Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Are Solar Panels Worth It In Oregon

Portland And Peak Sunlight Hours: How Much Energy Do Solar Panels Produce

Solar Panels for Home – Still Worth it 2 Years Later?

Next, you need to know how much power the solar panels you installed can produce. An important statistic to know is that a 5-kilowatt system can produce roughly 20 kilowatt-hours per day. A 10-kilowatt system should produce about twice that amount.

However, this equation is all about peak sunlight. Therefore, when determining power output for solar panels, a standard of 4 peak sunlight hours is used.

Portland, Oregon, gets slightly more than that per day, roughly 4.3 hours of peak sunlight. That is about 7% more than the standard calculation. Therefore, with 4.3 hours of peak sunlight, a 5kW system in Oregon should produce 21.4 kilowatts per day. This equates to roughly 642 kilowatts per month.

As you can tell, a 5-kilowatt system will not fully meet your energy needs in Portland. Portlanders use 957 kilowatts per month. To account for this, you would need an 8-kilowatt system. Based on peak sunlight hours, an 8-kilowatt system would produce 1,027 kilowatt-hours per month. This would fully meet your electricity needs, and then some.

Oregon Solar Incentives Or Rebates

While solar panels can be expensive, the federal government and many state and local governments offer financial incentives to reduce your cost burden and encourage investment in solar panels.

The federal government offers a 26% solar tax credit when you purchase solar equipment for your home. This tax credit can save you thousands of dollars on your solar panel purchase, by letting you claim the credit on your taxes. The credit will be reduced to 22% in 2023 and will disappear in 2024 if it is not renewed.

In addition to the federal tax credit, Oregon residents can take advantage of financial incentives offered by the state. Previously, Oregon offered a tax credit of up to $6,000 for homeowners who installed solar panels. This tax credit expired in 2017. That being said, residents can still save with Oregons solar electric incentive program, as well as rebate programs that several local governments offer. Oregon also offers a net metering program which allows residents to sell their excess energy to the grid to bank it and draw from it later.

Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund

Climate change disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income Portland residents and this fund focuses on creating and contributing to clean energy projects, green infrastructure projects, clean energy job training programs, and programs that reduce greenhouse gas production and promote economic, social, and environmental benefits.

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The History Of Solar Power In Oregon

Oregon was an early adopter of solar power, with the state passing its first solar policies in the mid-1970s. Over the past half-century, some of the states most popular solar initiatives have been its property tax exemption, solar easement and rights laws, energy loan program, net metering, and more.

Oregons investments in solar energy have paid off. Despite its reputation for overcast weather, Oregon ranks in the top half of states for solar energy generation. Solar power accounts for 2.76% of the states electricity, which is enough to power nearly 160,000 homes. Over the past five years, the state has seen a huge increase in utility, commercial, residential, and community solar installations.

Solar power has also contributed significantly to Oregons economy. The state has more than 116 solar companies that create thousands of jobs in the state, and the industry is only expected to grow in the future.

Solar Power In Oregon

Are Solar Panels Worth the Investment for Homeowners ...

Oregon was one of the earliest adopters of solar power in the country. And despite the states reputation for gloomy weather, it ranks among the top half of states for solar energy generation, and its only expected to grow over the coming years. If you live in Oregon, you could save money on energy by investing in solar energy, and can help the environment by reducing your homes carbon footprint. Are you wondering if solar power is right for your home? Keep reading to learn the costs and benefits of solar power in Oregon and whether its right for you.

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Bottom Line: Should You Get A Solar Battery

Despite the steady drop in prices for lithium-ion batteries, the cost still hasnât quite reached the point where it makes financial sense for many solar homeowners to install a battery. A single Powerwall will cost approximately $7,000 to $8,000 to install, but many homes will need two .

Meanwhile, you can walk into your local big box home center and buy a natural gas-fired home generator with 20,000 watts of output for around $5,000.

Still, there are several reasons why a solar homeowner might decide to add battery storage in spite of the price premium:

Benefits Of Switching To Solar Bend Oregon

The benefits of Switching to Solar are plenty, especially when you consider that the cost of a solar system is incredibly low in Bend, Oregon. Bend, Oregon is a city in Oregon with a population of about eighty-two thousand. These numbers give you some idea of how many households there are in Bend, Oregon that has at least one solar panel on their roof. Additionally, when you consider that the average house in Bend is worth around two hundred thousand dollars, the potential for earnings from installing a solar array is truly high. This puts the value of these installations in the millions rather than the hundreds of dollars. Information can be found here.

