Preliminary Assessment
Sunlight is the fuel for all solar technologies, and the term solar resource refers to identifying how much of it is available in a given collector area. There are three main factors … Read more
Lisa Holmes
Maintenance and Safety Considerations
Properly installed solar water heating systems require minimal maintenance. Freezing and overheating are the biggest hazards, so it is important for you to understand how your system addresses those possibilities. … Read more
Components
Solar water heating systems collect solar energy from the sun to preheat water so that your gas or electric heater — whether a conventional tank or tankless — does less work. A … Read more
Installation Process
Before a contractor starts installing the system, they’ll need to secure the correct permits (such as a building and electrical permit) and approvals (Energy Trust incentive, utility interconnection agreement). This … Read more
Hiring a Contractor
While self-installed solar systems are allowed in Oregon, we strongly recommend on using licensed solar contractor to do the installation. Not only are they familiar with all the required building … Read more
Leasing and Power Purchase Options to Get Solar
While many household have the means or desire to buy a solar electric system and own it fully, it is not the only way go solar. Solar leasing and power … Read more
Financing Options to Cover Initial Costs
While the net cost of solar electric is reduced by incentives and tax credits, only the Energy Trust and other utility incentives are paid up front. This leaves the system … Read more
Typical Costs
The cost depends on the size of the system, manufacturer, and the ease of installation. For smaller systems under five kilowatts (kW) in size, the average cost before incentives is … Read more
Tax Credits and Incentives to Go Solar Electric
In Oregon and Washington, financial incentives are available through many electric utilities to help make residential solar more affordable if you decide to own your own solar system. In fact, … Read more
Installation Issues
Solar Panels typically weigh 3-4 lbs/sq ft. The dead load is generally not a problem for roofs, which meet current building codes. Older homes may require an engineering analysis. More … Read more