Summary of Oregon solar incentives 2021
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.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Oregon homeowners
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See what Oregon solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Oregon solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Oregon
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% 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 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in Oregon
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!
Oregon solar rebates
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
Low income 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.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Oregon after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 11.8kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
11.9-14.5 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$31,060-$37,962
Average size system installed in OR in 2021
11.8kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Oregon
28 solar companies in Oregon provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.80 94 Reviews
Latest review
Sasha Rabkin, 1 week ago
We had a great experience with A and R and highly recommend them. They made the whole experience easy to engage with, encouraged questions, helped make the right decision and the crew they sent to our house was amazing. And, they all seemed to like working for the company. Through the process, everyone seemed to feel like they were representing a shared approach- be friendly and do good work. A really exceptional experience i would highly reccomend.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Sasha Rabkin, 1 week ago
We had a great experience with A and R and highly recommend them. They made the whole experience easy to engage with, encouraged questions, helped make the right decision and the crew they sent to our house was amazing. And, they all seemed to like working for the company. Through the process, everyone seemed to feel like they were representing a shared approach- be friendly and do good work. A really exceptional experience i would highly reccomend.
4.74 49 Reviews
Latest review
MiguelATF, over 1 month
We needed a full solar installation at the end of 2019 and we were on a schedule - due to our personal financial situation: we were hoping to use the generous solar tax credit on our income taxes, but couldn't do it unless a complete installation was up and running before the end of 2019. We live in Talent, a small town halfway between Medford and Ashland in southern Oregon, and in the fall of 2019, we talked with and interviewed all the 'usual suspects' - three or four generally excellent solar contractors in the area. All of whom seemed friendly and knowledgeable - but all of whom were over-committed and over-booked and literally unavailable for new projects before 2020. Then we met and interview Kirpal Khalsa and his small company, Oregon Solarworks. Kirpal was thoughtful, incredibly knowledge, open and literally trust-inspiring. Although his company is based in Grants Pass, in the neighboring county, he works frequently and does installations in Jackson County, where we are located. Even better, we were lucky that his schedule was opening up - and he would be able to fit our job in with enough time to complete the installation, to get all the required permits and approvals, AND to have us up and running before the end of 2019. All in all, it was a large project - and not an inexpensive one, either. Kirpaul's pricing and quotes were right at the same level as those of all the other experienced and professional solar contractors in our area. But when you are about to invest a chunk of your savings into a project, it's helpful to have confidence in the ability of the contractor to whom you are entrusting the job - and Kirpaul not only inspires (and inspired) our confidence - but once we began the project, he was thorough, thoughtful and consummately professional. He gave us a realistic schedule and finished the entire job slightly ahead of schedule - but, better yet, he took a great deal of time to explain to my wife and myself every detail of what for us was a new process - a Solar Installation. I can't truly say enough about his skill, thoughtfulness and professionalism. I'm writing this review nearly half a year after the installation, and thanks to our new Solar system, we have literally been 'saving' an average of around $100 a month - whether for winter heating or the necessary use of our heat-pump-based air conditioning which might seem like a luxury to some, but in weeks and weeks of 100 degree summer weather, has been a lifesaver. In our previous, pre-Oregon-Solarworks installation life, we would have been shelling out significant amounts on our monthly electricity bill - but now, it has virtually disappeared. I would and will unhesitatingly recommend Kirpal - and Oregon Solarworks - to anyone in the greater southern Oregon area who is considering or in need of an excellent solar contractor. He really knows his stuff - and having an installation done by someone who is thoughtful as well as skilled and professional, was a bonus.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,250 ($3.25 per watt)
Latest review
MiguelATF, over 1 month
We needed a full solar installation at the end of 2019 and we were on a schedule - due to our personal financial situation: we were hoping to use the generous solar tax credit on our income taxes, but couldn't do it unless a complete installation was up and running before the end of 2019. We live in Talent, a small town halfway between Medford and Ashland in southern Oregon, and in the fall of 2019, we talked with and interviewed all the 'usual suspects' - three or four generally excellent solar contractors in the area. All of whom seemed friendly and knowledgeable - but all of whom were over-committed and over-booked and literally unavailable for new projects before 2020. Then we met and interview Kirpal Khalsa and his small company, Oregon Solarworks. Kirpal was thoughtful, incredibly knowledge, open and literally trust-inspiring. Although his company is based in Grants Pass, in the neighboring county, he works frequently and does installations in Jackson County, where we are located. Even better, we were lucky that his schedule was opening up - and he would be able to fit our job in with enough time to complete the installation, to get all the required permits and approvals, AND to have us up and running before the end of 2019. All in all, it was a large project - and not an inexpensive one, either. Kirpaul's pricing and quotes were right at the same level as those of all the other experienced and professional solar contractors in our area. But when you are about to invest a chunk of your savings into a project, it's helpful to have confidence in the ability of the contractor to whom you are entrusting the job - and Kirpaul not only inspires (and inspired) our confidence - but once we began the project, he was thorough, thoughtful and consummately professional. He gave us a realistic schedule and finished the entire job slightly ahead of schedule - but, better yet, he took a great deal of time to explain to my wife and myself every detail of what for us was a new process - a Solar Installation. I can't truly say enough about his skill, thoughtfulness and professionalism. I'm writing this review nearly half a year after the installation, and thanks to our new Solar system, we have literally been 'saving' an average of around $100 a month - whether for winter heating or the necessary use of our heat-pump-based air conditioning which might seem like a luxury to some, but in weeks and weeks of 100 degree summer weather, has been a lifesaver. In our previous, pre-Oregon-Solarworks installation life, we would have been shelling out significant amounts on our monthly electricity bill - but now, it has virtually disappeared. I would and will unhesitatingly recommend Kirpal - and Oregon Solarworks - to anyone in the greater southern Oregon area who is considering or in need of an excellent solar contractor. He really knows his stuff - and having an installation done by someone who is thoughtful as well as skilled and professional, was a bonus.
