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.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 11.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
36 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.
4.74 61 Reviews
Kim K, 4 days ago
This is our second house we put solar panels on with Earthlight. They are a fantastic company to work with, very professional, very knowledgeable and great customer service. We highly recommend them if you are looking to go solar.
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Kim K, 4 days ago
This is our second house we put solar panels on with Earthlight. They are a fantastic company to work with, very professional, very knowledgeable and great customer service. We highly recommend them if you are looking to go solar.
4.71 50 Reviews
Bob, over 1 month
Since I have a solar thermal unit in the roof, I needed a pole-mounted system, which in turn necessitated engineering and city approval. My system has been up since 2005. It worked exactly as he said it would. It is adjustable, safe, durable, and reliable. Best of all, he still periodically answers my questions when I ask about expanding my existing system. I don’t hesitate to recommend him to friends and family. He also installed a 3.3 kW roof-mounted system on my parent’s house.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,250 ($3.25 per watt)
Bob, over 1 month
Since I have a solar thermal unit in the roof, I needed a pole-mounted system, which in turn necessitated engineering and city approval. My system has been up since 2005. It worked exactly as he said it would. It is adjustable, safe, durable, and reliable. Best of all, he still periodically answers my questions when I ask about expanding my existing system. I don’t hesitate to recommend him to friends and family. He also installed a 3.3 kW roof-mounted system on my parent’s house.
4.67 27 Reviews
Chris , over 1 month
The whole Power Northwest team was extremely friendly and professional as they designed and installed solar panels on my house. It couldn't have gone smoother.
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Chris , over 1 month
The whole Power Northwest team was extremely friendly and professional as they designed and installed solar panels on my house. It couldn't have gone smoother.
4.67 18 Reviews
Chris K, 1 week ago
Let's start with this: solar power is a journey. Everyone wants solar power, but two immediate questions come into play: - can I afford it? (i.e., whether I borrow or pay out of pocket, does solar power make sense from a return on investment perspective?) - can I trust the company? (i.e., will the company that is drilling holes in my roof and attaching thousands of dollars worth of equipment be around in 10 years to pick up the phone?) Armed with these not-so-profound concerns, I did my due dilegence in researching solar installers, and many seemed to be able to do the job. However, my home builder was super impressed with a company called Smart Solar Energy. Why? Because they did what they said they were going to do within the budget and schedule they agreed to. No BS, just getting the work done as promised. That kind of thinking resonates with me--just do what you promised to do. So I gave Smart Solar Energy a shout in November 2023. From our first emails I was impressed. No fluff, just focused on the task, addressing the concerns I had, setting expectations, more than anything helping me understand if and why solar power might make sense for me because, as it turns out, solar power is not for everyone. From that point forward we steadily marched toward an understanding of the need and what meeting that need would entail in terms of cost and schedule; basic project management ideas. But the difference was that Smart Solar Energy took care of literally everything from unscrewing the local city hall bureaucracy to permits to scheduling the work. This kind of hand-holding was awesome and I appreciated it very much. We were scheduled to get our system installed in May 2024 and somehow got it actually installed in March 2024. That's pretty cool. I won't go into detail about how awesome the installers were (great folks, great communicators, and getting on a roof in a steady rain with a stiff wind still amazes me) but Smart Solar Energy did their part flawlessly and stayed in touch the entire time. In fact, the only part of the process that was frustrating was dealing with the power company, something Smart Solar Energy can't control but helped with from an expectations point of view. My system went on-line just within the past week, so I have no comments on Smart Solar Energy's long-term viability, and I do hope they can maintain their high standards and "produce to promise" ethos. From what I've seen so far, they have their stuff together, and when considering the two questions addressed at the beginning of this review, they are on the right track. Last thought: generating power is its own addiction, so be forewarned. You'll spend time watching the dashboard, trust me.