One of the other advantages of Solar is the fact that the cost of materials and labor involved in constructing a solar array in Bend, Oregon is much lower than most other parts of the country. It may be possible that in the future, solar arrays may be as common as regular old roof panels. That would be a real benefit for those residents of Bend, Oregon who would like to experience the savings without sacrificing something like their cars. See here for information about Taking Advantages of Solar Energy Bend, Oregon.

  • Wipe out your power bill
  • Up to $40,000 in savings
  • ZERO out of pocket costs
  • $0 down payment

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How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar Panels In Oregon

The average cost to install a solar panel system in Oregon is $24,700 before the federal tax credit or $18,278 after. These figures are based on the average cost per watt in the area $2.60 and the fact that a 9.5-kW system is usually needed to offset the relatively high energy consumption in OR.

With that being said, every system will vary in size and cost, so your best option is to get a customized quote from a reputable solar installer in your area.

How Much Energy Can I Get From Solar In Oregon

Is Solar Power Worth the Investment? A 5 Year Cost Analysis

Aside from the power output of the solar equipment you choose to install, the amount of energy you generate with solar panels in Oregon is directly related to the amount of sunlight that hits your panels. While Oregon ranks low in average peak sun hours, they have made great breakthroughs in solar technology have very high standards for renewable energy sources.

There are additional factors that determine how much solar electricity you can produce. These include shading, panel orientation, and panel angle, which are all used to calculate your total production estimate. a prediction of how much energy your solar installation will produce over time. This evaluation offers a clear estimate of how much energy your solar installation will produce. You can see how much solar panels can save you based on factors like geographic location and shading by using the EnergySage Solar Calculator.

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What To Do About About Starting Current

If you want to be able to operate a large appliance like a pool pump or central air conditioner but your battery doesnât have the output capacity to satisfy the starting current, donât despair.

A device called a soft starter moderates the brief surge of electricity when a motor starts up. By spreading out the electric surge over a longer time, a soft starter can make it possible to operate an appliance that otherwise couldnât be powered by a battery. Talk to your solar installer or electrician about getting one of these installed.

Itâs worth nothing that the Enphase Ensemble battery has a soft starter built into it, eliminating the need to install a separate device.

Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value In Oregon

Yes, absolutely, solar boosts property value in Oregon! In fact, the bump in value you can expect from going solar is one of the more significant benefits of converting.

Based on data from Zillow, a solar panel system will increase your property value by an average of 4.1%. Given the average home price in Oregon of $492,101, that comes out to an average value increase of $20,176! This benefit alone entirely makes up for the average cost of going solar after the federal tax credit in OR.

Its crucial to understand that only buying your panels outright or financing them will provide this benefit. Solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements will not bump up your home value.

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Are Solar Panels Worth It If Youre Not In The Sunny Southwest

Solar loves the sun, but you dont have to live in the sunny Southwest to achieve solar savings! In fact, solar systems can sometimes cost more in these areas because you need a larger system to cover your electricity needs due to air conditioning. Certain climates, even though they can be less sunny than others, are better suited for solar. Many factors go into whether solar is a good fit or not sunshine is just one of them! Some of the states with the most installed solar in the country are in the Northeast even though theyre more famous for their cold snowy winters than their sunny summer days! These areas often have higher electricity costs and better local incentives than other states, leading to greater savings down the line.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Oregon

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From Oregon data, it is shown that the average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $10,880 to $14,720. On a cost per watt basis, a solar panel installation in Oregon ranges in price from $2.18 to $2.94. See how Oregon compares to solar panel costs across the U.S.

How long does it take to earn back your initial investment in solar panels? A solar payback period is the amount of time it takes for property owners who install solar panels to recover their initial investment through electricity savings. In Oregon, the average solar payback period is 11.77 years.

Regardless of the exact cost of installation, there are many affordable financing options for solar panel systems. Cash purchases are one common method to pay for solar and often lead to the most long-term value for your money. If an upfront purchase isnt right for you, solar loans and solar lease/PPAs are available to help finance a solar energy system.

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Are Solar Panels Worth It In Portland

Solar panels have fallen in price by more than 80% in the last ten years. In 2022 they also remain subsidized by the 26% federal tax credit and the net metering law making them an excellent investment. They offer a return well above the long term average return from both the share market and also property investment.

Another way to look at this question is the levelized amount you will pay for each kWh of power you will use over the next 25 years with and without solar panels. As you can see below the savings are significant.

