Going Solar Frequently Asked Questions
Every National Solar installation includes a 10-year workmanship warranty on our labor, a 25-year manufacturer warranty on solar panels, and a 15-year battery warranty if applicable. System monitoring is included so you can see daily production in real time.
Assessment to installation is typically 4–6 weeks. The installation itself takes one day. We handle permitting, design, utility interconnection paperwork, and all local inspections — you don't manage any of it.
Solar adds to your home's resale value — studies show 4–6% on average. The system transfers to the new owner, and your net metering agreement typically transfers as well. Most customers in our service area find solar is a selling advantage, not a complication.
Energy Trust of Oregon incentives are available to customers of PGE and Pacific Power. CEC and Salem Electric, EWEB and other utilities operate under different programs, we'll outline what's available for your specific utility during your assessment.
Most homes in Oregon achieve 80–100% offset, meaning solar covers 80–100% of your annual kWh usage. The exact figure depends on your roof's orientation, shading, and system size. We give you the specific number upfront in your assessment before you commit to anything.
Not entirely. Every utility charges a base/facility fee regardless of solar — PGE (~$16/mo), Pacific Power (~$14/mo), EWEB (~$38.50/mo), Salem Electric (~$24/mo), CEC (~$31/mo), and so on. Solar eliminates the energy charge — the large, variable part that escalates every year. Most customers see their total bill drop to the base charge plus a fixed loan payment for their system.
Yes. Oregon offers some of the most generous state rebates and utility incentives that still make solar a strong investment. We also have very fair pricing, warranties, and high quality products that make sure your investment is well spent. Plus, utility companies throughout Oregon continue to raise power rates, and the only way to protect yourself from future rate increases is to go solar.
At National Solar, we make going solar simple and flexible with multiple payment options to fit your budget, including upfront payment by check, ACH, or credit card, easy financing plans with low monthly payments, solar leases with no upfront cost, and even Bitcoin payments for tech-forward homeowners. Our goal is to make clean energy affordable, accessible, and tailored to every Oregon homeowner’s needs.
System longevity depends on climate conditions and the quality of modules installed, but typically in the PNW you can expect your modules to last 30 to 50 years or more thanks to our moderate climate. Our OR-sourced modules are designed for the PNW and come with a warranty ranging from 25 to 30 years. Our inverters, which convert DC power to AC, also have a 25-year warranty and should last the lifespan of your solar modules. In addition to the manufacturer’s warranties, National Solar stands behind our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty for all our solar installations.
Going solar is a great way to impact the environment in a positive way. Although OR state is a leading renewable energy producer, about 25% of our energy still comes from non-renewable sources, which produce hundreds of tons of pollutants and greenhouse gases that harm both human health and the environment we live in. Investing in solar helps to reduce your fossil fuel consumption for 30 to 50 years or more thanks to the longevity of solar systems in the PNW, and the greenhouse gas offset across a solar system’s lifespan is equivalent to planting an entire forest of trees.
No. In Oregon State, the additional value that PV solar systems add to your home does not affect your property tax. Neither will adding a solar system trigger a reassessment of your property.
A solar system has no moving parts, so there should be no maintenance necessary. Keeping your panels clean, however, will affect production. Rain is usually sufficient to keep panels clean throughout the year for solar owners in OR, but it is a good practice to check your panels annually and clean if needed.
If ever there is an issue that arises with your system, we will come out and fix it at no cost to you under our 10-year workmanship warranty.
We do our best to accommodate any roof, steep or flat, tile, wood, or shingle. All roofs can be installed with solar, but your roof type may impact the cost. Different roofing materials require different installation methods and this can add time to your install to ensure that your system is properly mounted. If your roof will need to be replaced during the next ten years we recommend that it be replaced before scheduling your solar installation. If your roof is not ideal for a solar installation, we also offer raised, ground-mounted solutions as well.
No. In fact, they will help serve to protect your roof from weathering and keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We use a wind and weather-resistant, hurricane-rated mounting system that will not corrode, warp, or break your roof and will not cause leaks.