Who We Are
Salt of the Earth Solar
There are more than a few companies that can put solar on your home, so why go with Imagine Energy? We’re proudly feeling pretty old-fashioned these days. Call it “salt of the earth solar contracting”—we still believe honesty, integrity, excellence in our craft, and consistency make a great company that endures.
Our Mission
Our mission is to harness the power of solar energy to elevate local communities in the Pacific Northwest by promoting environmental sustainability, workforce development, and resiliency.
Our Experience
Our competitors don’t have the hard-won experience we do. As one of the oldest residential solar contractors still in business in Oregon, we’ve pretty much seen it all. Collectively our management team has close to 50 years of solar experience, from simple residential systems to utility-scale systems, and everything in between. That experience allows us to provide the right solution the first time, and a better overall experience for our clients.
“The Imagine Energy Solar team was amazing. They were knowledgeable, personable and professional. Our whole experience with them could not have been better. They were always on-time with appointments, always available for questions/concerns. Our residential solar system was installed promptly and excellently. They helped with the necessary paperwork for governmental rebate programs. In short, a wonderful experience. I would recommend them very highly.”
- Jim K.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much energy will my system produce?
Your system’s production is largely dependent on how much direct sun your home gets per day and how large your system is. Of course more shade and smaller system sizes yield less energy production. In Oregon, calculate a rough estimate for estimated annual power production (kWh) by taking your TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction, or how much sun you get) listed on your construction plans, multiplying by your system size in Watts, then multiplying by 1.2, a production factor based on Oregon’s geographic location in the Northern Hemisphere. For example, a 10,000W system with 86% TSRF in Oregon should yield roughly 9,890 kWh of power per year.
Your inverter or online system monitoring portal, if your system has that capability, will tell you how much energy your system has produced to date. NOTE: Your power bill will only reveal your energy consumption or surplus production (energy produced less energy consumed) and not your solar system’s energy production.
How do I know if my system is working properly?
Your PV inverter contains advanced electronics that will alert you in the event of a problem. System under-performance is a bit trickier, as energy production indicated by your inverter at a single point in time can sometimes be misleading; it’s far better to take an average over a week or month. Typical reasons a system might under-perform include excessively soiled modules and increased shading from growing foliage. If you suspect your system is under-performing, please give us a call!
What is Net Metering, and how does it work?
Your electric utility measures your power consumption with an electrical meter, which spins forward as power is consumed. With your new solar system, you are generating your own power as well. Any power demands will first be met by your solar production, then by your electric utility. At times your system may create more power than you are consuming, and in those instances power will be returned to the utility grid , effectively spinning your power meter backwards. Your overall power bill will “net” the power generated and power consumed, and you will only be billed for the difference.
If you generate more energy than you use, you will receive credits on your account for future bills, which means sunnier summer months can offset your usage in cloudier months. Energy credits unused at the end of the billing cycle will not carry over year to year, so it is important to know what your utility’s annual billing cycle is!
Will I still get a power bill?
Unless you are completely off-grid, you will have a utility bill even with solar. The amount of your utility bill will depend on your system’s production relative to your overall energy consumption. Your utility also likely charges fixed access fees that solar power cannot offset.
How long can I expect my new solar power system to last?
Photovoltaic systems are built to last and often continue to produce power for many decades with only slight performance degradation over time. In all likelihood, your system will continue to function long after future technologies have superseded it.
Will I still have solar power if there is a power outage?
In a typical grid-tied photovoltaic system, your solar inverter will turn itself off and cease to produce power in the event of a power outage. This is to protect utility linesmen and first responders that may be working to restore power. Some inverter companies, however, do offer solar-connected power outlets that may continue to function in an emergency power outage, and some battery backup systems are designed to maintain constant power.
What if my roof needs repairs after I’ve installed solar panels?
Your solar panels will help protect your roof from the elements and actually slow its aging. Should you ever need to make repairs on or replace the roof, the solar panels may need to be removed and reinstalled, or you may be able to re-roof around the installation. This depends on a number of factors, including the roof’s composition and the solar attachments employed. Removal/replacement is a service we can perform for you.
What happens to the system a night?
Your inverter will go into a sleep state when there’s not enough daylight for the system to produce energy, and any of your power needs will be drawn from the utility grid. Since you’re always connected to the grid, your home is fully powered all the time. Once it becomes light outside, the system will awaken and begin operation automatically.
“Imagine Energy has a wealth of experience in solar project designing and construction, offering simple engineering solutions to complex problems. Their attention to detail and commitment to the customer truly sets them apart.”