Commercial Solar Panel Installation Company In Oregon

Whether you have a composition roof, metal roof, or something in between, we can install it on most structures. As an experienced commercial solar panel installation company in the Willamette Valley, were adaptable to a variety of building types, slopes, and properties. We work with you to develop a solution that meets your businesss needs.

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Oregon Solar Power Companies

Along with the rise in popularity of solar power, there has been an increase in the number of solar installers on the market. Its important to understand the difference between a solar manufacturer and solar installer . SaveOnEnergy has a plethora of resources to help you learn about solar and find an installer that works for your budget and needs.

There Are Tax Breaks For Home Solar

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The federal government gave tax incentives of 30% for systems in place by Dec. 31, 2019, though that number dropped to 26% for new systems and will drop to 22% in 2021.

For someone who buys a solar system that costs $12,000 now, the homeowners federal taxes will drop by $3,120.

Oregon customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power are eligible for further incentives through Energy Trust of Oregon, a non-profit funded by the 1.6 million ratepayers of the five largest utilities in Oregon, including NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.

When a homeowner has one of the 2,300 approved contractors install a solar system, Energy Trust of Oregon essentially inspects the system upon completion, then it pays the contractor the incentive for the cost of installation.

We’re separate from the tax credit, said Emily Findley, spokesperson for Energy Trust of Oregon.

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But that also means people who receive power from Salem Electric or the city of Monmouth, for example, arent eligible for that incentive, though their power companies can offer separate incentives.

Portland General Electric is the largest electric utility in the state and covers much of Salem and the Willamette Valley.

Gauntt said Pacific Power has about 160 solar installations in Marion County largely in areas like Stayton and Mill City and about 7,500 throughout the state.

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Oregon Solar Incentives And State Solar Rebate

If you are looking to install solar panels then the Solar Rebate works as either a payment to you or as a credit applied to your suppliers bill on the installation cost. This is capped. Other widespread incentives apply and you can check them out with the individual utility companies and local government.

Transfering Loads To Your Solar Battery During A Blackout

Even if you have solar panels and a battery, your home will still remain dark in a blackout unless you have a third component: a transfer switch.

With a modern home solar storage installation, this transfer switch works automatically, sensing when a power failure occurs and then switching your home over to an off-grid, solar-plus-battery mode until grid power is restored. This switchover normally takes just a few seconds, during which your lights will briefly be dark.

Home battery manufacturers have different names for this component. For example, the Tesla Backup Gateway sits between a utility meter and the Tesla Powerwall battery and automatically handles the switchover.

Hereâs a great video from the Youtube channel Fully Charged that describes the workings of the Backup Gateway:

Nerdy side note: the host in that video is Robert Llewellyn, who played Kryten in the British sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf.

Other battery manufacturers will have different systems, so be sure to ask your installer about this important component.

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Request Your Free Solar Energy Audit Today

Weve operated in the Salem solar market long enough to have served thousands of homeowners and business owners as theyve made the wonderful decision to go solar. Selecting an ideal solar company is crucial. We recognize how challenging it can be to choose the right solar dealer and want to prove to you that we are a trustworthy solar company that will provide first-class service, equipment, and installation. Thats why we provide Free Residential Solar Energy Audits and Free Commercial Solar Energy Audits. We intend to supply you with every detail you need to make educated decisions about your solar power needs. Youd demand a test drive before you decided to buy a Tesla vehicle. Why should selecting a solar dealer in Salem be any different?

Are Solar Batteries Safe

Solar Energy Portland Oregon

On rare occasions, lithium-based batteries can catch on fire. Because lithium batteries store so much energy, these fires can be extremely energetic and difficult to extinguish.

Sounds scary? If youre a homeowner, you shouldnt worry about this. Solar batteries like the Powerwall have intelligent software and hardware that prevents them from being overcharged and overheated. Also, these fires typically occur when the battery is physically damaged, such as being crushed or penetrated. Home solar batteries have hard cases and are mounted in an out-of-the-way location, keeping them nice and safe.

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The 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit Explained

The federal solar tax credit is equal to 26% of the total cost of installing solar panels on your home. The amount of the tax credit is then deducted from your federal taxes. You can claim the credit over several years if the amount you owe in taxes is less than the amount of your tax credit. You can only take advantage of the federal tax credit if you pay federal income taxes.

Keep in mind that the federal solar tax credit is set to step down at the end of 2022, falling from 26% of costs to just 22%. So, the best time to go solar is now, so you can maximize your solar savings.

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