The #1 Solar Installation Crew in the Nation
Power Northwest can officially claim the title of best solar installation crew in the country after taking home the top spot in the 2026 Solar Games! After placing 3rd in the 2025 competition, our team was hungry to improve their standing and they did so in dominating fashion.
The Team:
Chris Schaeffer – Electrician
Tedd Anderson – Lead Installer + LRT (Limited Renewable Energy Technician)
Brandon Miller – LRT
Darren Araneta – LRT Apprentice
During the two-day competition they competed against 5 other elite solar installation crews from across the country. To come out on top was an incredible achievement and one that cements our team’s status as the not just the best solar installers in Portland and in Oregon but in the entire United States!
What are the Solar Games?
The 2026 Solar Games took place at the Intersolar & Energy Storage North America trade show in San Diego, CA this past February. The Solar Games are often described as the “skills Olympics” for solar installers. Teams from leading solar companies across North America compete in a live, timed installation challenge designed to replicate the real-world conditions of installing a residential solar and battery system.
Inside a stadium-style arena built on the trade show floor, teams install a complete rooftop solar system on a mock residential structure. Each crew must demonstrate mastery of every part of the installation process, including:
- Mounting the racking system
- Installing solar modules
- Wiring the electrical components
- Integrating battery storage
- Ensuring proper safety and code compliance
Judges evaluate each team on several key factors: installation quality, electrical accuracy, safety practices, speed, and overall workmanship. It’s not just about finishing quickly, it’s about doing the job right.
In 2026, the competition introduced a new point-based format that rewarded consistency across multiple rounds rather than relying on single-elimination matchups. The change created a more competitive field and ensured that the best-performing teams advanced to the final round.
Our Record-Setting Performance
Power Northwest entered the 2026 Solar Games with strong momentum. Our crew had previously competed in the tournament in 2025 and placed third the year. That past experience helped the crew understand the demands of the competition and what was needed to win.
Throughout the event, our crew impressed judges with clean installations, efficient teamwork, and strong attention to detail. Their cable management, electrical layout, and mounting precision stood out as examples of best-in-class workmanship.
In the championship round, the team delivered a near-flawless installation that secured not just the top score in this year’s competition but the highest score ever recorded in a Solar Games competition!
For the Power Northwest installers on the roof, the moment represented months of preparation and years of experience working together in the field.
Showcasing Our Team’s Commitment to Excellence
While solar technology often gets the spotlight, the Solar Games highlight an important truth: even the best equipment depends on expert installation.
Competitions like this celebrate the skilled tradespeople who make renewable energy possible. Solar installers must understand electrical systems, building codes, structural engineering, safety protocols, and rapidly evolving technology all while working on rooftops in challenging conditions.
By bringing those skills into a live competitive environment, the Solar Games demonstrate the professionalism and craftsmanship behind solar installations.
For Power Northwest, the win reinforces the company’s commitment to high-quality solar design and installation. The team’s performance reflects the same standards they bring to residential and commercial solar projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
A Win for the PNW Solar Industry
The Pacific Northwest has become one of the fastest-growing regions for solar energy in the United States. Increasing energy costs, strong state incentives, and growing interest in energy independence have driven significant demand for rooftop solar and battery storage across Oregon and Washington.
Power Northwest’s championship victory highlights the depth of talent emerging from the region’s solar workforce.
Winning the Solar Games not only showcases the company’s expertise—it also puts a spotlight on the quality of solar installers serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Northwest.
What’s next for Power Northwest
For Power Northwest, the 2026 championship is both a proud accomplishment and motivation for the future. As solar adoption accelerates and energy systems become more sophisticated, skilled installers will play an even greater role in delivering reliable, high-performance clean energy solutions.
As always, it is our mission at Power Northwest to help transition our community to renewable energy. We hope this win helps further demonstrate our commitment to delivering exceptional quality for our customers and serves as a strong indication that out of all the solar installers in Portland, we’re the best choice for your home solar installation.
