PGE & Pacific Power Raises Rates for 2026
Affective April 1, 2026, Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power (Pacificorps) have raised energy rates for nearly 1.5 million Oregon residents. PGE increased energy rates 5%, or approximately $96 added to energy bills per year. Pacific Power increased energy rates 4.1%, or approximately $72 added to energy bills per year. This come after nearly […]
Why Battery Backup Is Vital to Remote Workers & WFH
Work-from-home (WFH) culture and battery backup have changed how remote workers deal with power outages. What used to feel like a temporary household inconvenience can now interrupt meetings, pause projects, knock out internet access, and throw an entire workday off track. For remote workers, dependable electricity is no longer just about comfort. It is part […]
Annual Solar Maintenance in Oregon: A Season-by-Season Care Guide
Solar energy is quiet, dependable, and requires very little maintenance. But in Oregon, our seasons bring very specific conditions that can influence production and long-term system health: weeks of rain, spring pollen, coastal salt air, farm dust, wildfire smoke, windstorms, and the occasional snow or ice event. The good news is you don’t need a […]
TPO Solar Maintenance: Who’s Responsible & What to Do When Service Is Needed
If you have solar through a lease or a power purchase agreement (PPA), you’re in what the industry calls a third-party owned (TPO) setup. And if you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have to maintain this system?” or “Who do I call if something stops working?” you’re not alone. TPO solar changes the maintenance conversation because […]
Solar & Battery Maintenance After Your Installer Goes Out of Business
Solar panels and battery backup systems are designed to be long-term assets, quietly producing energy (and peace of mind) year after year. For many homeowners, that reliability is exactly why solar feels like a “set it and forget it” purchase. And in a perfect world, you’d always have the same solar installer available to answer […]
How To File Solar Tax Credits in 2026: IRS Form 5695
Tax season can be daunting, but filing your solar tax credit doesn’t have to be! If you installed solar panels and/or battery backup before January 1, 2026, you might be eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit (aka Investment Tax Credit, or ITC). But to get that money back, you might need some help. That’s why […]
What To Do if Your Solar Company Goes Out of Business
If your solar company disappears (no callbacks, no service appointments, no answers) you’re not alone. As more solar companies face financial strain, ownership changes, or outright closure, many homeowners are left searching for what to do when their solar company goes out of business. Whether it’s a full solar company bankruptcy or a slow shutdown […]
Central Electric Cooperative Raising Rates in 2026
Oregon homeowners served by Central Electric Cooperative are preparing for higher power bills in 2026. According to recent reporting, Central Electric has approved an 8.5% rate increase, meaning many households across Central Oregon will see noticeable jumps in their monthly electricity costs next year. Utility rate increases like this are becoming increasingly common across Oregon […]
Top 5 Common Solar Panel System Issues (and How Green Ridge Solar Can Fix Them)
Solar panel systems are designed to be dependable, efficient, and long‑lasting, and most operate for decades with relatively few issues. Still, because solar equipment is exposed to the elements and relies on multiple electrical components working together, problems can occur over time. These issues often show up as reduced solar production, inverter error messages, monitoring […]
Is Third-Party Ownership (TPO) Solar a Scam?
Third-Party Ownership (TPO) solar has become one of the most talked‑about options in solar energy, especially for homeowners who want the benefits of solar without the upfront cost. But with that popularity comes confusion, and a fair share of online claims that TPO solar programs are “scams.” The truth is that TPO solar is a […]
