(Photo courtesy of E2 Solar)
An Eco-Friendly, Economical Win for Central Oregon Homes & Businesses
Considering solar? You’re in good company. Many Central Oregon homeowners and businesses have already made this commitment to renewable energy — taking advantage of the abundant sunshine and flat, open land that lies east of the Cascades.
Solar panels, when paired with battery backup, offer dual benefits: these systems enable you to generate an environmentally responsible form of energy, and they are more cost-effective than ever. This means that homeowners and business owners not only help protect the planet by reducing carbon emissions, but they see financial benefits, as well.
The Environmental Case for Solar
Every home or business that installs solar panels reduces its reliance on finite resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are environmentally damaging to extract and transport. Utilizing solar power helps conserve these non-renewable energy resources for future generations.
The lifecycle CO2 emissions of solar electricity are also significantly lower per kWh than those of fossil fuels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), solar power produces around 12 times fewer emissions than natural gas and 20 times fewer emissions than coal, making it a cleaner alternative for electricity generation.
While the manufacturing of solar panels does involve some carbon emissions, these are quickly offset once the panels are operational. On average, solar panels offset their lifecycle emissions within two to three years. A typical residential solar system saves approximately 8,460 pounds of CO2 annually, the equivalent of 432 gallons of gas. That’s like removing a car from the road for nearly a year.
There’s another reason that reducing reliance on the grid is good for the planet. Traditional power plants consume vast amounts of water for cooling and other processes. In contrast, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems require little to no water for operation, only pure sunshine.
The Economics of Solar
For both homeowners and business owners, there are financial benefits to making the shift to solar energy. Federal tax incentives and state programs can significantly reduce the upfront costs of installing solar panels and battery storage. Once installed, a solar system can reduce or eliminate monthly electricity bills, with long-term savings outweighing the initial investment. Net metering programs in Oregon are an added benefit, allowing homeowners and businesses to receive credits for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid.
Homeowners are able to take advantage of tax incentives like the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which can decrease the upfront installation costs of a solar + battery storage system (by up to 30 percent). In addition to federal programs, Oregon offers incentives like the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, which provides rebates for low- and moderate-income households. Programs like Solar Within Reach make solar energy accessible to multifamily and low-income housing, promoting equity in renewable energy adoption.
Homes with solar installations even see an increase in resale value. A 2024 analysis of Zillow data found that solar boosts the national average value of a home by 6.8 percent on average, and even more in high-demand regions.
Businesses that install solar — especially those with energy-intensive operations — also see benefits to their bottom line. This form of renewable energy can help reduce operating costs, increase profitability, and improve a brand’s reputation. Like homeowners, businesses can reduce their installation costs through the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and receive credits via net metering.
Solar Means Clean, Renewable, and Affordable Energy
If you are a homeowner or business owner who is considering making the move to solar energy, now is a great time to explore your options. By harnessing sunlight as a renewable resource, you’ll set yourself up for decades of clean energy with less expense and minimal environmental impact. Not only will you be cutting expenses, but you’ll significantly reduce carbon emissions — resulting in cleaner air and a healthier Central Oregon.
e2solar.com • 888-668-0478 • 20784 NE High Desert Ln., Bend
