Home / News / Inside E2 Solar’s Near-Net-Zero Solar-Powered Building

When we talk with customers about the benefits of solar + battery storage, we don’t speak only about data from brochures or product sheets; we speak from lived experience. That’s because the building where we operate serves as more than just our headquarters. This space is a working example of what clean energy can accomplish.

The moment you step inside the doors here at E2 Solar, you’re standing in a near net-zero building powered by an advanced rooftop solar system, supported by battery storage, and backed by our company’s commitment to drive electric. Out front, our two EV chargers aren’t for show; they keep several of our own electric work vehicles on the road every day. In short, we believe in practicing what we preach.

A Unique Building with a Unique Story

In 2019, the vision for this space was clear: build one of the few fully electric commercial buildings in Bend and all of Central Oregon. And this came to fruition: from day one, no natural gas lines have run here, and all systems are powered by electricity, much of it produced right overhead. Every watt of renewable energy generated on-site helps offset our usage, keeping utility bills low and our carbon footprint even lower. (You can’t beat a monthly power bill that ranges from $35–$60!)

In 2020, then-Governor Kate Brown even toured our building, a testament this space being a clean energy win. Investing in this building was also a statement to our community that clean energy shouldn’t be considered simply an add-on feature or a nice-to-have amenity, but it can (and should) be the foundation of modern commercial design.

The Solar Powerhouse on Our Roof

Our rooftop houses 110 REC solar panels, each rated at 295 watts, for a total capacity of 32.45 kW. This Enphase microinverter system, which is paired with a Sonnen battery system, was carefully designed to make the most of our roof space and our energy needs.

The standing seam metal roof was chosen for a reason, too. It made the installation quicker, allowed us to secure panels with minimal roof penetrations, and offers decades of low-maintenance performance. The upper section of the array is grid-tied, sending excess solar energy back to the utility in exchange for energy credits. The lower, pitched section is connected to our battery system, allowing us to store power for use when the sun isn’t shining.

By operating with a grid-tied solar system with battery backup, our building mirrors what many customers choose for their own homes and businesses. We face the same considerations they do: how much energy we produce, how much we store, and how we interact with the local grid. We are living proof that solar works in Central Oregon’s climate, season after season.

Incentives That Made the Project Possible

Investments like these are more achievable than many might think, thanks to the variety of grants and incentives that have been available, both nationally and in the state of Oregon. Our system was made possible in part through the Energy Trust of Oregon incentive program, local funding from The Red Grant, and the federal solar investment tax credit.

These programs aren’t just for commercial properties, either. Homeowners can take advantage of significant financial benefits, too. For many, both national and state incentives have covered a substantial portion of the upfront cost, helping projects pencil out faster. To date, the 30 percent federal tax credit has cut thousands off of installation costs for many homeowners. And, although that incentive is expiring in 2025, the Energy Trust of Oregon is increasing its incentives at the end of this year.

EV Charging and Going Electric

We’re proud to be an entirely electric building (that uses no natural gas) inside and out. The EV chargers just outside our front door keep our two company-owned electric vehicles charged and ready for worksite visits. It’s not just about the environmental benefits — electric vehicles offer lower fuel and maintenance costs, which makes just as much sense for a business fleet as it does for a family car.

When our team arrives on a job site in a branded electric truck, customers know we’re not only talking about the future of clean energy, but we’re driving it there.

A Local Demonstration of Solar in Action

The decision to go solar should be made with confidence, backed by clear information and trusted expertise. We are here to help you understand what you’re buying before you buy it, with no shortcuts in transparency or quality.

When building and outfitting this space, we wanted to create a place where the public could see solar in action. Our lower floor showroom includes a display of roof attachment techniques, demonstrating how solar panels securely connect to different roofing materials. If you’ve ever wondered what solar would look like on your roof, we can walk you through the process right here, showing real-world hardware, not just mockups or drawings.

An Open Invitation

Over the years, we’ve seen solar companies come and go — especially during times when incentives change. We’ve designed our business, our building, and our daily operations with long-term sustainability in mind. That means being here for our customers long after the installation is complete.

If you’re in Central Oregon and you’re shopping for solar, we invite you to come in and let us show you what we’ve built. See the panels, the battery system, and the EV chargers all working together to keep our building and our fleet running clean and efficiently year-round. There’s nothing quite like seeing solar in action! Stop by anytime, and feel free to compare products and ask questions. We’re always happy to host visitors.