Solar Incentives
The Pacific Northwest is quite progressive when it comes to enacting solar legislation.
A variety of generous incentive programs are offered by Oregon, Washington, and local utilities on top of the federal 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit. These incentives won't be around forever, so act now to capitalize on them while they're still available.
Federal Tax Credit
The federal government gives a tax credit for 30% of the cost of a residential or commercial solar system, with no upper limit, through 2032. This credit is available for both existing homes and for new construction, and includes solar, solar + storage, and standalone battery storage.
Net-Metering
Oregon and Washington offer net-metering for customer-owned renewable energy generation. For an explanation of how it works, click here.
Locked In Electricity Rates
Oregon and Washington have cheap electricity rates right now, which is keeping your electric bill low. However it's important to consider that rates typically increase each year. If your electricity rates were to increase at 5% annually, in five years you will be paying $115/month instead of $90. By installing your own home solar power system, each year you are paying off an energy system that is getting closer to energy independence.
Oregon Incentives and Financing
Energy Trust Cash Incentive
Energy Trust of Oregon Solar Electric Buy-Down Program: available to customers of Pacific Power and PGE who install new home solar power systems on new or existing homesDetails: The Energy Trust of Oregon incentives rates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date incentive details, visit the Energy Trust of Oregon website here.
Property Tax Incentives
If you install a home solar power system in Oregon, the added value to your home from the system will not be included in the assessment of the property’s value for property tax purposes. What's more, a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkley Laboratory found that home buyers consistently have been willing to pay more for homes with host-owned solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems —averaging about $2 to $4 per watt of PV installed—across various states, housing and PV markets, and home types. This equates to a premium of more than $15,000 for a typical PV system.
Recommended Financing Program
- Fixed rates start at 7.50%
- Loans up to $80,000
- No pre-payment penalty
Washington Financing
Recommended Financing Program
- Fixed rates start at 7.25%
- Loans up to $85,000
- No pre-payment penalty
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