Beautiful Oregon
Solar energy is the fastest-growing form of energy in the entire country. With the rise of solar in the United States, Bend Oregon solar energy has also become increasingly popular among its local residents. While there are wind turbines in certain states and hydroelectric dams, these take quite a bit of capital to establish. Solar panel installation is quite simple although the technology behind the panels is complex. States with more sunlight can benefit from this immensely while other states can still benefit. Bend, Oregon is an incredibly beautiful city with dense forests and beautiful mountains. Reducing carbon emission to combat climate change is a top priority for many businesses and people living in the city.
How Does Bend, Oregon Use Solar Energy?
Solar energy has become more popular in Oregon much like it has all over the country. Solar power makes sense in a state where the average person is more environmentally friendly than many places in the US. With this being said, the state has less than 1 percent of its electricity that is produced by solar energy. When compared to other states like Iowa, this is far lower as the Hawkeye state hovers around 4 percent of its energy being produced by solar energy.
Oregon is known for its rain and cloudy skies for much of the year. The cloudy skies do not mean that the solar panels will not work but they work less effectively when it is cloudy. Solar depends on the number of peak hours in the sun per day. California and Florida have very little in terms of challenges when it comes to powering homes and businesses with solar. Battery storage systems can be used in order to harness the power that panels have charged during the day. Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard is only going to grow which will likely make solar power systems more popular in the state. A bill that was passed in 2016 set a goal of using renewable energy at least half of the time by 2040.
Solar energy might also not be as popular due to the thermal energy that is available in the state. Certain parts of the state have a far higher solar resource than others due to the climate. Solar power works throughout the state with some areas being far more efficient than others.
Oregon Solar and Storage Rebate Program
The Oregon Solar and Storage Rebate Program makes it much more affordable to install a solar power system in your home. When this is combined with the federal tax credit, the system is more affordable than ever before. Oregon is special in the sense that they cover different percentages in the form of a rebate depending on a person’s income. Low-income individuals will receive up to 50 percent of the net value of the system while higher incomes will have a 40 percent rebate. A citizen cannot just have anyone install the system as they have to be approved by the Oregon Department of Energy to be eligible.
There are limits to the storage rebate of $2,500. Storage usually comes in the form of batteries that can store power for nights or times when there is a power grid failure. The contractor will receive the rebate and take this as a form of payment with the customer having to cover the rest of the costs. The application process needs to be done immediately as there are finite funds for these rebates. Incomplete applications will be ineligible until completed correctly with all of the necessary information.
Oregon Solar Energy Tax Credit
Oregon residents are lucky in the respect that the state provides both tax credits and rebates. There are some states that do not offer any type of rebate or tax credit. Residents that installed their systems before the end of 2017 could receive an income tax credit to help with cash flow. The maximum amount of tax credit could be up to $6,000 dollars depending on the energy use of the resident.
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The average cost of solar panels in Oregon is $2.5 per watt with a 6 kW solar system costs $11,118 after claiming the 26% federal solar tax credit available in the state. This price is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is $3.00 per watt.
They work on cloudy days. The difference is that they perform better on sunny days. Cloudy and cool areas like Oregon are also suitable for solar panels because panels last longer. In fact, when the temperature rises above 77 F°, the panel’s efficiency starts to decrease. An example of this is San Francisco, which is a better location for solar compared to Las Vegas due to its cooler weather which protects panels from future damage.
Yes, they are. The Summer days make up for all the rainy days. European countries like Germany have similar weather and make the most out of solar power. Our consultants can evaluate your situation and answer all of your questions on how to take advantage of the sunlight to cut your energy bill down.
Yes! There is a 26% tax credit incentive for residential and commercial customers that go solar. To claim your return file the IRS Form 5695.
There are many rebates when it comes to switching to renewable energy and Oregon is not the exception. Some examples are:
Portland Clean Energy Fun
Solar Within Reach
Energy Trust of Oregon Solar Incentives
Check if you qualify for them
