Research and Development
From batteries and inverters to emerging energy technologies, our process is built to filter out hype and focus on reliability, integration, and long-term performance in real Northwest conditions.
Servicing OR & WA Businesses Since 2007
5,000+ Projects Completed (commercial, residential, utility)
Field Tested and A&R Approved
Solar technology moves fast, but faster is not always better. Our job is to identify which products are truly ready for the field and which still need time, refinement, or stronger support behind them.
That is why A&R Solar maintains an internal research and development process that evaluates products before they are introduced to customers. We do the homework first so our clients get solutions that are dependable, serviceable, and built to last.
Built on real-world experience
Our review process is not handled by one department in isolation. It draws on input from across the company, including operations, design, sales, purchasing, service, and field installation, reflecting the page’s emphasis on a cross-functional evaluation model.
When we assess a product, we look beyond marketing claims. We consider the manufacturer’s track record, support structure, time in market, failure history, warranty quality, integration with other systems, code compliance in Oregon and Washington, and the overall value it brings to the customer.
Manufacturer and Product Review
We look at manufacturer track record, time in business, product maturity, known failure rates, warranty terms, and whether the company has a strong support team behind their product.
System Compatibility and Code Compliance
We verify that each product integrates cleanly with panels, inverters, batteries, and monitoring systems, and confirm it meets electrical code requirements in Washington and Oregon.
Long-Term Performance and Serviceability
We evaluate how easily a product can be serviced after installation, whether replacement parts are available, and how the manufacturer supports issues in the field long after the sale.
HOW PRODUCTS MOVE FORWARD
From Review to Real-World Testing
Our research and development pipeline moves promising products through a structured path — from initial manufacturer review to field testing and wider deployment. Rather than relying on brochures or launch claims, we push promising technologies through a practical review process so we can better understand how they perform in actual installations and over time.
Step 1: Initial Manufacturer Review
We evaluate the manufacturer, product category, market history, and support structure to understand the foundation behind the technology.
Step 2: Technical Evaluation
Our internal teams assess compatibility, code implications, system design impact, and service considerations across real-world scenarios.
Step 3: Field Testing
Products that pass initial screening are tested in controlled real-world use so we can evaluate actual performance, usability, and long-term reliability outside the brochure.
Field Testing That Proves It
Some technologies look strong on paper but reveal problems only after real installation. A&R Solar uses beta testing and monitored real-world use — starting with employees and early adopters — to validate how a product performs over time before offering it to customers at scale.
Cross-Functional Team Review
Product evaluation at A&R Solar is not handled in a silo. Operations, design, sales, purchasing, service, and field teams all weigh in before a new product moves forward.
Beta Testing and Staged Approval
Promising products go through beta installations before wider deployment. Only after monitoring real-world performance do we give final approval for broader use with customers.
Built for Washington and Oregon
Every product we evaluate is assessed specifically for use in Washington and Oregon — including electrical code, utility compatibility, regional weather performance, and permit requirements.
Ongoing Manufacturer Collaboration
When possible, we work directly with manufacturers upstream — asking technical questions early, sharing field feedback, and influencing product improvements that benefit our customers.
Post-Installation Performance Tracking
Our R&D process is driven by a cross-functional team with deep expertise across every phase of a solar project. Representatives from design, engineering, field installation, service, purchasing, and operations all participate in product evaluation — so our recommendations reflect real-world experience, not just spec sheets.
This internal collaboration ensures that every product we approve for broader use has been scrutinized from multiple angles: how it installs, how it performs, how it is serviced, and how it holds up for customers in Washington and Oregon over time.
The team behind the research
A&R Solar’s R&D team is made up of experienced professionals from across the company who bring direct field knowledge to every product evaluation.
From licensed electricians and NABCEP-certified installers to project designers, service technicians, and procurement specialists — every perspective is represented. This ensures that products are evaluated not just for technical merit, but for real-world install quality, long-term serviceability, and overall value to homeowners and businesses in Washington and Oregon.
Work With a Team That Vets Technology First
A&R Solar’s research and development process means the products we recommend have already been reviewed, tested, and approved by the people who design, install, and service solar systems in Washington and Oregon every day. Ready to see what that standard looks like in action?
