Frequently Asked Questions

Does solar really work in Oregon?

It works great! Oregon receives as much sun as the national average. Southern Oregon receives more than the Willamette Valley but less than much of Eastern Oregon. Oregon receives more sunlight than most of Germany. Germany is now installing more solar than any other country in the world!

What kinds of solar technologies are there?

The three major types are solar electric, solar hot water and passive solar space heat. Each technology is very different in design, cost and performance.

What steps should I take to see what solar technology is good for me?

1)Evaluate how much energy you use by looking at your electric and gas bills or other energy sources. 2)Make sure either the roof of your house, garage or lot is open to the sun with little shading. 3)Determine what energy conservation steps you could take. 4)Determine what technology in which you are most interested. 5)Call or email us for consultation. We give free site visits within 30 miles of Roseburg and will go farther for gas mileage. Much of the consultation can be done by email or phone or by attending the Solar Home Tours in the Fall or Spring. Also classes in solar design are offered at Umpqua Community College in the fall.

Can I sell solar power to the power company?

Yes and no. In Oregon we have a great net metering law. The power company must allow you to offset your own electrical use by the power your solar array produces. "Turning the meter backward", these credits are at full retail value and roll forward month to month. You do not receive a check for "selling power" however.

What size system should I put on my 3000 sq ft home?

Square foot size of a home does not determine the size of systems we install. We look at your electrical bills and try to size your system to produce less than your average yearly amount. That way you offset as much of your power bill as you can afford. Studies show home owners reduce their power bill another 30% after they install solar as they get clever on ways to save energy without changing their lifestyle significantly.

What about off grid ? Can I do that and what size system do I need?

Yes many of us live without the power company. In most all cases it is because we bought land way out and the cost of bringing in power was our incentive to go solar. Design and sizing properly for an off grid home involves much discussion with the homeowners about their lifestyle choices. Preferably this is done even before the home is built. It can be very expensive unless much planning is done then it leads to very pleasant and easy to keep homes. Too little solar power and a gas or diesel backup generator is constantly running. Hybrid systems with small hydro or small wind as well as solar can be economical. New federal and state tax credits help reduce the cost of solar-on grid or off.

I have a home business. Can I use the business incentives instead of the residential incentives?

Yes, maybe. The solar business incentives are more generous than the residential incentives. However, the incentives are mostly tax credits and depreciation. So it is a decision to make with your tax adviser. Will he or she defend taking the business credits if you are audited? Many active home businesses and ranches are taking the business solar credits and depreciation.