It seems like everything costs more these days, and people are scrambling to find ways to make ends meet. Most expenses are out of our control, but there are ways to save, especially when it comes to utility bills.
Solar panels, which capture the energy of sunlight and convert it into electricity, are an effective way to offset electricity bills. Yes, there are expenses upfront, but there are incentives currently in place to keep these costs down.
“The federal clean energy credit is currently 30%, but that’s set to expire at the end of this year for residential homes,” says Justin Lancaster, founder and co-owner of Bend-based National Solar. To qualify, the solar panels must be installed by December 31, 2025.
This 30% savings is based on the cost after any upfront incentives have been applied. “There’s currently a $950 incentive from the Energy Trust of Oregon, which is for customers of Pacific Power,” he says.
"Once you make the investment to go solar, you’ll no longer have to worry about those double-digit increases in utility bills," explains Justin. “It's a way to gain a bit of control over those increases we're all experiencing.”
The panels, he says, typically last up to 50 years, while most of the components have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. So once installed, homeowners can enjoy the benefits for many years to come.
Due to the upcoming deadline for tax credit, National Solar has hired additional crews to meet the demand for installation. “We're at least three times as busy as we were,” says Justin. “Our phones are ringing off the hook right now for customers wondering if we can get their solar panels installed by the end of the year.”
Since National Solar has both electrical contractors and general contractors, everything from design creation to installation is handled in-house. Most installations take only one day.
“We've been around since 2009, and we're one of the first companies to be a part of the Energy Trust of Oregon,” says Janelle, Justin’s wife and founder and co-owner of the company.
Adds Justin, “We have a 98% approval rating with the Energy Trust of Oregon for jobs that have received incentives from them.”
“That's actually the highest out of all the companies in the area,” notes Janelle. Many of their team members have been with the company for years and are highly experienced. “We consider National Solar a family-owned business because it's just us and our business partner, John Harley,” explains Janelle. “We've also had family members working from time to time and continue to. I feel like we truly have the best employees out of any solar company. They care about what they do and how they represent themselves to our customers.”
The company and staff also care about the community in which they do business. “We've invested pretty heavily in our community,” Justin says. “We're gold sponsors with MBSEF [Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation] because we think that it's important to give back to the community, especially in organizations that have a wide reach. Our employees see that, and by extension, they feel like they're a part of something bigger. We all take a lot of pride in that.”
If thinking about switching to solar for your electrical needs, it’s essential to do so soon to take advantage of those tax credits. “We're three months out right now, so I would say if this is something they're going to do, they need to pull the trigger by the end of summer.”
To find out more and schedule an appointment, visit NationalSolarUSA.com.
Installation process through National Solar:
- A solar design sales team member will come out and inspect the home for its suitability for solar (meaning it cannot be surrounded by a lot of trees.)
- A design is configured based on the home's appearance and the amount of energy it requires (by taking into account historical usage patterns.)
- A proposal is developed based on the customer’s budget and financial objectives. Some may prefer to offset all of their power costs, while others may want to offset only a portion of it due to the price of the system. Additional panels can be added at a later time, although the cost savings are best when done all at once.
- If a customer decides to move forward, a project manager will visit the home, take additional roof measurements, and inspect the electrical panel and the electrical runs that need to be made to complete the system.
- Permits are ordered, and the company informs the utility that the customer plans to be a net meter customer. “Net metering means that once a customer gets solar, we tie the system into the grid so whatever excess power the customer makes goes back into the grid,” says Justin. “The utility will then credit their bill. As of right now, Pacific Power and PGE are one-for-one net metering, so whatever a customer sends back, they get a credit for that equal amount.”
- The system is then installed and activated. The cost savings begin.
Increasing Your Home’s Value
Homes equipped with solar energy systems often see an increase in property value. Prospective buyers recognize the long-term savings and environmental benefits associated with solar power, making such properties more attractive in the real estate market. According to EnergySage, a solar installation can increase a home's resale value by about 4%, or up to $6,000 for each kilowatt of solar installed.
- Higher Property Value: Homes with solar energy systems typically sell at a premium, as buyers value the energy savings they provide.
- Appeal to Eco-Conscious Buyers: Solar-equipped homes attract environmentally conscious buyers who prioritize sustainability.
- Long-Term Energy Savings: Prospective homeowners are drawn to the reduced electricity bills and energy independence solar power offers.
- Market Differentiation: Solar installations set your home apart in competitive real estate markets.
- Future-Proofing: Buyers view solar energy systems as a step toward a sustainable and energy-efficient future, increasing your home's desirability.
"Once you make the investment to go solar, you'll no longer have to worry about those double-digit increases in utility bills."
—Justin Lancaster, co-owner of Bend-based National Solar