Pacific Power Proposes 10.8% Rate Increase for 2027 in Oregon
Pacific Power customers in Oregon could face another major electricity rate increase next year (2027). On May 1, 2026, Pacific Power filed a new general rate case with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC). If approved as filed, the request would increase residential rates an average of 10.8% beginning April 5, 2027. Pacific Power estimates […]
The Importance of a Solar Maintenance Plan
Solar is one of the best and easiest home upgrades to have. Once it’s installed, it quietly produces energy day after day – no refueling, no moving parts, no constant attention, all while saving you money. And that’s exactly why a lot of homeowners assume solar maintenance isn’t something they need to think about. But […]
PGE Proposes 3.9% Residential Rate Increase for 2027
Portland General Electric (PGE) customers could be paying even more for electricity next year. On August 4, 2026, PGE filed a new general rate case with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC). If the request is approved as filed, residential electricity rates would rise an average of 3.9% beginning July 1, 2027. PGE estimates the […]
Is My Solar Inverter Dying? Early Warning Signs & Prevention
Solar panels often get the spotlight, but it’s the inverter that actually makes your solar power usable. It’s the system’s translator, converting the direct-current (DC) electricity produced by your panels into alternating-current (AC) power that can run your home or business and safely interact with the utility grid. In many systems, the inverter also plays […]
Do Wildfire Smoke & Ash Affect Solar Panels?
Wildfire smoke has become an unfortunate part of many Oregon regions. When the sky turns hazy and ash collects on cars, decks, and solar panels, solar owners may also notice something else: lower energy production. So, do wildfire smoke and ash affect solar panels? Yes, but in two different ways. Smoke in the atmosphere can […]
Why Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Matters (& What DIY Cleaning Gets Wrong)
Solar panels are built to last, but they are not maintenance-free. Year-round exposure to weather and the elements means they collect dust, pollen, bird droppings, leaves, sap, ash, and more. Rain can rinse some of it away, but stubborn grime often sticks and blocks sunlight. That’s why cleaning your solar panels is so important. When […]
What Is Plug-In Solar, a.k.a Balcony Solar?
For many people, going solar still means installing solar panels on a rooftop. But a growing trend called plug-in solar (or balcony solar) is expanding access to solar energy beyond traditional homeownership. Known as plug-in solar, balcony solar, or plug-and-play solar, these small, portable systems are designed to help households generate some of their own […]
The Energy Inflation Playbook: 7 Ways Solar & Battery Help Fight Painful Power Bills
Inflation has become a familiar part of everyday life. Homeowners feel it at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and in the cost of insurance, home repairs, and other essentials. Power bills are no exception. Many households are paying more for electricity than they did just a few years ago, even when their energy […]
How a Solar Care Plan Pays for Itself
A solar panel system is one of the smartest long-term investments many homeowners make, but the keyword is long-term. Solar savings aren’t a one-time win. They’re built month by month, year by year, as your system produces clean power and reduces how much electricity you have to buy from the utility. That’s why a solar […]
Announcing the Green Ridge Solar Continuing Care Plan
Solar is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your home. But like anything that lives outdoors and works every day, it performs best when it’s cared for. That’s why we’re excited to announce the Green Ridge Solar Continuing Care Plan: a simple, proactive way to protect your system’s performance, reduce stress […]
