Commercial Solar in 2027: Why Businesses Should Start Planning Now

For Oregon businesses considering solar, 2027 could be a pivotal year. With electricity costs continuing to put pressure on operating budgets, valuable federal solar incentives approaching a major deadline, and commercial projects requiring substantial planning, businesses that start exploring solar now could have a significant advantage. Commercial solar isn’t just about generating clean energy. It’s […]

Oregon Commercial Solar & Battery Incentives: 2026–2027 Guide for Businesses, Farms & Nonprofits

Updated October 2026 Oregon businesses, farms, industrial facilities, nonprofits and government organizations may qualify for valuable solar and battery incentives that can significantly reduce installation costs, reduce operating costs, and free up much needed capital. Federal tax credits, utility rebates, property-tax exemptions, grants and financing programs can make solar and battery storage more affordable. In […]

Fall Checklist for Solar Owners: 8 Things to Check Before Winter

Fall is the perfect time to give your solar panel system a quick check before winter weather arrives. Solar panels are designed to operate year-round and generally require relatively little maintenance. But shorter days, falling leaves, heavy rain, wind, freezing temperatures, snow, winter storms, and power outages can expose problems that may have gone unnoticed […]

Pacific Power Offers Up to $4,000 in Backup Power Rebates for Oregon Customers

Oregon Pacific Power customers may be eligible for backup power rebates and not even know it! That’s because Pacific Power offers qualifying Oregon customers up to $1,000 in rebates toward eligible backup power equipment, while certain licensed care facilities can qualify for rebates of up to $4,000. Pacific Power says the rebates are intended to […]

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 […]