Solar savings & payback in Portland
Grey winters, bright dry summers; 1:1 net metering banks the summer surplus.
This calculator uses Portland's own sun (~3.3 kWh/kW/day, 8% below the OR average) with Oregon's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 16.8 years.
- Portland sun
- ~3.3 kWh/kW/day
- OR average sun
- ~3.6 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 14¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Oregon page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Portland solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Portland?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Portland system pays for itself in about 16.8 years, using local sun (~3.3 kWh per kW per day), Oregon's average 14¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). Grey winters, bright dry summers; 1:1 net metering banks the summer surplus.
How much do solar panels generate in Portland?
Roughly 3.3 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,205 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 7200 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Portland?
Oregon Solar + Storage rebate; modest sun but 1:1 netting. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.