There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
If you go solar in Oregon, you can be sure the state will support you for the long haul. Residential solar programs here have been progressive, and there are sizable solar incentives to claim here. Read on to learn why going solar in Oregon in now one of the surest investments you can make.
Oregon offered some new low income and battery storage rebate programs in 2020. It was a step in the right direction, though available funds were lacking, as both programs were fully subscribed very quickly, and are no longer available. Hopefully the positive impacts from the program can be reworked into a more meaningful pool of solar funds in the coming years.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Oregon homeowners
See what Oregon solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Oregon solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Oregon
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
With net metering, if you generate more power than you need with your solar panels, you’ll get a credit on your next month’s bill. Thankfully, Oregon provides your credits at 100% of the retail rate.
However, you can’t keep carrying the credits over indefinitely. At the end of each billing year, you forfeit extra solar energy credits to the utility, and the money they would have saved you goes to the utility's low-income programs instead. That's actually a wonderful idea, so kudos, Oregon!
The Energy Trust of Oregon provides a nice solar rebate to PGE and Pacific Power customers. The amount is $300 per kilowatt (kW), up to a maximum of $2,400. So, to max out this credit, you could shoot for an 8-kW solar installation.
When you claim your rebates, the only downside is your performance payment renewable energy certificates (RECs) will be owned by the utility. RECs are credits that can be sold to utilities so that they can meet their renewable portfolio standards. If you take the Oregon Energy Trust rebate, the utility will already own your RECs, so you can’t go selling them to someone else.
A new statewide solar rebate program was available in Oregon in 2020, but had a meager budget of $2 million for the year. The incentive included solar power and battery storage with enhanced rebate amounts for low and moderate income residents.
The program allocated $200 per kilowatt (kW), up to 40% of the total costs, or $5,000, whichever was less.
You could have expected about $1,200 in credits through this program with a typical 6kW home solar installation (6kW * $200 per kW).
The rebates low- and moderate- income residential rebate was $1,800 per kilowatt, up to 60% of cost, or $5,000, whichever was less. This amount of funding definitely had the potential to change some lives.
Unfortunately, this rebate program had a tiny budget of just $2 million, and was closed to new applications in April of 2020. With a bigger budget it could be much, much more successful in helping people go solar. We’ll see what happens with the program budget in 2021 and beyond.
Learn more: Oregon’s statewide solar + storage rebate program
The Energy Trust of Oregon debuted a new low-income solar program in 2020 called “Solar Within Reach”. It provides a hefty rebate incentive of $1,500 per kW, up to $9,000.
That, when combined with the other $2,400 rebate on an 8kW system and the 26% Federal Tax Credit are enough to almost cover the entire cost of your solar energy system.
To qualify, you’ll need to be at or below gross annual maximum income amounts which increase depending on the number of people living in your home. For program details, check out the Energy Trust’s Solar Within Reach website.
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Prices based on a 11.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
35 solar companies in Oregon provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.79 105 Reviews
Jud, over 1 month
Out of the three bids for solar installation, we found A&R best aligned not only with our hopes for the project, but also with our values (employee-ownership, socially responsible). We found the drop-box of project photos and information after completion to be very helpful. We are also very happy with the installation now that we're live. We would absolutely recommend A&R.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Jud, over 1 month
Out of the three bids for solar installation, we found A&R best aligned not only with our hopes for the project, but also with our values (employee-ownership, socially responsible). We found the drop-box of project photos and information after completion to be very helpful. We are also very happy with the installation now that we're live. We would absolutely recommend A&R.
