Tesla created a frenzy in the renewable energy market when it announced its first two energy storage products in 2015. The Powerwall and Powerwall 2 have been piloted in a few select areas in the United States but has yet to become widely available. However, Tesla isn’t the only--or the first--player in the storage game. A number of competitors are emerging in...
If you are considering adding a solar energy system to your home or business, you'll want to do your research when considering which installer to choose. We've come up with a list of questions that can help you identify quality companies. When you’re informed, you can invest in your energy future with confidence. We've created a downloadable PDF for you to...
Tesla made news again recently for discontinuing one highly-anticipated product and accepting down payments on another. Powerwall Tesla announced recently that it has discontinued its much-discussed 10-kWh residential battery and has pulled all references to it from its website and press kit. A smaller system, called the Daily Powerwall, is still being built, the company said. In simple terms, the Powerwall stores energy. It...
A Seattle church that installed solar won an award for its efforts to combat global warming. Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church received the recognition from Interfaith Power & Light, a national group that encourages religious congregations across the country to address global warming by reducing their carbon footprint. The church’s system--installed by A&R Solar in 2015--saves six tons a year of carbon dioxide...
A&R Solar recently wrapped up another community solar project, this time on the Cowltiz PUD’s administrative building in Longview along the Oregon border. Utility customers can opt-into the program purchasing units at $100 each. In exchange, they receive credits toward their bills and also financial incentives from the state. The 58 kW project allows utility customers who may rent or not have...
This northeast Portland home’s solar energy system will offset more than 95 percent of its energy consumption. The 6.84 kW system features (24) made-in-Oregon SolarWorld modules and two SMA inverters. ...
A church in Edmonds that feeds seniors, hosts 12-step groups, and serves as a learning center for kids is now powered by solar energy, thanks in part to a donation from A&R Solar. The 9.9 kW system, together with conservation measures, should offset almost a third of the church’s power costs. A volunteer community group selected the church as the recipient...
We see it all of the time: When one homeowner on the block installs solar, others follow. By installing solar on your house, you get to set an example for others in your neighborhood and community. Sometimes neighbors can have questions about your new system and might even challenge the installation. Here are a couple of things to know: Can my HOA...
The six employee-owners of A&R Solar ended 2015 by making donations to local and national organizations working to improve our communities. Each of the organizations received $2,500, totalling $15,000. Steel Lillies Ronald McDonald House Casa Latina Wounded Warrior Project Odessa Brown Children's Clinic YouthCare Employees are eligible for ownership after three years of employment. Owners also made year-end donations in December 2014. In addition to the December giving,...
Congress has passed a five-year extension to the federal Solar Income Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners and businesses to claim a significant income tax credit based on the cost of their solar energy systems. The 30 percent tax credit was scheduled to expire at the end of 2016 and will now extend through 2019. In 2020, the credit will drop...