Energy Trust of Oregon helps make solar power more affordable and easier to install than ever.
The sunny days of summer are finally here, spreading warm rays across Oregon as we all enjoy more time outdoors. That same sunshine is also producing an abundance of free renewable energy for thousands of Oregonians who have installed solar electric panels on their homes. Even after sunny days cloud over, those solar panels will continue to help homeowners save hundreds of dollars each year on their energy bills.
While the number of solar installations has quickly grown across Oregon in recent years, many homeowners can still benefit from going solar. Energy Trust of Oregon, a nonprofit that helps homeowners go solar with cash-back incentives and connections to solar trade ally contractors, offers the following list of lesser-known solar facts.
Five things you may not know about going solar
1) Going solar could cost less than you think
Costs for residential solar systems have been declining since 2007 as demand for solar installations has increased. Today, out-of-pocket costs can start at just a few thousand dollars. In fact, it’s possible to recoup your investment in as little as five or six years. After that, you’ll keep saving money and producing your own clean energy from your solar panels, which have usual lifespans of more than 25 years.
2)Cash incentives and tax credits are available
Energy Trust offers incentives to homeowners who install solar panels. Those incentives come off the price automatically, reducing your initial cost by up to 25 percent. Oregonians who pay taxes can also claim two tax credits — one on their federal taxes and one on their state taxes. When combined, Energy Trust cash incentives and tax credits can help homeowners get up to an 80 percent discount on installation costs.
3) Homeowners can save about $100 a year for every four solar panels installed
Most solar homes have about 15 to 20 solar panels installed (about 400 square feet of space), but it’s possible to install more or less, depending on available roof space. For every four solar panels installed, you can save approximately $100 a year on your energy bills. An Energy Trust solar trade ally contractor can help you choose a system that is the right size for your home and budget.
4) Solar still works on cloudy days
Even on Oregon’s cloudy days, the sun’s powerful rays are still at work. Anyone who has been sunburned on an overcast day knows this firsthand. When it’s cloudy, solar panels still produce enough energy to help offset monthly power costs. In fact, Oregon gets more sunny days than Germany, a global leader in solar electric installations.
5) It’s easy to find out your home’s solar potential
Without having to visit your home, an Energy Trust solar trade ally contractor can help you determine whether your home is a good fit for solar. The contractor can review your home’s solar potential based on information you provide by phone or email and by looking at satellite images. If more detail is needed, a contractor can still schedule a short visit.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save $1.7 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future.
Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
