Looking to install solar panels in Oregon or Washington? Want more info on solar energy? Our solar blog articles cover everything from net metering, to federal solar tax credits, to how to get the most out of your solar project.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