4.77 74 Reviews
Paul Hnath , 1 day ago
I’m very pleased with the whole process with Earthlight. Ben in sales was very knowledgeable and helpful. Heather was great with scheduling etc.. All in all everyone in the office is polite and helpful. The survey people were very helpful and explained everything. I deal with many subcontractors at work and can honestly say that your installation crew totally impressed me with their quality, organization ,cleanliness ,politeness and instructions. It was a great experience working with all of you. The system seems to be performing better than I was promised. So far all negative Eversource bills. Thank you so much Paul
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Paul Hnath , 1 day ago
I’m very pleased with the whole process with Earthlight. Ben in sales was very knowledgeable and helpful. Heather was great with scheduling etc.. All in all everyone in the office is polite and helpful. The survey people were very helpful and explained everything. I deal with many subcontractors at work and can honestly say that your installation crew totally impressed me with their quality, organization ,cleanliness ,politeness and instructions. It was a great experience working with all of you. The system seems to be performing better than I was promised. So far all negative Eversource bills. Thank you so much Paul
4.76 26 Reviews
Joe S, 6 days ago
Highly recommend Smart Solar Energy! I am a very satisfied customer. If you are looking for solar panels on your home, look no further than Smart Solar Energy. I did my research by examining the best solar companies in the Portland area and receiving quotes from the top rated companies. Smart Solar Energy was the best company for several reasons. I worked with Jordan to receive a quote and he was extremely patient, walked me through the process of going solar, provided me multiple options for solar, and was not pushy in the slightest. He helped educate me on the various factors to consider when evaluating if solar and what type of system was right for me. The best part was Smart Solar Energy had the lowest price-per-watt (make sure to calculate this when shopping offers!) and worked with me to install a system to cover almost all of my energy needs. After signing with them, I worked with Jenn (the project manager) to organize the install. Installation was completed within a week and was done flawlessly! Jenn was extremely communicative during the install process and handled scheduling the inspection, the smart meter install with PGE, and setting us up on the app to monitor our system. After the system was turned on, there were 2 panels with issues and Jenn handled everything to get the microinverters fixed. Smart Solar Energy worked very hard and provided an excellent product at the best price and flawless installation service. You should go with them, and I am confident if you research other options you will come to the same conclusion.
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Joe S, 6 days ago
Highly recommend Smart Solar Energy! I am a very satisfied customer. If you are looking for solar panels on your home, look no further than Smart Solar Energy. I did my research by examining the best solar companies in the Portland area and receiving quotes from the top rated companies. Smart Solar Energy was the best company for several reasons. I worked with Jordan to receive a quote and he was extremely patient, walked me through the process of going solar, provided me multiple options for solar, and was not pushy in the slightest. He helped educate me on the various factors to consider when evaluating if solar and what type of system was right for me. The best part was Smart Solar Energy had the lowest price-per-watt (make sure to calculate this when shopping offers!) and worked with me to install a system to cover almost all of my energy needs. After signing with them, I worked with Jenn (the project manager) to organize the install. Installation was completed within a week and was done flawlessly! Jenn was extremely communicative during the install process and handled scheduling the inspection, the smart meter install with PGE, and setting us up on the app to monitor our system. After the system was turned on, there were 2 panels with issues and Jenn handled everything to get the microinverters fixed. Smart Solar Energy worked very hard and provided an excellent product at the best price and flawless installation service. You should go with them, and I am confident if you research other options you will come to the same conclusion.
4.70 29 Reviews
Ellen Casseday, over 1 month
Power Northwest did a great presentation of the solar product, made a competitive offer and did a great job installing the product. We were very pleased with all aspects of the process.
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Ellen Casseday, over 1 month
Power Northwest did a great presentation of the solar product, made a competitive offer and did a great job installing the product. We were very pleased with all aspects of the process.
