Is The Northwest Too Wet For Solar Energy?

Don’t let the name fool you. Solar energy isn’t only reserved for homes and businesses in year-round sunny climates. Solar energy is for anyone with a desire to create a more sustainable, energy efficient home. Conventional wisdom says the Pacific Northwest is too wet to receive any real benefit from solar energy. But modern solar photovoltaic panels can collect energy in all types of weather.

“Germany is the worldwide leader in solar energy, and the country has very similar climate and resources as Oregon,” says Jason Benfit, Neil Kelly Solar General Manager in Portland. 

The first step in getting your home or business ready for solar is to schedule a complimentary solar assessment. A Neil Kelly energy specialist will check the site for solar resources and whether or not the roof can support a system. Next, the technician will check the unit’s power bill.

Above: Modern solar panels collect energy in all types of weather.

“Solar electric systems vary greatly in size based on the home or business’s heating equipment and appliances used,” says Coughran. “But today’s modern systems let you get the most bang for your buck. The cost of the panels has decreased so much in the last seven years, but the power has doubled to 300 watt panels for most projects.”

These modern solar electric systems are reliable, efficient, economical — and local. Neil Kelly is proud to install top performing system components from industry leaders such as SolarWorld, the largest American solar manufacturer based out of Hillsboro, Oregon.

“At Neil Kelly we not only do solar, but roofing and retrofitting as well,” says Benfit. “So, if you’ve been told that your home is too old for solar, or you can’t find a company to replace your roof and install your panels, Neil Kelly can take care of you from start to finish, no matter the age of your home.” 

Solar Tax Incentives

Adding solar to your home is a big decision. However, with today’s generous financial incentives and the reduced PV panel costs, there has never been a better time to plug into the power of solar.

LOCAL CASH INCENTIVES: Up to $11,000 per household
FEDERAL TAX CREDIT: 30% of system cost after incentives*
COMBINED CASH INCENTIVES: Could offset up to 70% of system cost 

Installing solar on your home or business is a great investment, adds more value to your property, and gets you locked into current, and often, wildly changing energy prices to generate clean solar energy for decades.

Is your home or business ready for solar? We specialize in the design, installation and maintenance of residential and commercial solar energy systems — backed by a 10-year warranty — and can help you access tax credits and incentives that can pay half of the cost of installing the system in many areas. Talk to a solar energy specialist today.