• Get an instant ballpark solar estimate using satellites!
Free Solar Audit
503-694-4600
REQUEST A QUOTE

Does Solar Make Sense in Washington?

  • Solar Energy
Solar Panel in Washington

When it comes to solar, last year’s facts are this year’s fiction. The solar industry changes at a rapid pace, leaving prospective solar buyers reading old news when trying to make a decision. This can often get in the way of Washingtonians making well-informed choices about their solar energy needs. To ensure you get the best possible solar education, we’re going to look at the primary reasons why more and more people have decided that solar is worth it in Washington.

Does Solar Work In Washington?

Despite the cloudy weather, solar power is increasingly becoming more popular with Washingtonians. Germany leads the world in solar power production, yet it’s slightly cloudier than it is here in Washington. Much like Germany, we benefit from long summer days with mild temperatures, which are ideal conditions for maximum solar
production.

What is Net Energy Metering?

Typically, utility companies only need to keep track of the amount of energy you consume on a monthly basis. When you go solar, your utility company needs to keep track of the amount of energy you produce on a monthly basis. With Net Energy Metering, your utility company can keep track of both. At the end of the month, your power company will subtract the amount of energy you produce from the amount of energy you consume, reducing your monthly power bill. Any additional energy credits you store up will be carried over to your next month’s bill throughout the year.
Each kilowatt-hour of energy you produce is equivalent to the retail market value of a kilowatt-hour of energy you purchase from your utility company. You can literally save up energy credits in the form of solar power created during the longer days of summer and then use them during the shorter days of winter.

The Cost Of Electricity

Retail electricity rates have risen across the Pacific Northwest by 30% in the last 10 years. The trend of utility companies continuing to raise electricity rates is unlikely to change in the near future. Switching to solar allows you to lock in a fixed energy payment.

The Cost Of Solar

An average-sized residential system has dropped from the (preincentive) price of $40,000 to about $18,000 since 2010. That’s a decrease of over 55% in the span of 10 years.

25-Year Service Warranty

Our systems come with a 25-year warranty on all materials and services performed. Any required repairs will be performed at our expense. This is in addition to all of our manufacturer’s warranties.

Solar Incentives

Solar electric systems qualify for a wide variety of federal and state solar incentives, reducing the overall cost of a residential system by an average of $5,790.

Home Resale Value

According to Zillow, homes with solar energy sold for nearly 3% more
than comparable homes without. That means an average home with
solar in the United States sells for an additional $9,274.

 

installation
Solar Energy

Does Solar Make Sense in Oregon?

When it comes to solar, last year’s facts are this year’s fiction. The solar industry changes at a rapid pace, leaving prospective solar buyers reading

Read More »
February 23, 2020 No Comments
Navigation
Service Locations
Copyright © 2023 Smart Solar Energy | Site built by: Oregon Web Solutions | Sitemap | Service Areas