Portland · OR
Solar Companies in
Portland, OR
Portland homeowners pay $14,500–$21,500 for a typical 8 kW solar system in 2026. The federal 30% residential tax credit expired December 31, 2025; Oregon's property tax and sales tax exemptions remain active. At Portland General Electric (PGE)'s rate of $0.152/kWh, most systems pay back in 12–17 years.
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3.9 hrs/day
Peak Sun Hours
$1,180/yr
Avg. Annual Savings
12–17 yrs
Payback Period
$14,500–$21,500
Avg. System Cost
2026 update: The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners purchasing systems in 2026 cannot claim it. Solar leases and PPAs are the exception — the installer can still claim commercial credits and pass savings through in the monthly rate. Full 2026 ITC guide →
About Solar in Portland
Why Portland Homeowners Are Going Solar in 2026
Portland has lower sun hours than Sun Belt markets (3.9/day), but PGE's rising rates and Oregon's strong incentive stack — state tax credit, Energy Trust rebate, and full retail-rate net metering — make solar viable. Systems are sized larger to compensate for lower irradiance.
Key solar facts for Portland
- 3.9 peak sun hours per day
- Portland General Electric (PGE) average rate: $0.152/kWh
- Average monthly bill: $132
- Popular system size: 8 kW
- Permit timeline: Portland solar permits typically take 3–5 weeks through the Bureau of Development Services. Surrounding jurisdictions (Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham) are typically faster at 2–3 weeks. HOA approval (if applicable) can add 2–6 weeks.
Active Incentives
Portland Solar Incentives in 2026
Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) — 2026 Update
State CreditOregon's RETC program provides a state income tax credit for residential solar installations. The credit amount and availability vary by year — check the Oregon Department of Energy for current 2026 program status and credit amounts before installation.
Value: State income tax credit (amount varies — verify current status)
Oregon Net Metering
Net MeteringPortland General Electric credits excess solar generation at the retail rate under Oregon net metering law. Residential systems up to 25 kW qualify. Annual true-up: unused credits roll forward but do not pay out as cash.
Value: Retail rate credit
Oregon Property Tax Exemption
Property TaxSolar installations are exempt from Oregon property tax assessments. Adding panels does not increase your annual property tax bill.
Value: 100% exemption on added value
Energy Trust of Oregon Rebate
RebateEnergy Trust of Oregon offers cash rebates for residential solar installations for PGE customers. Rebate amounts vary by system size and program availability — check energytrust.org for current incentive levels before installation.
Value: Cash rebate (amount varies — verify current availability)
Net Metering in Portland
PGE credits excess solar at the retail rate. Credits roll forward monthly; unused annual credits do not pay out as cash. Systems must be 25 kW or smaller to qualify.
Solar Leases & PPAs in Portland
Solar leases and PPAs are available in Portland through national installers. Note: Oregon state tax credits are typically only available for purchased systems — verify with your installer.
How much does solar cost in Portland?
Detailed cost breakdown, financing options, and payback analysis for Portland homeowners.
Want national solar cost data? How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026? →
Common Questions
Portland Solar FAQ
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Portland Solar at a Glance
Solar Installers Serving Portland and Surrounding Areas
Our network of pre-vetted solar installers serves Portland and these nearby communities:
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