Washington County, OR Solar Panels – Is It Still Worth It in 2024?

Getting Started With Solar Panels in Washington County

The shift to residential solar panels is a growing trend across the U.S., and Washington County is joining this sustainable movement. Solar power in local areas like Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tigard involves the installation of photovoltaic panels on rooftops or grounds, harnessing sunlight to generate electricity.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of residential solar power, including how the technology works, how the Pacific Northwest weather might affect them, and why it makes sense to make to install solar panels in WA County.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels are composed of many individual solar cells wired together. These solar cells have a special photovoltaic material, usually silicon, that absorbs photons from sunlight. The photons knock electrons loose from their atoms, allowing the electrons to flow freely and generate a current.

The solar cells are wired together in a panel to produce direct current (DC) electricity. This DC passes through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power homes and appliances.

The basic steps in how solar panels generate electricity are:

1. Photons from sunlight hit the solar panel and are absorbed by the solar cells.
2. These photons contain energy that knocks electrons loose in the solar cell material, allowing them to flow freely.
3. The free-flowing electrons generate a DC.
4. An inverter changes the DC to AC.
5. The electricity is then ready for use in the home or to be fed back into the utility grid.

To summarize, solar panels produce clean renewable electricity by converting sunlight into an electric current using special materials like silicon. This conversion happens through the photovoltaic effect at the atomic level inside the solar cells. They require no fuel other than sunlight to generate emissions-free power.

What About The Weather?

Contrary to its reputation for rain, Washington County enjoys lengthy daylight hours in summer, making solar a valuable investment. While many may initially believe rain is bad for energy production, rain helps clean off debris that may accumulate on them, increasing efficiency once the sun is back out and shining.

Furthermore, solar panels installed in Washington County, Oregon are designed to capture scattered light, effectively converting it to usable electricity even on overcast days.

• Further Reading: Does Solar Work in the PNW?

Why Go Solar in Washington County?

Washington County’s climate is perfect for harnessing solar energy, with abundant sunshine all year round and rainy seasons offering natural cleaning for your panels. Additionally, Oregon presents favorable solar incentives and rebates for solar installation. 

Choosing solar in Washington County implies:

• Making the most of state incentives and policies
• Utilizing abundant sunshine for power
• Contributing to a sustainable future
• Saving money by reducing or eliminating your electricity bills
• Increasing the value of the property

Financial Advantages of Residential Solar

Residential solar panels in Washington County not only considerably lower energy expenses but also provide stability in expenditure. Solar power is not just a renewable energy source; it’s a valuable investment with excellent financial returns.

• Reduction in utility bills: By generating your electricity from the sun’s rays, you’ll rely far less on the grid and slash your utility bills. Depending on your energy usage, solar panels can reduce your electricity expenses by 40-100%.
• Stabilization of energy costs: Utility rates often rise year after year, but with solar power, you can lock in consistent energy costs for decades. This protects you from inflation and rising electricity prices.
• Increased property value: Homes with solar panels have been shown to sell for a premium compared to similar non-solar homes. Appraisers also factor in expected energy bill savings. This boost in value can significantly outweigh the cost of installation.
• Fast return on investment: Between utility savings, incentives, and increased home value, most solar panel systems offer a full return on investment within just 5-10 years of installation. And the panels will continue generating free electricity for another 15+ years beyond that payback timeline.

In short, going solar in Washington County is a savvy long-term investment that pays dividends on your utility bills and protects you from energy costs that will inevitably keep rising in the future.

Environmental Benefits of Solar Power

Transitioning to residential solar panels reduces the carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future. Solar energy doesn’t emit harmful greenhouse gases and aids in battling climate change. Crucial environmental benefits include:

• Reduction in carbon emissions: By utilizing solar power instead of fossil fuel-generated electricity from the grid, homeowners can significantly cut carbon emissions associated with their energy use. This directly decreases their carbon footprint. Solar panels produce no direct emissions while operating.
• Conservation of water resources: Fossil fuel energy production consumes vast amounts of water. Solar power eliminates this demand, conserving freshwater resources. This is especially important in arid regions facing water scarcity.
• Decrease in dependence on fossil fuels: Widespread adoption of solar energy reduces reliance on polluting energy sources like coal and natural gas. This facilitates a cleaner energy mix for the future.
• Promotion of a healthier environment: By curbing air pollution and emissions, solar power contributes to better air quality and environmental health. This benefits public health as well.

The Installation Process

The solar panel installation process is efficient and hassle-free:

Property Assessment

Washington County solar installers will evaluate the property’s suitability for solar panels, considering factors like structure, sun exposure, and energy usage patterns. This allows them to determine the ideal system design and placement.

System Design

A tailor-made solar panel system is designed specifically for the property to maximize efficiency and aesthetics. The experts take into account the roof layout, ideal tilt angles, solar access, and expected energy needs.

Securing Permits

The necessary permits, including building and electrical permits, are obtained on the homeowner’s behalf. This simplifies the complex process of navigating local regulations and codes.

Installation

Once the permits are secured, experienced technicians will install the solar panels and other system components. This is when the property begins its transition to solar power.

Testing

Thorough testing and commissioning ensure the system functions as intended before completion. The technicians verify correct wiring, performance, safety, and integration with the home’s electrical panel. If your panel is old or can’t handle the capacity we’ll let you know during the system design phase and recommend an electrical panel upgrade.

