Elemental Energy

Elemental Energy was founded in 2010 by John Grieser and Brandon Little, graduates of Oregon Institute of Technology’s pioneering Renewable Energy Engineering program—the first accredited Bachelor of Science degree of its kind in the nation. Their path to solar entrepreneurship began on a life-changing student trip to Tanzania, where they installed solar panels on schools and orphanages and discovered that renewable energy could transform communities. What started in a basement workshop in Portland has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected solar installers, with over 4,000 installations completed across Oregon and Washington. This Portland-based solar installer has earned national recognition year after year. Solar Power World named them one of the nation’s top solar contractors for ten consecutive years and ranked them the #1 rooftop residential solar installer and energy storage installer in the Pacific Northwest in 2018. With an in-house team of approximately 32 employees—many of whom are Oregon Tech alumni—Elemental Energy handles every aspect of solar installation using their own trained staff, never subcontractors. From initial site evaluation through final commissioning, Portland homeowners work directly with Elemental Energy employees who bring engineering precision to every project. Elemental Energy offers comprehensive solar solutions including residential and commercial solar panel installations, battery storage systems, Tesla Powerwall integration, and full electrical services for Oregon and Washington properties. They’re a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer and hold NABCEP certifications, ensuring installations meet the highest industry standards. The company provides flexible financing options including traditional ownership, solar loans, and their innovative Prepaid Solar PPA program that offers homeowners a path to ownership after five years. Every installation comes with a 10-year workmanship warranty, complementing the long equipment warranties that make solar energy a smart investment for homeowners throughout the Pacific Northwest. What truly sets this solar company apart is their dual commitment to local excellence and global impact. While serving homeowners and businesses across Oregon and Southern Washington, Elemental Energy’s founders also established Twende Solar, a nonprofit organization that brings solar power to energy-poor communities worldwide. Through partnerships with over 196 industry volunteers and major solar manufacturers, they’ve installed systems in Tanzania, Guatemala, Cambodia, Peru, Haiti, Nicaragua, and on the Quinault Indian Nation reservation in Washington. This humanitarian vision reflects the company’s core belief that energy should be abundant, affordable, and accessible to all—whether you’re a Portland homeowner looking to eliminate your electric bill or a rural school halfway around the globe. For homeowners considering solar installation in Portland and throughout Oregon, Elemental Energy combines technical expertise with genuine customer care. Reviews consistently highlight their no-pressure sales approach, transparent communication, thorough handling of permits and incentive paperwork, and systems that often exceed production estimates. The company has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and earned a 5.0-star rating on Yelp based on dozens of customer reviews. Their deep understanding of Oregon’s climate, net metering policies, and local utility requirements ensures every home solar system is optimized for the Pacific Northwest’s unique conditions.