The solar installation process
Thinking of going solar with National Solar? You've already made the right choice by reading more about what makes us different, and what you can expect.
On-site or virtual personalized home assessment
Ready to make the easy switch to solar? First we must verify the following:
Homeownership Status: Ensure you own your home, as most solar installations are not feasible for renters.
Age & Quality of Your Roof: A well-maintained roof is essential for a successful solar installation.
We then use custom software utilizing 3rd party data, your electrical consumption and other factors to identify how much sunlight your home receives to determine solar viability. We then create a custom design for your solar system.
Personalized estimate with all incentive options applied and payment options explained
We’ll provide a detailed document that includes the number of panels, the layout and design of the panels, system details, energy production estimates, estimated savings and monthly bill, environmental benefits and more. We’ll address any questions or concerns you have about scheduling and work with you to accommodate your availability, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience from start to finish. Communication is our priority, and we’ll keep you informed at every step to ensure you feel confident and prepared for the process ahead.
Permitting and scheduling your installation
Once you’ve approved the final design, we’ll handle all the necessary paperwork and submit it to your local jurisdiction for permitting. Once the permits are approved, installation is usually completed in just one day. Throughout the process, we’ll provide frequent updates to keep you informed, ensuring you always feel in the loop without the need to follow up or chase anyone down. We take care of the details so you can enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Utility company commission and turn-on your solar powered home
Once your solar system is installed, we’ll take care of scheduling the required inspection with your local town or city. Once it’s approved, we’ll request permission from your power company to update your meter and activate your system. From this point forward, your future is brighter than ever. With your new solar-friendly home, you can start enjoying all the benefits of going solar.
They love it, so will you
Common questions about solar
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.
Yes, and in a good way! According to a study by the US Department of Energy, any home improvement that lowers electricity bills by $1000 annually will increase a home’s value by about $20,000
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.