Throughout this streamlined process, the homeowner can expect clear communication and exceptional service, making the switch to solar energy simple and straightforward.

Types of Residential Solar Installations

Solar installations in Washington County can be customized to accommodate different residential properties, from single-family homes to multi-story buildings. The main types of solar installations are:

Rooftop Solar

Rooftop solar panels are installed directly on the roof of a home or building. This is a popular option for many homeowners as it utilizes unused roof space to generate electricity.

• Make efficient use of space, not requiring additional land
• Can meet much or all of the home’s electricity needs
• Close proximity to the point of use reduces energy loss

Ground-Mount Solar

Ground-mount solar arrays are installed on the ground, often in backyards or open spaces on a property.

• Allows flexible positioning for maximum sun exposure
• Easily scalable to increase system size
• Provides easy access to maintenance

Solar Carports

This type of solar panel installation are elevated solar panel structure built above parking spaces or driveways.

• Dual function for power and vehicle shading
• Utilize existing outdoor parking areas
• Visibly demonstrate renewable energy commitment

The right solar installation type depends on factors like available space, energy needs, aesthetic preferences, and local zoning laws. An experienced solar installer can recommend the best option for your Washington County home.

Washington County Solar Incentives

Washington County homeowners looking to go solar can take advantage of several incentives to reduce the cost of installation. Here are some of the main solar incentives available in Washington County. To view a complete list, please visit our in-depth Oregon solar incentive and cash rebate page.

Key Oregon solar incentives:

• Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): This federal tax credit allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. For the average residential solar installation, this could mean over $7,000 in savings. The ITC is currently set at 30% through 2019, then will begin stepping down year by year.
• Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program: This state rebate offers up to $5,000 back for installing new solar electric systems. Homeowners who also add solar plus battery backup can get up to an additional $2,500. The exact rebate amounts vary based on factors like income level.
• Solar Within Reach Program: This cash incentive program provides $1.00 per watt installed, up to $5,400, for qualifying low-income Portland General Electric customers. Pacific Power customers can receive $0.90 per watt installed.
• Renewable Energy Systems Exemption: This Oregon property tax exemption allows homeowners to avoid higher property taxes from increasing home values after installing a solar energy system. The exemption lasts for 20 years and can save thousands of dollars.
• Oregon Net Metering: Utility net metering programs let you get credit for excess solar electricity sent back to the grid. This credit offsets the electricity you use at other times, helping reduce your utility bills.

These incentives are subject to change. Remember to check with a local Washington County solar energy provider asking their consultants for the most accurate and current information about your specific circumstances.

Net Metering: How Does It Work?

Net metering in Oregon offers a simple but ingenious system for solar panel owners to receive credits for the surplus electricity they generate. Here’s a quick rundown of how those credits work:

1. Your solar panels may produce more electricity than you use during sunny daylight hours. This excess energy gets fed into the local utility grid.
2. The utility company installs a special net meter at your home. This meter can spin backward when your solar panels generate extra electricity, unlike a standard meter which only goes forward.
3. At night or during cloudy weather, when your solar system produces less power, you pull electricity back from the grid.
4. At the end of each billing cycle, your utility company calculates the net difference between what you took from the grid versus what you supplied back.
5. If you give more power than you used, your net meter reading will be negative or in “credit” – and you get rolled-over credits on your electricity bill.
6. Depending on your state’s net metering policies, your utility company may also cut you a check for excess credit over a year.

This means that for many solar homeowners, their annual electricity costs drop significantly or even down to $0 by harnessing the sun’s energy.

So in short, net metering provides a direct financial incentive for going solar by giving you credit for the extra clean power you produce. Those credits can offset your electricity purchases from the grid when needed.

Washington County Solar Panel FAQs

Have a question? Here are the most frequently asked questions by homeowners in Multnomah County. If you don’t see your question answered, do feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!

Is Solar Worth It in Washington County?

In Washington County, OR, investing in solar energy is a highly beneficial decision. The region’s climate, characterized by ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, makes it an ideal location for solar panel installations. 

Not only do solar systems reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower electricity bills, but they also increase property value. With the availability of the Federal Investment Tax Credit, local rebates, and net metering policies, homeowners and businesses can see a significant return on investment. Additionally, the environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions and conserving water resources align with a growing commitment to sustainability. 

In summary, the combination of favorable climate, financial incentives for solar, and environmental impact makes solar a worthwhile investment in Washington County.

Are You Ready to Switch to Solar and Save?

We hope this guide has shown the immense value solar panels can provide for your home in Washington County, Oregon.

The next step is to reach out and talk to our solar experts. We offer free solar consultations to assess your property and provide a tailored proposal outlining the costs, savings, incentives, and more based on your specific home.

With over a decade of experience, our team simplifies the process of going solar for Washington County homeowners. We handle everything from system design to permits and installation.

To get started, call us at 503-680-3718 or fill out our online request form and we’ll be in touch right away.

During the Consultation

• Evaluate the viability of solar for your particular home
• Calculate potential cost savings based on your energy usage
• Explain federal, state, and local incentives you may qualify for
• Design a custom solar system to maximize sunlight exposure and meet your energy needs
• Provide financing options to reduce upfront costs
• Guide you through the installation process from start to finish

Take control of your energy costs and help the environment by harnessing Washington County’s abundant sunshine. Reach out today to discuss how solar can benefit your household!