4.60 1,264 Reviews
Latest review
Madden, 1 day ago
We were not present when Solar was installed but our representative was happy with your operation
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Latest review
Madden, 1 day ago
We were not present when Solar was installed but our representative was happy with your operation
4.59 35 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Latest review
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.
4.56 12 Reviews
Latest review
Matt & Brenda Hald , over 1 month
veryone is so friendly and helpful. They took the time to listen to and answer my million questions. Everything in our home is electric except the stove; we also keep an RV plugged in to run the AC all summer. It only took one month to have a zero balance and credit on our electric bill! Thank you, Purelight!
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Latest review
Matt & Brenda Hald , over 1 month
veryone is so friendly and helpful. They took the time to listen to and answer my million questions. Everything in our home is electric except the stove; we also keep an RV plugged in to run the AC all summer. It only took one month to have a zero balance and credit on our electric bill! Thank you, Purelight!
4.53 15 Reviews
Latest review
Solar, finally!, over 1 month
Now have my Solar! Thanks to Pro-Stat Solar Group, the process was simple and straight forward. The participation of Oregon Energy Trust made it a truly doable project. Thanks to Pro-Stat for doing the research and helping me qualify. Special thanks to Beckie Arnell (master of all) and installers Jason and Trask (professional and personable) .
Read more
Latest review
Solar, finally!, over 1 month
Now have my Solar! Thanks to Pro-Stat Solar Group, the process was simple and straight forward. The participation of Oregon Energy Trust made it a truly doable project. Thanks to Pro-Stat for doing the research and helping me qualify. Special thanks to Beckie Arnell (master of all) and installers Jason and Trask (professional and personable) .
4.50 10 Reviews
Latest review
Dundee OR, over 1 month
I did not know it at the time but what Solar Energy Solutions gave me was more than a great job, it was truly a gift that continues to influence me, my family, my neighbors and my community.<br />
Read more
Latest review
Dundee OR, over 1 month
I did not know it at the time but what Solar Energy Solutions gave me was more than a great job, it was truly a gift that continues to influence me, my family, my neighbors and my community.<br />
4.44 22 Reviews
Latest review
RB , over 1 month
I began my solar experience with another company. I decided I needed to look around and found Blue Sky Solar. I'm glad I did. The initial meeting surpassed the other company and my decision was made. Throughout the process the communication was seamless. I always knew what was going on, where my project was and what the next step was. Almost the entire process was done via email with very minimal phone calls. Personally I liked it that way because I work graveyards and could respond to emails easier than phone calls. The product is top of the line, the install was completed in a day and the follow-up was completed shortly after that. Blue Sky knew what they were doing and planned everything from A to Z. I didn't have to worry about anything. Overall it was a great experience with efficiency and great communication. If you are looking into solar, check out Blue Sky Solar!
Read more
Latest review
RB , over 1 month
I began my solar experience with another company. I decided I needed to look around and found Blue Sky Solar. I'm glad I did. The initial meeting surpassed the other company and my decision was made. Throughout the process the communication was seamless. I always knew what was going on, where my project was and what the next step was. Almost the entire process was done via email with very minimal phone calls. Personally I liked it that way because I work graveyards and could respond to emails easier than phone calls. The product is top of the line, the install was completed in a day and the follow-up was completed shortly after that. Blue Sky knew what they were doing and planned everything from A to Z. I didn't have to worry about anything. Overall it was a great experience with efficiency and great communication. If you are looking into solar, check out Blue Sky Solar!
4.40 50 Reviews
Latest review
Highly Satisfied, over 1 month
All employees that we worked with from Moxie were very informative and willing to assist us in any way possible. Thanks for the great experience!
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Latest review
Highly Satisfied, over 1 month
All employees that we worked with from Moxie were very informative and willing to assist us in any way possible. Thanks for the great experience!
4.40 22 Reviews
Latest review
Michael, over 1 month
I chose Greenlight Solar & Roofing from the 4 bids I received for several reasons. 1) The presentation of the plan was clear, even to me without a background in solar. 2) The plan was comprehensive to capture as much solar power as possible. 3) Everyone was easy to work with and communicated well. I am extremely pleased with Greenlight as they made the whole process easy. They communicated with me by email and phone every step of the way. They followed up to make sure I received all the information and walked me through downloading the app and how to use it. I couldn’t be more pleased with the process, the results, and my tiny electrical bill. I especially appreciated the installers. Many solar systems look like a geometric puzzle on the roof with galvanized tubing connecting it all. No galvanized tubing is visible on my roof, anywhere. The plain black panels with the black frames are beautiful and don’t distract from the aesthetics of the home. The installers went the extra mile to honor my requests.
Read more
Latest review
Michael, over 1 month
I chose Greenlight Solar & Roofing from the 4 bids I received for several reasons. 1) The presentation of the plan was clear, even to me without a background in solar. 2) The plan was comprehensive to capture as much solar power as possible. 3) Everyone was easy to work with and communicated well. I am extremely pleased with Greenlight as they made the whole process easy. They communicated with me by email and phone every step of the way. They followed up to make sure I received all the information and walked me through downloading the app and how to use it. I couldn’t be more pleased with the process, the results, and my tiny electrical bill. I especially appreciated the installers. Many solar systems look like a geometric puzzle on the roof with galvanized tubing connecting it all. No galvanized tubing is visible on my roof, anywhere. The plain black panels with the black frames are beautiful and don’t distract from the aesthetics of the home. The installers went the extra mile to honor my requests.
Solar guides for your Oregon city
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
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