THE BEAVER STATE GOES SOLAR
Why go solar in Oregon
Oregon is a great state in which to go solar. Oregon homeowners are fortunate to have a wide range of programs that leverage the benefits of solar power generation to 1) reduce energy bills, 2) earn tax*** rebates and exemptions, and 3) make a positive environmental impact. You may also be eligible for some great incentives in the Beaver State.
Save on energy
Oregon has time of use (TOU) rates, meaning the price of your electricity varies according to what time you use it. With a solar system, you can use less from the grid and potentially offset your use. Going solar can make a lot of sense for those with high utility bills. A solar system won’t eliminate the utility bill, but by managing power usage wisely, that bill may be reduced. If you have batteries, you may need even less energy from the grid. This is why many homeowners who go solar report potential savings as a primary driver for their decision.
Be prepared for outages
Power outages can happen when energy demands rise. This means you may be out of power when you need it most. Sometimes utilities even have scheduled outages for grid repairs or conservation. You can avoid the inconvenience with a battery-backed solar system. Your solar dealer can discuss battery options for you and your system.
Preserve Oregon’s outdoors
Oregon is known for some of the most breathtaking waterfalls, cliffs, and forest land in the nation. Many homeowners actually go solar to help preserve the state’s natural beauty. By going solar, your home is directly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2. By shrinking your carbon footprint, you can do your part to preserve the state for future generations.
Have predictable payments
Budgets are very valuable because they help create a spending plan. However, you may notice it is very hard to budget for certain bills, especially energy. This is due to factors like TOU rates, that make your energy fluctuate depending what time of day you are using energy from the grid. With a solar system, you reduce your dependence on expensive electricity from the grid. You are in control of what your electric bill will be after installing solar panels. If you purchase or lease your system you can lock in your monthly solar payment for the duration of your loan or lease.
Invest in your home**
The average Oregon home is valued at $409,182, that’s a 10.9% increase from last year!* Many homeowners purchase a solar system to invest in their home. A solar system may help you sell your home faster and make it more attractive to potential buyers who know the benefits of solar.**
Solar incentives in Oregon**
Oregon’s largest utilities offer net metering at a one-to-one ratio. Net metering is one of the biggest benefits to solar owners. It allows eligible homeowners to sell excess energy back to their utility. Unused credits will accumulate in your utility account. This means credits accumulated during sunny summer months can be applied to charges during Oregon’s cloudy winter months. Customers who are already eligible for a utility incentive can be eligible for a rebate of $.20 per watt up to a cap of $5000.
Oregon homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).*** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Solar panels perform in all kinds of weather
Going solar is a big decision, and although there are many factors you should consider, local weather shouldn’t be a deterrent. Solar panels are designed to work in almost any type of weather… even snow and clouds!
Sunny
There are sunny days ahead for solar. The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you may be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through net metering and other incentive programs.
Rainy
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust or dirt.
Cloudy
It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system can still produce.
Windy
Solar panels are highly reliable and sturdy, they hardly notice your average winds. In most cases, damage from wind will be due to weakened roofs, not solar panels. This is why we assess your roof condition and reccomend any repairs prior to installing your system. In the event that higher winds cause an outage in the grid, you will still have power if you have batteries with your system.
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*This figure is current as of May 28, 2021
**We advise you to consult with the appropriate professionals (including, but not limited to, your solicitor or attorney, accountant, CPA, CGA, or any other financial or legal advisor) for the implications of any information contained in our website and in any link you access through our website.
***You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forever’s family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
