More than 16,000 solar water heaters have been installed in Oregon since 1979 for domestic hot water, swimming pools or spas. A typical solar domestic water heater provides between 50 percent and 60 percent of a home's water heating needs. 

A solar water heater in Eastern Oregon on average collects 8 percent MORE energy than one in Florida. That's because our ground water is considerably colder than in Florida. That makes the system run more efficiently.  In addition, our long summer days add up to more energy savings.

 

The solar water heating industry has matured a lot over the past 15 years. Systems today must be OG-300 certified to receive an Oregon tax credit. An OG-300 certified system meets the standards  for performance, safety, design and maintenance established by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation.

The chart below shows how much energy solar water heaters save throughout the U.S.