We aspire to make the process of going solar simple and easy.

PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. Electrons are excited by particles of light and driven toward the surfaces of the PV cell by semiconductor material. The more sunlight striking the PV cell, the more electricity that is produced.

Yes. In fact, the Willamette Valley receives as much solar energy annually as the U.S. average — the same average as southern France. Eastern and Southern Oregon receive 20 to 30 percent more than the Willamette Valley — as much as or more than Florida. Under cloudy conditions, photovoltaics produce 10 to 30 percent of their maximum output. However, because solar photovoltaics become less efficient when hot, our cooler climate helps make up for the cloudy days.

A variety of materials and construction types are used to make photovoltaics. The most common types on the market today are crystalline-silicon, amorphous-silicon and thin-film photovoltaics. Crystalline-silicon PVs (both mono- and poly-crystalline) are more efficient than amorphous-silicon PVs.

You can charge batteries to run DC loads or invert it to AC through a listed inverter, either Micro or central, to run house hold loads, supplement the grid, or run off-grid.

PV modules are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, severe winds and impacts from hail and usually have a warranty period from 25 to 30 years. PV modules typically require little to no care other than the occasional rinse and keeping them clear of snow, leaves, and large bird droppings. Inverters and other control equipment are essentially maintenance-free, but should be visually inspected per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Battery life expectancy ranges from 10 to 20 years, depending on individual system design and use.