Western Oregon receives as much solar energy on an annual basis as the national average-or more. Eastern Oregon receives as much annual solar energy as Florida.  Because of our northern latitude and cloudy winter months, much of the energy we get comes in the spring, summer and fall.

 

 

How much energy you can produce is not just dependent on how much sunlight you get but also when you get it and how you use it.  For instance, even under cloudy skies solar electric panels deliver some energy. Using sunlight for "daylighting" works best in lightly cloudy skies. Solar water heaters work best when the water entering them is cold. Simply put, it depends on what you need and when, more than how much sun you get.

 

The following charts compare solar energy produced in various locations for solar electric and water heating systems.

 

 

Solar Electric System - A 1,000 watt solar electric system provides about one-quarter of the energy needed to run an energy efficient home, not including space heating.

 

 

Solar Water Heater - A typical system cuts water heating bills in half virtually anywhere in Oregon.

Costs depend on the type of system you are installing.  Solar energy is generally more expensive than conventional energy (fossil fuels, large hydro, nuclear, etc.).  For many people, a quick return on their investment is not as important as other issues such as the positive environmental and local economic benefits of using a renewable energy resource.

The following are VERY rough system costs:

The following Adobe Acrobat files provide information on solar contractors certified by the Oregon Department of Energy. The Department of Energy does not assume any responsibility for workmanship or quality.

The following  Adobe Acrobat file contains utility contacts that may be able to help with your solar energy project.