Frequently Asked Solar Questions

Q: Does solar power work in the Pacific Northwest?

Yes. Sure, we have our cloudy days, but solar isn’t about heat, it’s about light. Oregon and the Pacific Northwest have some of the better solar radiance in the country. What’s more, Oregon has some of the best incentives of any state in the country (#4 in the nation in 2017).

Q: Will solar work for my home or business?

There’s only one way to find out. Please call us at (503) 857-0099 for a free solar site evaluation. Every site and every customer’s need is unique, and we tailor your solar installation to your needs.

Q: Will my solar panels work on a cloudy day?

Absolutely! Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat, so even on a rainy or overcast day your roof is making power for you. Of course, bright sunny days will produce significantly more electricity than overcast ones, but you’ll be producing way more power (and paying for much less) on those gray days than you were before you had solar.

Discover the essentials of Solar in Oregon, where solar power in Sherwood, Oregon, shines brightly. For detailed information, we invite you to explore our informative blog posts. Should you have any queries, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We take pride in inspiring and educating our valued customers, and we're more than happy to assist you on your solar journey.

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Solar in the Northwest

Does solar power work in the Pacific Northwest?

Indeed, while we do experience occasional cloudy days, it's important to remember that solar energy relies on light rather than heat. Fortunately, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest region are blessed with abundant solar radiance, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. Moreover, Oregon offers some of the most attractive incentives in the nation, ranking as the fourth-best state in terms of incentives in 2017..

Will solar work for my home or business?

To discover the possibilities for your specific situation, the best course of action is to reach out. Feel free to contact us at (503) 857-0099 to schedule a complimentary solar site evaluation. We understand that every site and customer requirement is distinct, which is why we customize each solar installation to perfectly align with your individual needs.

Will my solar panels work on a cloudy day?

Certainly! Solar panels harness electricity from light, not heat. This means that even when it's raining or overcast, your roof continues to generate power for you. While it's true that bright sunny days yield higher electricity production compared to overcast days, even during cloudy periods, your solar system will generate a considerable amount of power. As a result, you'll experience a substantial reduction in energy expenses on those gray days, far surpassing the energy savings you had before installing solar panels.

Investment and Financing

Is it really worth it?

Absolutely! Every customer experiences a favorable return on their investment. For our residential customers, the impact is significant as they can substantially reduce or even eliminate their electricity bills. Likewise, our commercial clients witness remarkable results, with potential cost reductions of up to 100% in operating their facilities.

Can I lease a solar system from DPI Solar?

No, leasing does not make financial sense. Since you don’t own the system, you won’t enjoy the tax incentives, commercial depreciation or utility grants. The worst part is, you’d be using your roof to produce power that the leasing company sells back to you.

Can the system be financed?

Absolutely! Our partners at Sungage Financial and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union offer our customers financing for their projects. Home equity credit lines will give you the best return on your investment because the interest for solar installations on a HELOC are tax deductible.

Does DPI Solar offer zero-down financing?

Yes. Our partners at Sun Gage Financial and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit both offer zero-down financing for your project.

How does solar affect my home’s value?

Installing solar power at your home not only provides numerous benefits, but it also enhances your property's value. By generating a portion or the entirety of your home's electricity, a solar installation not only helps you offset power costs but also increases the value of the energy you produce. As energy prices continue to rise, the value of the electricity you generate from your solar system appreciates as well. On average, a solar installation adds approximately $3 per watt installed to the resale value of a property.

Is a commercial carbon tax coming?

A business carbon tax is absolutely coming to Oregon. California just passed a carbon tax for companies that use more than a “typical” amount of electrical power for businesses of their size and industry. The State of Oregon is currently studying proposals and developing legislation. Please call us at (503) 857-0099 and we’ll work with you to get ready for the coming carbon tax.

Solar Installers

Why go with DPI Solar?
Not all installers are created equal. DPI Solar stands out with over ten years of experience in installing solar systems. Josh Kopczynski, our founder, has been actively involved in teaching classes and maintaining strong relationships with local jurisdictions where your project will be located. Our company proudly holds an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau and has earned the highest rating from Energy Trust of Oregon.

How long does installation take?
Typically, residential installations are efficiently completed within a single day, although the process of obtaining permits and applying for incentives may extend over several weeks. With DPI Solar, you can trust that every aspect will be taken care of seamlessly. We handle the entire process, including measuring your roof, designing the system, managing permits, and securing financial incentives. Our dedicated team will carry out the installation and ensure a thorough cleanup afterward. At DPI Solar, we take immense pride in delivering top-notch installations using cutting-edge mounting hardware. Our meticulous approach ensures proper cable management and impeccably professional electrical connections throughout your solar system.

How Does Solar Work?

Do I need batteries to make it work?

Not necessarily! Batteries are primarily necessary for residences or businesses that operate independently from the power grid. However, if you frequently face power outages or desire the added assurance of battery backup, DPI Solar is fully capable of installing both grid-connected and stand-alone battery systems. Feel free to explore further details and discover more about our battery installation options.

What is "net metering"?

In Oregon and Washington, power companies have a buy-back system in place where they purchase any surplus power generated by your home or business. This arrangement can be likened to the power company acting as a large-scale battery, storing the excess energy you produce during the day for your nighttime usage. This concept is known as net metering. To delve deeper into the topic or for any inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us at (503) 857-0099. Our team will be delighted to provide further information and address any questions you may have.

Will I have power if the power goes out?

At DPI Solar, we prioritize your preferences. If having a battery system is essential to you, we are more than willing to create a customized design that incorporates one. Without a battery, your solar system is equipped with an automatic shutdown feature during power outages to ensure the safety of utility workers. Once the power is restored, your solar installation will automatically resume generating power as usual. Rest assured that we can tailor a solution that aligns with your specific needs and desires.