The Emerald City goes greener with solar power

The state of solar in Eugene

Eugene may be better known for rain than sunshine, but it does see an average of 155 sunny days per year.^*Best Places. Climate in Eugene, Oregon. May 2021. Around 85% of the city's rooftops are solar viable.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). Eugene has also taken steps to eliminate barriers to solar adoption as part of its commitment to reducing community fossil fuel usage by 50% of 2010’s levels by 2030.

How much solar energy does Eugene produce?

No information on Eugene’s solar capacity has been released in recent years, with the last update coming in 2015. At that point, the city had 4,180 kW (4.18 MW) of installed solar capacity. According to Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), the city’s electricity utility provider, the area is home to 600 residential and 120 commercial grid-tied systems.^*Eugene Water & Electric Board. Solar Electric Program. May 2021.

What are the advantages of going solar in Eugene?

Eugene is already seeing the effects of climate change as temperatures rise and wildfires become more commonplace, alongside droughts and other extreme weather. Solar energy is carbon neutral and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community that contribute to climate change.

With battery storage, solar power can also offer you better energy security during those beforementioned extreme weather events. Even if the grid goes down, your home will still have power. That can eliminate concerns such as burst pipes from low temperatures or food loss in the summer.

Another popular advantage of going solar in Eugene is the potential electricity cost savings. A 5kW solar PV system can offer savings of up to $17,000 over 20 years and potentially pay for itself within 13 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Eugene, OR. April 2021. Once you break even on your installation costs, you could even enjoy virtually free electricity.

How much does solar cost in Eugene?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors, such as:

• Permitting fees

• Angle of the roof

• Efficiency of the solar panels

• Durability of the solar panels

• Household’s energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020

In Eugene, we found that the average cost of purchasing a 5kW solar system is $14,100 to, or in other words, from $2.82 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The 26% federal tax credit makes going solar extremely attractive for many homeowners.^*Tax credits are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. With this credit, you can claim 26% of all equipment, installation, and permitting costs so long as you buy rather than lease your system. For example, if your solar system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $5,200.

EWEB also offers the Solar Electric Program, which provides a rebate incentive of 40 cents per watt ($400 per kW), up to $2,500.^*Eugene Water & Electric Board. Solar Electric Program. May 2021. If you are eligible, you may also combine this rebate with the 26% federal tax credit.

What’s the best way to go solar in Eugene?

The best solar system for your home will vary based on a wide range of factors, such as your available unshaded roof space, current electricity usage, budget, and much more. You'll also need to decide if you want a just solar, or solar + battery storage for additional peace of mind.

Working with an experienced solar installer is the best way to ensure you maximize your return on investment and make the most of your new solar system. A knowledgeable solar provider can offer you a detailed price quote, a custom solar design, and a complete breakdown of your potential energy savings.

Get started today by requesting a consultation. We’ll follow- up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.

Looking for commercial solar in Eugene?

SunPower is the #1 commercial solar provider in the U.S.^*Wood Mackenzie, US PV Leaderboard (March 2021). SunPower ranked #1 in cumulative commercial volume 2017-2020 Schedule a commercial solar consultation today.