Thinking about buying solar panels? Here’s how to get it right.

Going solar is a smart move and one that can bring big benefits for years to come. It’s a chance to power your home with clean energy, lower your electric bill and boost your home’s resilience during outages if you add battery storage. With the right information and a solid plan, going solar can be a smooth and rewarding experience. 

Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the most out of your solar journey while avoiding a few common pitfalls along the way.  

✓ Do:  

• Shop around: Don’t stop with the first quote. Get at least three bids from licensed contractors so you can compare pricing, equipment and system design. Energy Trust of Oregon is a great place to find qualified pros in your area.

• Explore incentives: From federal tax credits to Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives and Oregon rebates for income-qualified households, there are serious savings available. Start your research on our solar pages and with Energy Trust of Oregon.  

• Ask good questions: Make sure you understand what you’re buying, how Net Metering works to help you earn money from your solar project, and what kind of warranties and maintenance your system might need down the road. 

• Share your energy use: A right-sized system starts with real data. You can download your past 12 months of usage by logging into your PGE account and clicking into My Energy Use or Bill History. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

• Think about resilience: Pairing solar with a battery can keep your essentials powered during outages. It won’t run your whole home indefinitely, but it can give you peace of mind if the grid goes down for a period of time. You can even earn bill credits with your battery through our Smart Battery pilot.  

✗ Don’t: 

• Don’t take the first deal: Door-to-door offers might sound convenient, but it’s always worth digging a little deeper. A second or third option can help you avoid overpaying or ending up with a system that’s too big or too small for your needs.  

• Don’t share your PGE login: Installers don’t need your PGE password to get your usage data. Download it yourself to keep your personal information secure.  

• Don’t be over or undersold: Every roof will have different needs when it comes to panels. Use the Energy Trust of Oregon’s solar calculator to estimate the ideal system size based on your energy use and goals. A reputable installer should tailor the system to your home’s needs.  

• Don’t sign without reading: Take time to review the contract. Understand your costs, ownership terms, warranties and what happens if your system under delivers. 

• Don’t count on your installer for all the details: Some solar sales reps may not be up to speed on current rebates or income-based programs. When in doubt, check directly with Energy Trust of Oregon to get the full picture.  

• Don’t skip the research: A little prep goes a long way. You can also use the Energy Trust’s solar calculator to estimate your potential savings. 

Ready to get started? 

Take the next step toward solar power and a more resilient home by learning more and exploring incentives.