Why Solar?

A commercial PV power system enables a business owner to generate some or all of their daily electrical energy demand on their own roof, exchanging daytime excess power for future energy needs (i.e. nighttime usage). The building remains connected to the electric utility at all times, so any power needed above what the solar system can produce is simply drawn from the utility.

A PV system reduces, or can completely eliminate, the amount of electricity you have to purchase from your utility or electric service provider.

A PV system can save you money on your electricity bill and act as a hedge against future price increases.

The electricity generated by your PV system is clean, renewable and reliable.

You help your community by reducing the electricity demand and provide additional electricity for the grid when you generate more than you use during the day, when this demand is highest.

What is PV Solar?

Solar Cells or Photovoltaic Energy

Wikipedia states:

“ Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells packaged in photovoltaic modules, often electrically connected in multiples as solar photovoltaic arrays to convert energy from the sun into electricity. To explain the photovoltaic solar panel more simply, photons from sunlight knock electrons into a higher state of energy, creating electricity. The term photovoltaic denotes the unbiased operating mode of a photodiode in which current through the device is entirely due to the transduced light energy. Virtually all photovoltaic devices are some type of photodiode.

Solar cells produce direct current electricity from light, which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery. The first practical application of photovoltaic was to power orbiting satellites and other spacecraft, but today the majority of photovoltaic modules are used for grid connected power generation. In this case an inverter is required to convert the DC to AC. There is a smaller market for off grid power for remote dwellings, roadside emergency telephones, remote sensing, and cathodic protection of pipelines.

Cells require protection from the environment and are packaged usually behind a glass sheet. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are electrically connected together to form photovoltaic modules, or solar panels. A single module is enough to power an emergency telephone, but for a house or a power plant the modules must be arranged in arrays...”

There are two primary PV or photo-voltaic markets. Off-grid systems are used where the cost of a PV system is cheaper than stringing electrical power lines long distances from the local utility. Because of state incentives and federal tax credits, many people are considering grid-connected PV systems. If the PV, photovoltaic or photo voltaic system provides more power than the business uses, additional electricity is fed back into the grid for other people to use. This effectively spins an electricity meter backward in what is known as "net metering."

Incentives offered to businesses are helping develop a more robust PV industry in the United States . Additional, growing demand for PV cells, along with competition, can help drive down the per watt price of PV cells while, at the same time, create new jobs.

Photovoltaic or solar cells can be purchased in two formats: as a stand-alone module that is attached to your roof or on a separate system, or using integrated roofing materials with dual functions - that as a regular roofing shingle and as a solar cell making electricity.

Because they do not produce polluting air emissions or water effluents, solar PV systems are prime candidates for supplying electricity at locations where such environmental impacts are unacceptable. Businesses where preserving high levels of environmental quality is important are ideal candidates.

How much does a PV system cost?

The cost of a PV system depends on the system's size, equipment options, and labor costs. Prices vary depending on other factors as well, such as the PV provider, solar panel installer, whether or not your business is new, if the PV is integrated into the roofing materials or mounted on top of the existing roof, and the PV manufacturer.

Are PV systems reliable?

PV systems have no moving parts. There is nothing that can wear out.

They are essentially silicon or glass panels, like a window.

They are made to withstand hot, direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions.

They will continue to work as long as sunlight falls on the surface.

It's estimated that PV panels should last 20-25 years or longer.

A qualified solar installer can ensure grid-tie solar energy systems are installed correctly.

What is Net Energy Metering?

Net energy metering (sometimes known as net metering or net-metering) is a billing arrangement for customers with solar electricity systems. Customers get credit for the full retail value of the electricity their system generates. Under net energy metering, the business's electric meter keeps track of how much excess electricity is generated by the renewable energy system and sent back into the electric utility grid, and how much electricity is consumed by the customer. Over a 12 month period, the customer has to pay only for the net amount of electricity they use from their utility over-and-above the amount of electricity generated by their renewable energy system

Does Oregon get enough sun?

How do you determine whether your building site is a good place for a PV system?

It's relatively simple: The property or roof where the PV system will be installed should have clear, unobstructed access to the sun for most of the day and be free from shade. Shading is a critical issue for PV performance. The PV array needs to be located where it will have access to the sun and where it will not be in the shadow of other building elements.

The best orientation for a PV system is on a south-facing roof. Net zero (also known as net-zero) systems are only possible in this configuration. Grid-tie or grid tie systems with net-metering pv systems are more flexible.

If your location looks promising, we can trace the sun's path for you and determine whether your business would benefit from a PV system.

What are the benefits of Renewable Energy?

Choosing renewable power provides many benefits:

Solar power makes use of secure, indigenous, and sustainable natural resources.

PV Solar installation helps to keep our air clean.

Alternative energy has the potential to reduce the production of carbon dioxide - a leading contributor to global climate change.

PVsolar paneling installations help create jobs for Oregon Solar workers.

Upgraded installations establish Oregon and Portland solar energy as leaders of renewable solar power technologies.

