This is the second installment in a year-long series where we are following one family’s solar journey.

As proud owners of a new solar system, Denise Olsen and her husband Don are eager to watch their energy independence—and savings—grow.

Halfway into their first year of generating their own clean solar power, they are already seeing positive results. Thanks to their 11.04-kilowatt solar panel system, the amount of electricity they were billed for this March was 60% lower compared to the same period last year. They expect the savings to increase with sunny summer days.

The savings make the solar investment worthwhile for the Olsens. “We’re an all-electric house, so it’s cool to have lower utility costs. Plus, we’re having a positive environmental impact,” said Denise.

The Olsens installed solar on their home in November 2025

Elemental Energy, an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally, installed solar on their home in November 2025. As Portland General Electric customers, the Olsens were eligible for Energy Trust cash incentives that lowered the cost of solar. They report they are happy with their purchase and keep a close eye on their solar production.

“I look at the app about two or three times a week just to see how we’re doing,” said Denise. “I like seeing how many kilowatt-hours of power we’re producing.”

Virtually all new solar systems include some sort of easy-to-read online app with a dashboard display showing both how much electricity the solar panels are providing for a home and how much energy is coming from the utility grid. The Olsen’s digital application uses that data to calculate an “energy independence” score, which measures independence from the grid.

“The other day we produced 71% of the energy we used, and we only had to import 29%,” said Denise.

The app also reports on their environmental impact by providing a carbon reduction estimate.

Denise’s only regret? “We should have done it sooner,” she said, encouraging other homeowners not to hesitate. “When you feel the time is right and can afford it, then go ahead and do it. There’s no need to wait, because it really does help.”

But Denise does offer a caution about solar sales companies that come knocking on your door. “Before we connected with Elemental Energy, we had a bad experience with a really pushy salesperson at our door who gave us incorrect information.” (Learn how to avoid solar scams.) Instead, she recommends getting multiple bids by using the form on the Energy Trust website.

Curious about solar costs and savings for your home? Energy Trust solar trade allies can size a system for your needs and estimate your bill savings. They can also connect you with Energy Trust cash incentives and financing options that reduce the cost of going solar. Request a free analysis and bid.