OpenSolar Approved by Energy Trust of Oregon as a Remote Shade Analysis Tool

San Francisco, California – March 6, 2025 – OpenSolar, a global leader in solar software, has been officially approved by Energy Trust of Oregon as a remote shade analysis tool. This approval allows Energy Trust solar trade ally contractors to use OpenSolar’s advanced technology to conduct shading assessments and system performance evaluations without requiring an on-site visit.

As a free-to-use platform, OpenSolar makes high-quality solar design accessible to installers of all sizes, reducing costs while maintaining the accuracy and reliability required by Energy Trust. By leveraging satellite imagery, OpenSolar enables contractors to create 3D models of rooftops and surrounding structures and objects, ensuring precise system designs that meet Energy Trust standards.

“Energy Trust approving OpenSolar’s design tool for their incentive program is a game changer for us” said Nathan Braun, Director of Sales & Engineering, Premier Solar NW. “After a site visit, the homeowner sometimes asks to add panels to a roof we didn’t take sun readings on. Now, we won’t have to make another trip back if the system design changes or if we missed a measurement at the site visit. There are a lot of steps after a sale happens and Energy Trust’s approval of OpenSolar just eliminated one of the more arduous ones, saving us time and money and lowering installation lead time for our customers.”

Now, approved remote shade analysis tools like OpenSolar allow contractors to assess a site’s solar potential with precision before ever stepping foot on a property. This streamlines the solar design process, lowers installation costs, and improves worker safety—all while maintaining the same high standards for system quality and performance.

“We’re really happy to receive this approval by Energy Trust”, said Andrew McGuigan, GM of OpenSolar Americas. “Installers in Oregon needing approved shade analysis have historically been forced to use solar design tools that cost them sometimes tens of thousands of dollars a year. Now they can use OpenSolar’s no compromise, completely free software to slash their costs and delight their customers.”
To qualify for Energy Trust incentives, solar trade ally contractors must document a system’s expected energy production through a solar resource assessment. These assessments account for shading, tilt, and orientation, ensuring customers receive an accurate estimate of their system’s energy generation. OpenSolar’s advanced modeling capabilities allow installers to complete these assessments remotely, expediting the design process and providing homeowners with a seamless solar experience.

With OpenSolar now officially approved, Energy Trust solar trade allies can take advantage of this free, cutting-edge platform to enhance efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and bring clean energy to more homes and businesses.