Is it worth going solar in the Pacific Northwest?
As the months turn chillier and the days get shorter, those in the Pacific Northwest often wonder if going solar is the right call. We’re here to put the question to rest: Going solar, even in cloudier states like Oregon and Washington, can be an excellent financial and environmental decision for homeowners and business owners alike.
First, whether you’re a homeowner, business, or nonprofit, electricity costs can make up a huge percentage of your monthly spending. With a solar system installed, you’ll generate free, clean power from the sun for the system’s lifecycle. Even if you don’t reach 100% offset, solar will still greatly reduce your electricity bills and you’ll be locking in the cost of your power for the years to come.
When you install solar, you’ll protect yourself against rising energy costs, earn a great return on your investment, and increase your property value. Your installation will also help protect the environment and reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Buildings are responsible for 38 percent of all carbon emissions in the US, but as more homes and businesses get solar, that number is reduced.
One of the best parts about installing solar right now is the financial incentives. Oregonians enjoy benefits from the Energy Trust of Oregon, and the Federal Tax Incentive (ITC) helps reduce the cost of solar in all states. The Federal Tax Incentive is a whopping 30% until 2033, at which point it drops to 26%, so there’s no better time to be installing solar than now!
Finally, does solar really work in the Pacific Northwest? Yes! Solar works very well here in the Northwest. Even taking into account our cloudy weather throughout much of the year, solar is our most abundant renewable energy resource. In fact, the Portland/Vancouver area receives as much annual solar energy as the national average. Another reason solar works in Southwestern Washington and Portland is because we have long, mild summer days which make up for our cloudy winters. The ‘mild’ part is important because solar works best not when it’s really hot outside, but when it’s mild. The scientifically best temperature for solar panels to operate is 77°. Guess what the average temperature is here in the Portland/Vancouver area from May-October. Yep… 77°. So, our summers are scientifically perfect for solar!
Convinced? Reach out to Premier Solar NW today and find out if solar is right for you!