State-wide, Solar Power reduces our dependence on imported oil.

By purchasing electricity generated from renewable resources or installing a renewable energy system on your business, you can demonstrate your commitment to a healthy environment and a healthy economy.

Today, thousands of Oregonians have already made the switch to renewable energy, producing clean, "green energy".

Are there any incentives?    

Note: Only your qualified financial advisor can determine which, if any, incentives are applicable to your business.

State tax credits

Oregon offers tax credits and low-interest loans for businesses installing PV systems. Program details can be found at www.oregon.gov/energy. Business energy tax credits are based on additional cost over the alternative nonrenewable energy system. The state offers a 35 percent tax credit of the incremental cost of the system. The tax credit is applied over five years — 10 percent each of the first two years and 5 percent each of the subsequent three years.

To be eligible for this tax credit, you must submit an application prior to committing financially to the project. Once the project is approved, the Department of Energy issues pre-certification. Once the project is completed and documentation of the final costs is submitted, the Department of Energy issues certification for the tax credit amount.

Loans are available for commercial applications. The loan rate is about one point above the current rate for Oregon State tax-exempt bonds. The finance period is generally 15 years. The State requires that these be low-risk loans; therefore, financial equity in your business solvency is required. For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Energy.

Federal Incentives

Federal incentives may be available for businesses. Tax credits without size limit have been available for businesses in the past. Businesses may also qualify for the use of accelerated depreciation allowances or a straight 30% tax credit taken in the tax year of the system start-up.

Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) Enables businesses to recover investments in solar, wind and geothermal property through depreciation deductions of 85% of the total system cost over five years.

Utility Incentives

Customers of PGE and PacifiCorp can receive discounts for PV systems purchased through participating solar contractors. Contact the Energy Trust at www.energytrust.org for more information. Customers of publicly owned utilities (e.g. Eugene Water and Electric Board, Central Electric Co-op, City of Ashland ) may also be eligible for incentives. The Bonneville Power Administration allows these utilities a discount if they invest in conservation and renewable energy. Your utility may use this discount to offer incentives for solar, so be sure to call them before beginning a project.

Other Incentives

The Northwest Solar Cooperative has teamed with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to launch "Solar Starters", a unique program that allows participating small-scale PV installations to sell the “environmental benefits” produced by their solar electric system.

The Northwest Solar Cooperative pays 10 cents per kWh for every kWh produced. (This is in addition to the energy saved on your utility bill.) Systems are eligible for 5 years and annual payments begin to accrue as soon as a contract is signed and the solar system starts generating energy.

The overall goal of many of these incentives is to help build a self-sustaining photovoltaic, solar electricity market.

For a comprehensive list of incentives available, please visit:

Why Select Lear Electric Co, Inc. as your Solar Contractor?

A Tradition of Quality

Lear Electric Co., Inc. has been servicing the Pacific Northwest since 1980. Our clients and business associates have learned to expect dedication and professionalism from Lear Electric Co., Inc.

Lear Electric Co., Inc.'s emphasis is to deliver electrical services in a friendly, accurate, safe and timely manner.

All electrical services are accompanied with a full one year guarantee.

A Tradition of Service

Lear Electric Co., Inc. uses the most efficient cost engineering methods and complete knowledge of all local electrical codes, providing our clients with the confidence of a cost-saving, precise installation. Lear Electric Co., Inc. offers tenant improvements and regular maintenance service calls at competitive rates.

If there is an emergency, Lear Electric Co., Inc. is available on a 24 hour basis.

A Tradition of Integrity

Lear Electric Co., Inc. is bonded, carries 3 million dollars in liability insurance coverage, errors & omissions coverage, and provides full workmen's compensation for all of its employees. Current licenses are maintained for the States of Oregon and Washington, Construction Contractors Board and various communities throughout the Northwest.

We pride ourselves on using Oregon-based contractors for our clients. Local contractors have intimate knowledge of Oregon . Hiring local stimulates the local economy.

A Tradition of Experience

Many electrical contractors, although highly proficient in typical electrical contracting work, might not have expertise in working with PV systems or with proper PV Solar installation techniques. Lear Electric Co., Inc. specializes in new solar P.V. systems from 3.7 KW to 2 Meg. We work together with other experts and engineers in this field to provide you with a truly state of the art P.V. DC to AC systems.

Lear Electric Co., Inc. believes "Job Quality is First!" Lear has completed electrical projects ranging from $2,500.00 to $3,000,000.00. Lear Electric Co., Inc. can also offer a full scope of design engineering and complete installation on any new construction, from $1,500.00 to $6,000,000.00. Lear Electric Co., Inc.'s team of professionals has a combined experience of over 75 years to ensure your job is complete, on time and on budget.

Lear Electric Co., Inc. staff goes through continued educational N.E.C. classes to make sure your work is done right the first time.

Lear Electric Co., Inc. welcomes the opportunity to meet all of your electrical requirements.