Everyone has once experienced an unexpected power shortage. The worst part is that such mishaps occur when you badly need your power on.
Perhaps you have a work project that you need to submit early in the morning. All the files are on your computer, but you can’t access them because your computer’s battery is drained.
Also, your fridge is packed with leftovers. No power means that you have to throw the food away or eat it all.
Such scenarios can be frustrating, but you do not have to encounter them if you installed solar in Oregon.
Solar panels are a great deal both for business and homeowners. Nonetheless, when deciding to go solar in Oregon, there are numerous things to consider.
Here are reasons to consider going solar and how to go about it.
Reasons to Go Solar in Oregon
There are limitless reasons to go solar. Preserving the environment and reducing energy bills top the list.
Most individuals find solar energy as efficient and an excellent way to reduce carbon print in their buildings.
Moreover, if you plan to sell your home any time soon, shifting to solar energy will do you great in improving the property’s value. Even better, you get to support a good course by creating job opportunities.
Solar panels are reliable. Every day, your roof receives a plenty amount of solar energy, which goes to waste. Investing in solar panels allows you to capture this energy and put it to good use.
Does Solar Energy Work in Oregon?
Oregon is primarily associated with long rainy winters. This has led most people to believe in solar energy inefficiency in this region, which is not any further from the truth.
The long rainy seasons are compensated by equally long summer. In return, Oregon is among the reliable solar powerhouses worldwide.
What Are the Factors to Consider Before Going Solar?
If you’re thinking of going solar but are unsure if it is the best idea, a range of factors are there to guide you through decision-making. Some critical aspects to pay attention to include solar access, cost, and incentives.
Solar Accessibility
As the name suggests, there can only be solar energy in the presence of the sun.
You should therefore consider if you have enough sun in your region before installing a solar panel.
Fortunately, that should never be an issue while in Oregon. As earlier mentioned, the region is characterized by long sunny summers.
However, your building’s location and roof inclination will significantly determine if you are making the right choices.
For optimal performance, solar panels should be placed in an area that receives adequate sun radiation.
Consider if you receive adequate sunlight distribution, and if not, go for extra or more robust systems to make up for the inefficiency.
Your contractor should advise you about the best placement position. There should be no obstructions in that area, hence maximum solar radiation reaching the system.
The Cost
You must understand the cost of going solar in Oregon to establish if you can comfortably afford it.
In the attempt to shift to clean energy and the continuous global support towards this initiative, the cost of installing solar panels has significantly gone down.
Both the government and non-profitable organizations work tirelessly to ensure that solar products are accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of their location and income bracket.
The government has implemented tax cuts and rebates in Oregon to encourage more individuals to shift to solar energy. This is an excellent step in ensuring environmental sustainability today and in the future.
When you put the rebates and tax cuts into consideration, you should consider your financial capabilities and if they are adequate to install and maintain the solar systems.
How Durable Are the Solar Systems
The solar panels come with a life span. Ideally, this indicates the period during which the systems have optimal performance.
Once you decide that you want to go solar, take your time to shop for Oregon solar panels until you find the best.
Pay more attention to the number of years they can serve you, which will considerably save costs.
You may contact a licensed company for both solar panel supply and installation. Experienced solar installers are more likely to offer quality systems with lengthy warranties.
Is Going Solar in Oregon Worthwhile?
If you are wondering if the idea of shifting to solar power is worth it, the answer is a definite yes.
For starters, the US Federal government has introduced major tax incentives to boost solar panels’ use.
The goal is to go green and create a more sustainable environment. With this comes about 26% solar tax credit, accessible to both residential and commercial solar users.
For instance, if you can access a $1000 tax credit, it means that you will pay $1000 less when filing and paying taxes.
Nonetheless, it would be best to have sufficient tax liability to enjoy the benefit and claim the federal tax credit.
What happens if you lack sufficient tax liability? Worry not, as you can carry forward the extra credit and apply it in the next tax year.
While federal tax credit sounds impressive, you will be more fascinated by Oregon’s net metering incentives. The initiative makes the shift to clean energy even more accessible and cheaper for residents.
How Does Net Energy Metering Work?
Not all seasons are solar favorable. The net metering incentive program aims to balance both the sunny and cold seasons.
Household and business owners can now generate as many energy credits as they wish during summer. They can then store up these credits on their bills.
Ideally, once you start using solar panels and your usage exceeds your production, you can use the credits.
The concept matches the one where you store up food and wait until it’s the dry season so you can supplement with what you already have. Upon utilizing your energy credits, the incentives program will credit your bill, following the exact amount you would have spent to purchase electricity.
Cash Rebates
Besides the tax incentives, individuals who wish to go solar in Portland to cater to their energy demands are provided with cash rebates. The rebates are offered under Portland General Electric and Pacific Power.
To qualify for the cash rebate, you must have access to adequate solar, and your installers must be part of the Energy Trust of Oregon.
How to Go Solar in Oregon
Shifting to sustainable energy in Oregon is easy. It gets more manageable now that you understand the factors to consider and what to expect once you decide to go green.
The main challenge comes in finding a reliable Oregon solar panels provider. It would be best to have a reliable contractor such as https://blueravensolar.com/oregon/ for all your system purchase and leasing needs.
Based on your financial capacity, you do not necessarily have to buy a solar panel. You can lease the system at a much affordable plan and join the sustainability team.
However, owning your panel is the most beneficial option. By financing the panel, you will save on costs due to interest rate subsidies. This is in such a way that instead of splitting the savings with the solar company, you enjoy the full benefits.
You have a range of solar technology options to choose from, including:
CSP, also known as concentrated solar power: Uses thermal energy or heat from the sun to drive electric turbines.
Solar electric: It is also referred to as Photovoltaics and works by converting light to electricity.
Passive solar design: This is the most common option. It depends on the climate, building site, and roof inclination to convert energy from the sun to heat and cool places.
Study your specific needs before establishing which of these options is best for you. You may also seek advice from an expert, who will evaluate your needs based on energy usage and building location before advising you accordingly.
Now You Are Ready to Go Solar in Oregon
Solar energy has proven to be the most reliable source of renewable energy available today. Thanks to technological advancement, you can harness this resource in limitless ways, thus flexibility.
The government is also working tirelessly to ensure that solar is accessible to all interested consumers. The cost has considerably gone down, not to forget that you can now lease solar systems to meet your budget.
The benefits of shifting to solar in Oregon are unmatched, and you have no excuse for being left out. Determine how much energy you need for your home or business, and contact a reliable contractor for a smooth shift.
Keep scrolling down our blogs for more insightful topics to improve your life quality.
Oregona state in northwestern United States on the PacificMore (Definitions, Synonyms, Translation)
