Summary of Oregon solar incentives 2020
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 new low income and battery storage rebate programs in 2020. It’s a step in the right direction, though available funds were lacking, as both programs are fully subscribed. Hopefully the positive impacts from the program can be extended 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% in 2021. Unless new legislation is introduced in Washington D.C., this program will be gone in 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 credit over from month to month, so it’s important to size your solar energy system well to your usage. Get quotes from local installers for a cost efficient system.
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 8kW 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 2020
11.8kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Oregon
17 solar companies in Oregon provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.78 88 Reviews
Latest review
Stuart, 3 weeks ago
A&R Solar is a great company to work with, George, Nathan, Sam and the crew were very knowledgeable, professional, and pleasant. Best to them as they continue to provide excellent service.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Stuart, 3 weeks ago
A&R Solar is a great company to work with, George, Nathan, Sam and the crew were very knowledgeable, professional, and pleasant. Best to them as they continue to provide excellent service.
4.63 948 Reviews
Latest review
Brett Huebner, 4 hours ago
From the very first encounter, Blue Raven is professional and diligent. They answered all my questions and quickly came up with a solution that covers all my power usage. They worked with my HOA for rapid approval. The installation team was fantastic, arrived exactly when they said and all work and electrical was done in 1 day. The team worked efficiently and complete professionals all day even walking me through the new functionality and steps at the end. This is the kind of service we should always get out of companies and not be surprised but it is. I highly recommend this team.
Read more
Latest review
Brett Huebner, 4 hours ago
From the very first encounter, Blue Raven is professional and diligent. They answered all my questions and quickly came up with a solution that covers all my power usage. They worked with my HOA for rapid approval. The installation team was fantastic, arrived exactly when they said and all work and electrical was done in 1 day. The team worked efficiently and complete professionals all day even walking me through the new functionality and steps at the end. This is the kind of service we should always get out of companies and not be surprised but it is. I highly recommend this team.
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!
Read more
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!
4.54 176 Reviews
Latest review
EdwardM, over 1 month
Decided in about Sep of 2019 to finally order a solar PV intertied system. Incredibly, they were able to complete the proposal, design and engineering work, permits and install before the end of the year, all in about 3 months time. If you've ever done re-modeling work with permits, you can appreciate that this is a very timely install! This involves multiple parties, city permit department (about a month just for the city), and the power utility company. From their sales rep, to the project manager, to the install crew - IWS was easy to reach throughout the process, to answer any questions. The install crew and electrician were great too. We had to wait until the first week of January to turn on the system but that was because the local power company had to update the software in our power meter and they had a delay due to the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Once that was done, we just flipped a switch and the solar PV was in operation. Our system is producing almost exactly the amount of power it was designed to do, and what we expected. Because we are very economical with our power usage, we are net positive to the power company for now. But that means we have the right amount to also recharge a future EV car. Our home is in Redmond, Oregon - and was installed by the crew out of Boise.
Read more
Latest review
EdwardM, over 1 month
Decided in about Sep of 2019 to finally order a solar PV intertied system. Incredibly, they were able to complete the proposal, design and engineering work, permits and install before the end of the year, all in about 3 months time. If you've ever done re-modeling work with permits, you can appreciate that this is a very timely install! This involves multiple parties, city permit department (about a month just for the city), and the power utility company. From their sales rep, to the project manager, to the install crew - IWS was easy to reach throughout the process, to answer any questions. The install crew and electrician were great too. We had to wait until the first week of January to turn on the system but that was because the local power company had to update the software in our power meter and they had a delay due to the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Once that was done, we just flipped a switch and the solar PV was in operation. Our system is producing almost exactly the amount of power it was designed to do, and what we expected. Because we are very economical with our power usage, we are net positive to the power company for now. But that means we have the right amount to also recharge a future EV car. Our home is in Redmond, Oregon - and was installed by the crew out of Boise.
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 />
4.50 18 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Earthlight was absolutely fantastic! We have a pretty big install with 75 SunPower panels yet it only took them 2 days to complete the install plus everything is professionally done in conduit to code! I had a electrician over (unrelated to Solar) and he was so impressed he was going to give them a call for his own install. Earthlight treated our install like a all hands on deck. They sent upwards of 10 guys through the 2 day install. They were all very nice and acted professionally. They even helped us with a small rodent problem by sealing some gaps in our siding by the roof (above and beyond their duty)! I couldn't recommend them more to anyone looking for a solar install! Not only are they the best installers they also use the best equipment and panels on the market (SunPower). The SunPower Equinox system is a complete package from SunPower unlike others that use parts here and there from various manufactures. Earthlight's customer first focus is bar none! They even brought a thank you present from a local business in Ellington on their last visit! You can't go wrong choosing Earthlight for your Solar Install! Now I just wish I had more roof space to install more panels!
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Earthlight was absolutely fantastic! We have a pretty big install with 75 SunPower panels yet it only took them 2 days to complete the install plus everything is professionally done in conduit to code! I had a electrician over (unrelated to Solar) and he was so impressed he was going to give them a call for his own install. Earthlight treated our install like a all hands on deck. They sent upwards of 10 guys through the 2 day install. They were all very nice and acted professionally. They even helped us with a small rodent problem by sealing some gaps in our siding by the roof (above and beyond their duty)! I couldn't recommend them more to anyone looking for a solar install! Not only are they the best installers they also use the best equipment and panels on the market (SunPower). The SunPower Equinox system is a complete package from SunPower unlike others that use parts here and there from various manufactures. Earthlight's customer first focus is bar none! They even brought a thank you present from a local business in Ellington on their last visit! You can't go wrong choosing Earthlight for your Solar Install! Now I just wish I had more roof space to install more panels!
4.36 16 Reviews
Latest review
Jen Allison, over 1 month
Blue Sky Solar professionally delivered a well planned and well installed solar array for my home. Everyone was on task, courteous, and I expect they will be that way as we continue our solar relationship in the next several years.
Read more
Latest review
Jen Allison, over 1 month
Blue Sky Solar professionally delivered a well planned and well installed solar array for my home. Everyone was on task, courteous, and I expect they will be that way as we continue our solar relationship in the next several years.
4.17 5 Reviews
Latest review
Lloyd, over 1 month
The solar panels increased the value of my home. The panels have decreased my energy bill to zero for seven months of each year. The installers were competent and friendly. I would recommend Elemental Energy to all my friends and family. My wife loves to read about the number of trees we saved each month with our solar power. GO SOLAR with Elemental Energy
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$19,400 ($3.88 per watt)
Latest review
Lloyd, over 1 month
The solar panels increased the value of my home. The panels have decreased my energy bill to zero for seven months of each year. The installers were competent and friendly. I would recommend Elemental Energy to all my friends and family. My wife loves to read about the number of trees we saved each month with our solar power. GO SOLAR with Elemental Energy
4.10 11 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Had a system installed years ago. They we're easy to work with, professional and flexible with my needs. System is still woulrking well and has come in handy numerous times during power failures. Would recommend.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$24,050 ($4.81 per watt)
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Had a system installed years ago. They we're easy to work with, professional and flexible with my needs. System is still woulrking well and has come in handy numerous times during power failures. Would recommend.
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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