FEDERAL SOLAR TAX INVESTMENT CREDIT(ITC)

The Federal Solar Tax Credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), incentivizes investments in solar energy systems. This credit is accessible to both residential and commercial clients. Currently, the ITC allows a deduction of 30% of the installation cost of a solar energy system from your federal taxes for systems installed between 2022 and 2032.

Here’s how it works: If you install a solar panel system costing $10,000, you will reduce your federal taxes by $3,000 the following year. The ITC applies to the total system cost, encompassing both equipment and labor expenses.

Keep in mind that the ITC is available only to customers who own their solar energy systems, not those who lease them or enter into power purchase agreements (PPAs), which are forms of third-party ownership.

It is important to note that the ITC rate will decrease in the coming years. The credit will reduce to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and to 22% for systems installed in 2034. For more information, visit the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website.

ENERGY TRUST OF OREGON

Discover the solar energy incentives offered by the Energy Trust of Oregon, tailored for homeowners depending on their electric utility provider. If you’re a resident served by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power, you can benefit from a $400 rebate for a home solar system. Additionally, you can receive an extra $250 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar battery capacity, with a maximum rebate of $3,000.

SOLAR WITHIN REACH

The Solar Within Reach Program is designed for Portland General Electric or Pacific Power customers who meet specific income eligibility criteria. For example, a single-person household must have a maximum gross annual income of $62,530, while a four-person household must not exceed $120,252.

This program partners exclusively with Energy Trust-approved solar contractors. When you receive the Energy Trust cash incentive, it is sent directly to your contractor and deducted from your invoice, reducing the overall cost of your solar installation.

The cash incentive amount from the Energy Trust varies based on your system’s size and your electric utility provider:

• For Portland General Electric customers, the solar incentive is $0.90 per watt, up to a maximum of $5,400 per home, and the storage incentive is $750 per kWh, up to a maximum of $10,000 per home.
• For Pacific Power customers, the solar incentive is $1.00 per watt, up to a maximum of $6,000 per home, with the same storage incentive as Portland General Electric customers.

Once your system is installed and verified, you can claim tax credits when filing your taxes. For more details, please visit the official Solar Within Reach Program website.

OREGON NET METERING

In Oregon, utilities are mandated by law to provide net metering, allowing solar panel owners to earn credits for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. These credits can be used to offset the electricity drawn from the utility when the solar panels are not producing enough energy.

A significant benefit of this policy is that solar system owners can accumulate credits during sunny periods and utilize them during times of lower solar output, such as the cloudy winter months in Oregon.

Furthermore, if solar energy system owners generate more electricity than they use in a given month, they won’t incur any kilowatt-hour charges on their electric bill. They will only need to pay the basic utility service fees, which are usually minimal.

It’s important to understand that the specifics and regulations of net metering programs can differ among utility companies in Oregon. For the latest and most detailed information on Oregon’s net metering policies, please visit the Oregon Public Utility Commission’s official website.

ADDITIONAL LOCAL INCENTIVES

Beyond statewide incentives, several Oregon cities also offer local programs to promote solar energy adoption.

In Eugene, the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) provides a rebate program for eligible customers, offering $0.40 per watt installed, up to $2,000. This incentive is limited by an annual budget and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the EWEB website.

Salem Electric offers its customers a $300 per kW installed rebate, with a cap of 50% of project costs or $1,500, whichever is lower. This incentive applies to qualifying solar systems that are net metered, have a capacity of 25kW or less, and adhere to Salem Electric’s Net Metering Policy. More details can be found on the Salem Electric website.

In Ashland, residents are eligible for a $600 rebate when they install home solar systems.

IS GOING SOLAR WORTH IT IN OREGON?

Several compelling reasons make Oregon an ideal state for adopting solar energy.

Despite its reputation for rainy weather, Oregon enjoys an average of 142 sunny days each year, which is sufficient to produce substantial solar power.

The state provides various solar incentives, such as the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program and the Solar Within Reach Program, which can substantially lower the initial costs of installing a solar energy system.

Additionally, Oregon’s net metering law enables homeowners to generate electricity and reduce their electricity bills by earning credits for excess power sent back to the grid.

In summary, with the long-term savings, ample sunny days, and the availability of both state and federal incentives, going solar in Oregon is a smart investment for many homeowners.