4.66 51 Reviews
DaveMac, over 1 month
Kirpal (owner of Oregon Solar Works) understands the systems he installs better than certain other companies that bid on my project. He asked questions to determine what my goals were as well what he thought I needed. We discussed the pros and cons of various set-ups and came to a system tailored to my wants, needs and new understandings. At no time did I feel pressured to go with a a stock system or hurry to lock in a "deal too good to miss". During the install Kirpal and his crew were great. All of them pay attention to details and keep the site clean. They took the time to answer any concerns I had or explain a detail that I was unfamiliar with. After the install and "commissioning" of the system, and after all monies had been paid, Kirpal was, and is, still quick to answer the phone or a text message if I see something unusual. My past jobs in high tech R&D required technical knowledge and attention to detail. I can be persistent at making sure those I work with deliver what is promised. I found Kirpal and his crew to be very professional, deliver on promises and a pleasure to work with.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,250 ($3.25 per watt)
DaveMac, over 1 month
Kirpal (owner of Oregon Solar Works) understands the systems he installs better than certain other companies that bid on my project. He asked questions to determine what my goals were as well what he thought I needed. We discussed the pros and cons of various set-ups and came to a system tailored to my wants, needs and new understandings. At no time did I feel pressured to go with a a stock system or hurry to lock in a "deal too good to miss". During the install Kirpal and his crew were great. All of them pay attention to details and keep the site clean. They took the time to answer any concerns I had or explain a detail that I was unfamiliar with. After the install and "commissioning" of the system, and after all monies had been paid, Kirpal was, and is, still quick to answer the phone or a text message if I see something unusual. My past jobs in high tech R&D required technical knowledge and attention to detail. I can be persistent at making sure those I work with deliver what is promised. I found Kirpal and his crew to be very professional, deliver on promises and a pleasure to work with.
4.60 180 Reviews
Onalee , over 1 month
We had two Solar Installations done my Intermountain Wind. From the sales to the installation, it was great. We looked at a few other companies both times and decided on them as they seemed to be the superior company for a better price both times.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,000 ($3.00 per watt)
Onalee , over 1 month
We had two Solar Installations done my Intermountain Wind. From the sales to the installation, it was great. We looked at a few other companies both times and decided on them as they seemed to be the superior company for a better price both times.
4.59 35 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
E2 Solar has now installed two PV systems for me. They are knowledgeable, professional and committed. I recommend them without reservation.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
E2 Solar has now installed two PV systems for me. They are knowledgeable, professional and committed. I recommend them without reservation.
4.53 119 Reviews
Andrew, 4 days ago
This company initially was easy to work with until after the install. My system didn't pass county inspection. I asked Purelight to come out to fix the issue. All I got was excuses as to why they couldn't. Several weeks later the system is still not repaired and I still don't have an answer as to when they will be coming out to fix it.
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Andrew, 4 days ago
This company initially was easy to work with until after the install. My system didn't pass county inspection. I asked Purelight to come out to fix the issue. All I got was excuses as to why they couldn't. Several weeks later the system is still not repaired and I still don't have an answer as to when they will be coming out to fix it.
4.53 13 Reviews
Jeff Hadley, 3 weeks ago
The Cascade Solar team was great. They helped me design the solar system for my home. The install went smoothly and was done on time. They handled all of the paper work and continue to provide support after the install was complete.
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Jeff Hadley, 3 weeks ago
The Cascade Solar team was great. They helped me design the solar system for my home. The install went smoothly and was done on time. They handled all of the paper work and continue to provide support after the install was complete.
4.50 1,923 Reviews
Lynn & Herman, 3 days ago
Thank you Blue Raven and team for your work on our solar roof. The whole team was respectful and professional. A special thanks to Tim for his invaluable role he played. He was with us from beginning to end. He was always available for questions and came over in person multiple times without hesitation. He definitely is an asset to your company. Tim your expertise and kindness was greatly appreciated. We are already reaping the benefits of lower utility bills.
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Lynn & Herman, 3 days ago
Thank you Blue Raven and team for your work on our solar roof. The whole team was respectful and professional. A special thanks to Tim for his invaluable role he played. He was with us from beginning to end. He was always available for questions and came over in person multiple times without hesitation. He definitely is an asset to your company. Tim your expertise and kindness was greatly appreciated. We are already reaping the benefits of lower utility bills.
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: