Solar will only be offsetting kWh directly to the service location and meter where it is installed. You will want to make sure your solar vendor is proposing to interconnect the solar system where you want to see kWh savings. The alternative is to have your solar contractor combine the house and shop service into 1 metering point.
Yes, you will still receive an invoice from UEC for your basic charges and net metering kWh. The vendor should use your historical kWh usage to appropriately size the system. Systems sized to over-produce have a longer payback period.
Solar is a long-term investment. Obtain at least 2 to 3 quotes from licensed solar contractors. You will want to compare the price per Watt. A list of contractors participating in the State rebate program can be found at Oregon.gov.
Like a heat pump or water heater you own the solar equipment and your vendor will service it. Request a few customer references from the solar contractor and ask for references where the installer had to come back to service the solar modules or inverters.
We don’t certify, recommend, or partner with any solar installer. Instead, we refer homeowners to the state Department of Energy’s approved solar contractors on the Oregon Solar Rebate Program webpage. Search for “Approved Contractors”.
DG systems are grid-tied and will only operate when electricity is present on UEC power lines. During a power outage, your solar inverter will automatically shut down the flow of electricity from the solar array. Without this protective feature, the PV system could potentially backfeed electricity onto the co-op’s lines, endangering line crews and anyone in the area.
Yes, UEC offers a rebate of $0.30 per watt of the solar array’s AC nameplate capacity up to a $1,500 maximum.
The state of Oregon has a rebate program. Rebates are issued to approved contractors and they pass on the savings to their customers. For federal tax incentives please consult with a CPA.
Yes, but it will not produce as much as it will in the summer with full sun.