Though our state has a reputation for clouds and rain, western Oregon actually receives as much solar energy as the national average. During a year’s time, an Oregon solar system will produce as much energy as the same system installed in Florida.
A solar installation for your home generates clean energy, lowers your electric costs over time and adds value to your property. With generous financial incentives, now is an excellent time to explore solar energy. Follow these links to tips and resources on this page for going solar:
Choosing a contractor
Qualified contractors are key to getting the most productive system for your home. Contact a solar-installation expert to determine the feasibility and cost of installing a solar electric or solar water heating system that meets your energy needs and budget.
Energy Trust of Oregon maintains a list of licensed solar contractors and the Oregon Department of Energy maintains a list of tax-credit-certified solar technicians (PDF). Contractors on both lists are trained to meet Energy Trust requirements and complete incentive and tax credit applications. Energy Trust offers tips on selecting a solar contractor and choosing among competing bids (PDF).
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Sizing your system
With a solar electric system, energy production is directly proportional to system size. In Portland, a 1-kilowatt solar electric system, optimally oriented with minimal shade, will produce approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours per year. A 3-kilowatt residential system will supply about 3,000 kWh annually or 25 percent of an average Oregon home’s annual electricity needs (an average four-person household uses 12,000 kWh/year).
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Orientation and shading
Rooftop installations require a southern exposure for maximum output, although east or west orientation may be suitable. For best performance, there should be little or no shading year-round. Even partial shading on one portion of a panel can seriously degrade the panel’s output. An evaluation tool, such as the Oregon Department of Energy’s sun chart worksheet (PDF), can estimate the impact of shading and panel orientation on the annual performance. Typically, your solar contractor will perform a site analysis.
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Find your rooftop’s solar potential
The City of Portland has launched the Oregon Clean Energy Map that lets you zoom in on a satellite image of your rooftop to determine whether it’s a good candidate for solar panels.
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Solar financial incentives for homeowners
When figuring project costs, consider the financial incentives:
- Energy Trust of Oregon: Energy Trust offers a financial incentive of $1.75/watt, up to a maximum of $20,000.
- State tax credit: The Oregon Department of Energy offers a state solar tax credit of $3/watt, up to a maximum of $6,000. A maximum of $1,500 can be claimed per year.
- Federal tax credit: A federal solar tax credit is available for 30 percent of the installed cost, after the Energy Trust incentive.
- Financing: GreenStreet Lending through Umpqua Bank is a financing option for helping you go solar, especially if you don’t have a home equity line of credit. According to Energy Trust of Oregon, GreenStreet Lending products offer low-interest rate financing, have no origination fees or closing costs and have flexible terms when you work with an Energy Trust solar trade ally contractor.
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