Top Rated
Rose City Solar
4.9
Price range: $$$
- NABCEP certified
- PGE & Pacific Power eligible
- Energy Trust approved
- cash incentive eligible
- 25-year panel warranty
How We Evaluate Portland Solar Companies
We evaluate Portland solar installers based on NABCEP certification, Oregon CCB licensing, experience with Portland General Electric and Pacific Power interconnection, Energy Trust of Oregon program participation, and verified customer reviews.
The Energy Trust of Oregon is Portland's key solar incentive vehicle — it offers cash incentives per watt installed for PGE and Pacific Power customers who choose a contractor from its approved list. The incentive (currently around $0.20–$0.30/watt depending on available program funds) can reduce a typical Portland system cost by $1,400 to $2,400.
Oregon also offers a property tax exemption for residential solar systems, meaning your property tax assessment does not increase when you add solar. Combined with the federal ITC and Energy Trust incentives, Portland solar economics are more favorable than raw irradiance numbers suggest.
Top Portland Solar Installation Companies Compared
Northwest Solar Pros
4.7
Price range: $$–$$$
- NABCEP certified
- OR CCB licensed
- Energy Trust approved contractor
- free energy audit
- financing available
Willamette Solar
4.6
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- PGE interconnection
- Tesla Powerwall installer
- locally owned
- 10-year labor warranty
Oregon Solar Group
4.5
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- OR CCB licensed
- ITC & Energy Trust documentation
- commercial and residential
- flexible payment plans
Portland, OR
Serving Greater Portland
- Coverage across Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Gresham, Tigard, and Vancouver WA
- All listed installers are Energy Trust of Oregon Approved Trade Allies
- Both PGE and Pacific Power net metering eligible
- Oregon property tax exemption applies to all residential solar installations
Why Local Matters
Contractors who know your area, your climate, and your local codes
Every contractor in our network is established locally — no out-of-state storm chasers. They know the permitting requirements, the climate challenges, and they'll be there for warranty work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Portland OR
What is the Energy Trust of Oregon solar incentive?
The Energy Trust of Oregon administers Oregon's solar cash incentive program for PGE and Pacific Power customers. When you use an Energy Trust Approved Trade Ally installer, you receive a cash incentive based on your system's expected production. Current incentives are approximately $0.20 to $0.30 per watt installed, translating to $1,400 to $2,400 for a typical Portland residential system. This cash incentive is separate from (and in addition to) the 30% federal ITC.
What is the average cost of solar panels in Portland OR?
A typical 6–8 kW residential solar system in Portland costs between $17,000 and $26,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC and Energy Trust cash incentive, the net cost drops to approximately $10,400 to $16,800. Portland homeowners typically see payback periods of 11 to 15 years due to lower irradiance, but the 25-year lifespan still delivers a meaningful long-term return on investment.
Does Portland General Electric offer net metering?
Yes, PGE offers net metering under Oregon's net metering law. Excess solar energy earns a credit at PGE's retail rate. Credits carry forward monthly. PGE also offers a Green Future Solar program for those who want to supplement solar with 100% renewable energy. Pacific Power also offers full retail-rate net metering for customers in its service territory. Your installer will handle the interconnection application to your utility.
Is solar a good investment given Portland's rainy climate?
Yes, though the lower irradiance requires proper expectation-setting. Portland averages about 3.0 peak sun hours per day annually — summer months are excellent (5+ peak hours), while winter months are lower (1.5–2.0 hours). Annual production for a properly sized Portland system is typically 900–1,100 kWh/kW of installed capacity. The Energy Trust incentive plus federal ITC brings down upfront costs significantly, and PGE's rising rates improve the long-term return.