OREGON
Solar in Oregon
While few would associate Oregon with solar power, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) currently ranks the state as 19th in solar power production across the country.* The progressively green state enjoys roughly 175 sunny days per year,* powering the 24,418 solar systems currently installed on homes, businesses, and solar farms.*
Solar potential in Oregon?
Oregon has a great potential for solar energy. The state receives an average of 4.7 hours of sunlight per day, which is above the national average of 3.8 hours of sunlight per day. This means that Oregon has a good potential for solar energy generation.
Oregon currently produces 1,122.6 MW of solar energy each year, enough to power more than 144,000 homes throughout the state.* While the state already boasts an impressive solar capacity, Google’s Project Sunroof offers an encouraging look at the future of solar in Oregon.
The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is requiring its electric utilities to use renewable energy to meet at least 50% of their load by 2040. Oregon currently features roughly 773,000 solar-viable rooftops—86% of all buildings. Oregon could produce 15,400 MW annually at full capacity, resulting in enough clean power for more than 2 million homes statewide.*
Oregon has initiated a series of Community Solar collectives for customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. This initiative enables residents unable to host their own solar system, such as renters and lower-income residents, to benefit from new solar energy projects.*
Cost of solar in Oregon?
The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Roof materials
The angle of the roof
Quality of the solar panels
Quality of the solar system
In Oregon, we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,700 to $18,500, or in other words, from $2.54 to $3.71 per watt—and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
Similar to the rest of the country, the average cost of solar panels for an Oregon home has decreased by 43% over the last five years. Still, solar energy projects vary widely and may include large-scale ventures like comprehensive installations and power farms as well as small consumer installations for individual homes.
Oregon residents can benefit from a number of solar incentive programs: Most notably, homeowners who purchase their system can take advantage of a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit.*
You may also qualify for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program for both solar electric systems (up to $5000) and energy storage systems (up to $2500). Rebates for homeowners are up to 40% of the net cost, with higher amounts (up to 60%) for low- or moderate-income customers.
Cash incentives up to $0.25 per watt of solar power generated are also available through the Energy Trust of Oregon, with a $2000 limit for PGE customers and less for Pacific Power customers.*
Oregon’s net metering program encourages all customers of participating utilities, such as PGE or Pacific Power, to generate solar power to offset their electric bill. Those who generate surplus power earn credits that can be applied toward future utility bills during less-sunny months.*
Oregon requires its large investor-owned electric utilities to offer green power programs to residential customers and small businesses. These programs, such as Blue Sky* and Green Future Impact,* let homeowners locally source renewable energy.
Advantages?
Reduced electricity bills: Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, which can help you reduce your electricity bills. The amount of savings you can expect will vary depending on the size of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your home receives, and your current electricity rates.
Increased home value: Solar panels can increase the value of your home. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than homes without solar panels.
Environmental benefits: Solar panels are a clean and renewable source of energy. They do not produce any emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels can also help to make Oregon a more sustainable state.
State incentives: Oregon offers a number of incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and grants.
Disadvantages?
Shade: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your home is in a shady area, or things are covering your panels you may not be able to generate as much electricity with solar panels.
Weather: Some Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, and strong winds. However, our solar panels are designed to withstand these conditions and even extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornado, and blizzards.
Panels aesthetic: Our solar panels are different. They are all black, sleek, and thin. They have a more modern look. Some people find solar panels on homes unattractive and if your feel like that we also offer Ground mount installations. It’s a great option if you have open land that receives good sunlight.
Oregon state policies?
Net metering: Oregon has a net metering policy that allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid at the retail rate. This means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power that you generate and send back to the grid, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill.
Property tax exemption: Oregon exempts homeowners from paying property taxes on the increased value of their home that is due to solar panels. This means that if you install solar panels and your home value increases by $10,000, you will not have to pay property taxes on that $10,000.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Oregon offers Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) to homeowners who generate solar power. SRECs are tradable certificates that represent 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar generation. Utilities are required to purchase SRECs from solar generators in order to meet their renewable energy goals. The price of SRECs varies depending on the market, but they can provide an additional source of income for homeowners who generate solar power.
Solar Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): Oregon has a solar RPS that requires utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from solar power. The RPS is currently set at 5%, and it is scheduled to increase to 25% by 2045. This policy is expected to help drive demand for solar panels in Oregon.
Community solar: Oregon has a number of community solar programs that allow homeowners to participate in solar energy without having to install solar panels on their own homes. Community solar projects are typically located in central locations, such as at schools or community centers. Homeowners who participate in community solar programs receive credits on their electricity bills based on the amount of solar power generated by the project.
Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE): The ODoE provides a number of resources and support for solar energy in Oregon. These resources include information on solar incentives, rebates, and financing options. The ODoE also provides technical assistance to solar installers and homeowners.
Maintaining solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, you should have them cleaned every few years to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What's the best way to go solar?
Are you interested in going solar in Oregon? If so, we can help!
Before going solar, be sure to keep in mind factors that will affect the output of clean energy to your home. For instance, South-facing roofs generate the most energy, followed by west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generate the least amount of energy. We look into multiple aspects to make sure you have the most effective setup such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shade, and weather.
We offer a free virtual consultation and savings report to help you determine if solar is right for you. We will also help you access solar incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installation.
Freedom Forever solar panels system is Top-Tier and backed by a 25-year full system production guarantee. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision and test it out stress free.
If you are interested in learning more about solar power in Oregon, please contact us today for a free virtual consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to solar!