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 73 Reviews
Kozmada, 1 week ago
I'm happy I chose to go with Earthlight. They made the process easy to understand and kept me up-to-date the entire time. The installation went as expected without any issues or concerns. The system was up and running without any flaws or hiccups. Really excited about owing Eversource absolutely nothing these last few months!
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Kozmada, 1 week ago
I'm happy I chose to go with Earthlight. They made the process easy to understand and kept me up-to-date the entire time. The installation went as expected without any issues or concerns. The system was up and running without any flaws or hiccups. Really excited about owing Eversource absolutely nothing these last few months!
4.75 25 Reviews
Nhi, 2 weeks ago
I was a little skeptical and didn’t have much knowledge about Solar energy or what product or company to pick. But then when I started to contact Smart Solar Energy (from the state recommendation and I also checked from business bureau) they took a great afford to explain every silly questions that I had. I want to give the credit to Jordan, Taylor, Jenn particularly and the team in general to provide a great service and experience for me. The best part about their service is they are not pushy and pressure me and always available to help if I have any concern.
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Nhi, 2 weeks ago
I was a little skeptical and didn’t have much knowledge about Solar energy or what product or company to pick. But then when I started to contact Smart Solar Energy (from the state recommendation and I also checked from business bureau) they took a great afford to explain every silly questions that I had. I want to give the credit to Jordan, Taylor, Jenn particularly and the team in general to provide a great service and experience for me. The best part about their service is they are not pushy and pressure me and always available to help if I have any concern.
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 , 3 weeks ago
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 , 3 weeks ago
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.
4.56 118 Reviews
Rad, 1 week ago
From my personal experience with pure light power is absolute horrendous! I would not recommend this company to anybody. They act like they're a fly-by-night operation. The communication is awful. Nobody knows anything and nobody can ever do anything but give you the runaround. Not to mention I've sent other people there while I was getting mine installed which I totally regret. Not said my worst enemy there!
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Rad, 1 week ago
From my personal experience with pure light power is absolute horrendous! I would not recommend this company to anybody. They act like they're a fly-by-night operation. The communication is awful. Nobody knows anything and nobody can ever do anything but give you the runaround. Not to mention I've sent other people there while I was getting mine installed which I totally regret. Not said my worst enemy there!
4.50 1,910 Reviews
Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 6 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
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Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 6 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
4.50 10 Reviews
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 />
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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 />
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