Solar In Oregon
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Solar energy works in Oregon! The Willamette Valley receives about as much sunlight as the national average. Yes, it rains a lot in the winter, but the constant summer sun makes up for the rainy winters.
There are many incentives which help make solar energy affordable to the end-user. The federal government offers the 30% Investment Tax Credit to both residential and commercial system owners.
Many electric utilities in Oregon also offer cash payment incentives, or will pay for electricity generated.
See this US Department of Energy website for more information: http://www.dsireusa.org/
Return on Investment
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Solar energy systems installed in Oregon pay for themselves over time. There are many variables which influence the amount of time it takes for a solar energy system to pay for itself, including available government and utility incentives, the cost and forecasted cost increases of utility-supplied electricity, the type of installation and related cost, and financing mechanisms used to pay for the installation.
Payback periods will vary, but typical payback periods generally range from just 2 to 12 years.
Grid Outage
Will my solar energy system work when there is an electric grid outage?
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Unfortunately, a grid-tied solar electric system will not power your home when the utility grid is experiencing a failure. Inverters have a mechanism which shuts down the PV system when they do not
sense utility-supplied electricity. This safety mechanism is in place to protect electric utility line workers.
If the line workers assume that the lines they are working on have no power, a nearby solar electric system producing electricity could deliver a potentially lethal shock. Most utilities require a utility
disconnect for PV systems. The system will be disconnected before line workers work in the area, which serves as an additional safety precaution.
Solar Warranty
How long does a solar energy system continue to operate? What is the warranty?
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Solar electric systems are expected to last 35 years, but may last longer depending upon the quality of the solar electric modules. Over time certain materials in a PV module degrade, such as the back sheet and encapsulate seal. While the silicon cells would last indefinitely, eventually moisture
penetration corrodes the electrical connections, reducing the power output of the module. For this reason, AES recommends using high-quality PV modules, which we specify by default for all of our installations.
Solar electric systems require an inverter to convert the DC electricity they produce into AC electricity, such as AC electricity supplied by an electric utility. Inverters may need fine-tuning from time to time,
particularly in the first year of operation. After the first year of operation, an inverter should function without interruption for 10 to 20 years. It is likely that the PV modules may outlive the inverter, and a new inverter may need to be installed after approximately 15 years of system operation. Some inverters carry warranties of up to 25 years. Many inverter manufacturers offer extended warranty options.
Solar thermal (water heating) systems may operate indefinitely, provided that regular minimal maintenance procedures are followed.
Solar Install Costs
Is the price of solar energy falling? Should I wait until prices hit the bottom before I buy a system?
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The price of solar electric modules in particular has dropped a great deal in the past few years. Prices are beginning to stabilize, but may drop a little lower still. However, incentives for solar electric
systems in Oregon are also changing. As the prices for PV components drop, the incentives offered by the government and utility companies are being reduced.
Again, there are many variables which affect PV system payback. Our advice: The best time to install a solar energy system is now!
Oregon’s Utility-Scale Solar is Booming – Here’s Why
Oregonians will see many large-scale solar projects built this year – projects the size of which the state has never seen before. In 2017 Oregon will add about 150 megawatts (MW) worth of utility-scale solar projects to its energy portfolio from the utility scale...
Quick Reminder to Stay Safe and Report Electrical Outages to Your Utility Provider
Stay warm and safe this evening! The sun will be back soon enough! Please call your utility if you see down power lines, experience an outage, trees or branches that have fallen or leaning on them.
Thinking about solar for your home? The $6000 RETC expires Dec. 31st, 2017!
Oregon's Residential Energy Tax Credit is set to expire at the end of next year. If you've been considering a solar installation for your home, 2017 will be the year to get it done. Call us today and let us show you how much money you could save by adding solar to...
Emerald Peoples Utility District Completes Community Solar Project with Advanced Energy Systems
As a community-based electrical utility, born in the 1970’s, EPUD has long been a forward looking organization. Beginning in January 2017, Utility customers will can take part in a pioneering new community solar program, Sharing the Sun, (http://www.epud.org/my-account/sharing-sun/). Fashioned for utility customers wanting to invest in, and benefit from, renewable solar energy, subscriptions are now open. There are also available a limited number of ‘solar scholarships’ open to qualifying low-income customers of EPUD. Advanced Energy Systems is proud to have been selected as the prime contractor (assisted by Energy Design) for the design and construction of the Utility’s community solar array. We have built many solar installations for home and business owners in the EPUD service territory. For those whose property does not lend itself for a solar facility, or wish to make only an incremental investment into solar energy, you now have the possibility to go solar, via the Sharing Sun program!