as SEIA expects it will, that percentage will increase in the next five years.

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As the number of available solar installers grows, it can be tricky to narrow down your options. When researching potential solar companies, we recommend comparing multiple quotes from different installers so you find the best price. However, cost isn't the only factor you should consider. Be sure to also compare warranty terms, ask about the manufacturers each installer works with and read customer reviews. You can check CNET's choices for top solar companies as a starting point.

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Living Off the Grid Series

Updated on Apr 25, 2023

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