Solar in Oregon
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun. Solar technologies harness this energy for
electricity generation, space and water heating, and other uses. Solar energy is a renewable resource
as the energy comes from the sun. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are the most common technology for generating electricity from solar
energy.
Solar PV cells absorb photons from sunlight and convert their energy into electric current. PV
cells are connected together into panels for installation on rooftops or ground-mounted systems. The
average solar panel has between a 200- and 400-watt capacity. Joining panels together creates solar
arrays, which can be virtually any size, from less than one kilowatt to hundreds of megawatts or more.
While the price of solar panels has dropped, solar energy has not yet achieved "grid parity" in Oregon. Parity is reached when the alternative energy source (solar power) can generate energy at about the same cost as purchasing the equivalent amount of power from the electricity grid.
ODOE works with municipalities and cities to streamline permitting. With our partner, the
Energy Trust of Oregon , we are streamlining incentive applications through an online portal called Power Clerk. Streamlining efforts have reduced the administrative burden for consumers and contractors.