Guide to solar panels in Portland, OR (2025)
Updated August 19, 2020
Portland is an excellent place to go solar. You’re probably using Portland Gas and Electric (PGE) as your utility. PGE's net metering incentive helps make solar a great investment in Portland.
The most significant incentive to install solar panels in Portland is the 26% federal tax credit. However, the tax credit is set to step down to 22% at the end of 2020. This means in order to maximize your savings potential, the best time to go solar in Portland is now.
Another key incentive for going solar in Portland is the Energy Trust of Oregon's solar rebate, which helps cut downt he upfront costs of solar. By entering your address into our solar panel calculator, you can see what other local incentives are available in your area.
On this page:
Current cost of solar panels in Portland
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 6.3kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$16,289-$19,909
Payback period
10.5-12.9 years
Recommended size for the selected utility bill
6.3kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Portland solar panel cost & savings calculator
Current solar incentives and tax credits available in Portland, OR
Energy Trust of Oregon solar rebate
As customers of PGE, Portland residents are able to take advantage of the Energy Trust of Oregon's solar rebate. Through this program, homeowners will be able to recieve $0.30 per watt of solar they install, up to $2,400.
Oregon Solar + Storage rebate program
The Oregon Department of Energy (DOE) recently opened a new rebate program that will cut down the costs of installing solar even further. For Portland homeowners who also use the Energy Trust of Oregon's rebate, the DOE rebate is equal to $0.20 per watt installed, up to $5,000.
You can recieve an even larger rebate if you pair your solar panels with solar battery storage. You can read more about this program, and how much you qualify for here.
The 30% federal solar tax credit explained
The most significant incentive to install solar panels for homes and and businesses is the federal tax credit. Right now, the federal tax credit is equal to 30% of the total cost to install a solar system. The amount of the tax credit is then deducted from your federal taxes. You can claim the credit over several years if the amount you owe in taxes is less than the amount of your tax credit. You can only take advantage of the federal tax credit if you pay federal income taxes. At the end of 2032, the amount of the tax credit will fall to 26%. Even though there is no rush to get the maximum tax credit value, you don’t want to wait when it comes to a financial investment like installing solar. The best time to go solar is now.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking, the higher your power usage, the greater your potential savings are from installing solar.
The average monthly electricity usage in Oregon is about 907 kWh per month. However, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes small apartments and condos.
The Portland solar panel savings calculator uses our database of electric rates from local utilities to convert your monthly power bill into how much electricity your home uses. From there, the calculator can work out how many solar panels you need to offset your power usage, how much a solar system will cost based on prices of local solar companies, and the amount of money you will save on your electric bill.
Cost and savings for a 11.1 kW average-sized solar system in Portland
Cost per watt range
$2.39 - $2.92
Average payback
8.4 - 10.3 years
Annual power production
14,975 kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
6¢ /kWh
If you don't get solar
21¢ /kWh
(forecast avg Oregon electric rates over the next 25 years)
Average solar savings on this system over the next 25 years
$48,943
(Savings shown after repayments of capital)
Related topics:
Are solar panels worth it in Portland
Solar panels have fallen in price by more than 80% in the last ten years. In 2025 they also remain subsidized by the 30% federal tax credit and the net metering law making them an excellent investment. They offer a return well above the long term average return from both the share market and also property investment.
Another way to look at this question is the levelized amount you will pay for each kWh of power you will use over the next 25 years with and without solar panels. As you can see below the savings are significant.
Going solar in OR
Check out all of the ways energy providers of can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
Table 2: Available incentive programs
| Incentive name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program | State | Rebate Program |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
| Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
Table 2: Available incentive programs
|
Eligibility: Federal incentive
Type: Personal Tax Credit
|
|
Eligibility: State incentive
Type: Rebate Program
|
Note: Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
