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Solar Ambassadors

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The Solar Ambassadors pilot project is a collaboration among Adelante Mujeres, African American Alliance for Homeownership, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Community Energy Project, Solar Oregon, Unite Oregon (Clackamas County Chapter), Verde and Energy Trust of Oregon. The goal is to help raise awareness of solar energy among communities of color in the Portland area. 

The Solar Ambassadors pilot is being developed through the Solar Energy Innovation Network. The Solar Energy Innovation Network is a U.S. Department of Energy program that helps communities develop transformative ways of adopting solar energy. Teams work together and with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to develop their ideas in real-world contexts, yielding results that can unlock tomorrow’s solar markets.  

Great Reasons to Consider Solar Power

  • Shrinks monthly electricity bills – Most solar homes save hundreds of dollars every year. 
  • Increases property value – Solar is a solid investment in your home.  
  • Provides backup power when paired with battery storage – A solar + storage system can keep things like your lights, refrigerator or critical medical equipment running during an outage. 
  • Helps the environment – An average home solar system can keep about 3 tons of carbon out of the air each year. That’s like planting 100 trees!*

*www.energysage.com/solar/benefits-of-solar

Steps to Going Solar

1. Look at energy-saving improvements

Before going solar, it’s a good idea to see if your home needs energy-efficiency upgrades like insulation. Energy improvements have lower up-front costs than solar, pay off sooner in energy savings and reduce the solar system size you need. Many upgrades qualify for Energy Trust cash incentives. 

You might qualify for a free home energy audit through Power to the People PDX, a program from the African American Alliance for Homeownership, or free in-home repair and energy-efficiency upgrades through Community Energy Project.

2. Compare solar bids and install 

A solar contractor can assess if your roof is a good fit for solar and complete the installation process. Here are the steps: 

  • Request bids from two or three solar contractors. Energy Trust has a network of licensed and insured solar trade ally contractors. Request a free bid. 
  • Compare the bids. Make sure that all bids you receive include the same information. Pay close attention to any financing and warranties offered. Also review any roof repair, structural repairs or electrical service panel upgrades that may be needed.  
  • Explore rebates and cash incentives to lower out-of-pocket costs. Solar contractors can explain the different options that make solar more affordable, including some income-qualified options:  
  • Research different financing options. Some solar contractors offer financing. Banks and credit unions also offer loans. Some community programs like Power to the People PDX can help you figure out how to pay for solar.   
  • Choose the contractor with the best bid and who you trust the most. You want to have confidence that the company will stand behind its installation. Review the contract carefully before signing. Check Energy Trust’s guide to choosing a solar contractor.  

Solar Ambassadors Resource Guide

Discover income-qualified programs and resources that can help with home improvements and solar installation. View the guide.

Questions?

Check our Frequently Asked Questions. 

If you still have questions or need guidance along the way, contact Energy Trust at  solar@energytrust.org or 1.877.777.4018, and tell them a Solar Ambassador referred you.