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Chris K, 1 week ago
Let's start with this: solar power is a journey. Everyone wants solar power, but two immediate questions come into play: - can I afford it? (i.e., whether I borrow or pay out of pocket, does solar power make sense from a return on investment perspective?) - can I trust the company? (i.e., will the company that is drilling holes in my roof and attaching thousands of dollars worth of equipment be around in 10 years to pick up the phone?) Armed with these not-so-profound concerns, I did my due dilegence in researching solar installers, and many seemed to be able to do the job. However, my home builder was super impressed with a company called Smart Solar Energy. Why? Because they did what they said they were going to do within the budget and schedule they agreed to. No BS, just getting the work done as promised. That kind of thinking resonates with me--just do what you promised to do. So I gave Smart Solar Energy a shout in November 2023. From our first emails I was impressed. No fluff, just focused on the task, addressing the concerns I had, setting expectations, more than anything helping me understand if and why solar power might make sense for me because, as it turns out, solar power is not for everyone. From that point forward we steadily marched toward an understanding of the need and what meeting that need would entail in terms of cost and schedule; basic project management ideas. But the difference was that Smart Solar Energy took care of literally everything from unscrewing the local city hall bureaucracy to permits to scheduling the work. This kind of hand-holding was awesome and I appreciated it very much. We were scheduled to get our system installed in May 2024 and somehow got it actually installed in March 2024. That's pretty cool. I won't go into detail about how awesome the installers were (great folks, great communicators, and getting on a roof in a steady rain with a stiff wind still amazes me) but Smart Solar Energy did their part flawlessly and stayed in touch the entire time. In fact, the only part of the process that was frustrating was dealing with the power company, something Smart Solar Energy can't control but helped with from an expectations point of view. My system went on-line just within the past week, so I have no comments on Smart Solar Energy's long-term viability, and I do hope they can maintain their high standards and "produce to promise" ethos. From what I've seen so far, they have their stuff together, and when considering the two questions addressed at the beginning of this review, they are on the right track. Last thought: generating power is its own addiction, so be forewarned. You'll spend time watching the dashboard, trust me.
4.59 115 Reviews
Nick , over 1 month
We failed our inspection last week and we still have not heard anything from ANYONE at the company!!! I have called multiple different numbers, talked to ex employees who no longer work there anymore (those were the contacts I was told to call) they all said the same thing this company is a COMPLETE SHIT SHOW!! They have zero idea what they’re doing, they don’t understand project management at all. If you’re looking for solas panels run farrrrrrr away from this company!!! Crazy to spend $72,000 on a company and get zero responses! Please come take these panels back as this is garbage!! Next step is better business bureau, then a lawsuit.
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Nick , over 1 month
We failed our inspection last week and we still have not heard anything from ANYONE at the company!!! I have called multiple different numbers, talked to ex employees who no longer work there anymore (those were the contacts I was told to call) they all said the same thing this company is a COMPLETE SHIT SHOW!! They have zero idea what they’re doing, they don’t understand project management at all. If you’re looking for solas panels run farrrrrrr away from this company!!! Crazy to spend $72,000 on a company and get zero responses! Please come take these panels back as this is garbage!! Next step is better business bureau, then a lawsuit.
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.
4.57 178 Reviews
Jane Doe, over 1 month
Don’t be fooled by Intermountain Wind and Solar. They have good salesman but when it comes to installation and actually working with the company, they are the worst. We ha e to beg for an install date and then had to call and remind them we were there every step of the way. Please do yourself a favor and go with another company.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,000 ($3.00 per watt)
Jane Doe, over 1 month
Don’t be fooled by Intermountain Wind and Solar. They have good salesman but when it comes to installation and actually working with the company, they are the worst. We ha e to beg for an install date and then had to call and remind them we were there every step of the way. Please do yourself a favor and go with another company.
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 />
4.50 11 Reviews
Ryan, over 1 month
Solar is a BIG purchase, but Cascade Solar made it a transparent, honest one with skill on install, flexibility in scheduling, a competitive price per watt compared to most, and access to a lender specializing in green lending at market or slightly-below market rates. They communicated great throughout and the process is more streamlined with them than two other firms installing for different friends of ours were. Our experience with bidding firms was wildly divergent - from “that big firm” that felt like dealing with a bot, to other mid-tier firms that frankly padded their bids (one firm quoted the same price for final install that we had for CS, but for 60% the array size!). Our Enphase system is performing as advertised and the backup Powerwalls give us a bit more assurance in outages which have become all-too-common in PDX winters. They got us to a reasonable cost per watt installed with high-quality components, took care of the permitting and inspections, and did a final walk-through meeting to test our system performance and make any adjustments needed. If you are considering solar, give these folks a call. There are a lot of shady characters looking to make a mint on folks not doing their due diligence. Cascade Solar is local to PDX and absolutely worth your time to consider!
Read more
Ryan, over 1 month
Solar is a BIG purchase, but Cascade Solar made it a transparent, honest one with skill on install, flexibility in scheduling, a competitive price per watt compared to most, and access to a lender specializing in green lending at market or slightly-below market rates. They communicated great throughout and the process is more streamlined with them than two other firms installing for different friends of ours were. Our experience with bidding firms was wildly divergent - from “that big firm” that felt like dealing with a bot, to other mid-tier firms that frankly padded their bids (one firm quoted the same price for final install that we had for CS, but for 60% the array size!). Our Enphase system is performing as advertised and the backup Powerwalls give us a bit more assurance in outages which have become all-too-common in PDX winters. They got us to a reasonable cost per watt installed with high-quality components, took care of the permitting and inspections, and did a final walk-through meeting to test our system performance and make any adjustments needed. If you are considering solar, give these folks a call. There are a lot of shady characters looking to make a mint on folks not doing their due diligence. Cascade Solar is local to PDX and absolutely worth your time to consider!
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: