Why Go Solar in Oregon?

Last updated January 3, 2025.

Energy Trust of Oregon Incentives

National Solar is proud to be an Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally Contractor since 2009. Take advantage of the incentives below by partnering with a Trade Ally.

{{pge-pac-table}}

Federal Tax Credit

Most of our customers qualify for the 30% U.S. Federal Tax Credit (ITC). A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the income taxes that a person or company would otherwise pay the federal government. The ITC is based on the amount of investment in solar property. We always recommend consulting your tax professional for your specific situation.

{{federal-tax-table}}

How do I claim the Solar Federal Tax Credit?

To claim the federal solar tax credit, you will fill out form 5695 when doing your federal taxes. If you get a system through National Solar you receive a binder manual that includes last years 5695 form and more information on how to claim your tax credit as well as information on your system. Want to see a draft from the IRS now? View the IRS Form 5695 here.

Solar: Net Metering

Oregon’s net metering law allows all utility customers to generate their own electricity and reduce their electricity bills. If you install a solar electric system, your utility will come to your site and switch out your existing utility meter for a bidirectional “net” meter (there is no charge for the new meter). This meter keeps track of the power you acquire from the utility and what you supply to the grid. Each month, the power you use from your utility is offset by the power you send to the utility. You are only charged for the difference or the “net.”

How does net metering work?

If you generate more power than you use in a given month, your electric bill will have no kilowatt-hour charges, and you will only have to pay the basic utility service charges. The surplus energy will generate kilowatt-hour credits that will be applied to your future electric bills. Unused credits will accumulate in your Portland General Electric or Pacific Power account. This means credits accumulated during sunny summer months, especially in Central Oregon, can be applied to charges during Oregon’s cloudy winter months. Some of the energy companies in the State of Oregon offer net metering:

• Portland General Electric (PGE): PGE provides a net metering program where customers can balance the electricity they use from PGE with the energy they send back from their power-generating systems.
• Pacific Power: Pacific Power offers net metering options for its customers, allowing them to receive credits for excess energy generated by their renewable systems.
• Central Electric Cooperative (CEC): CEC members who generate their own electricity using solar, wind, fuel cells, or hydroelectric power can interconnect with CEC's electric grid through a net metering agreement.
• Douglas Electric Cooperative: Douglas Electric Cooperative offers net metering services to its members, enabling them to offset their energy consumption with self-generated renewable energy.

EWEB Solar Incentives & Net Metering

Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) offers programs to help customers transition to solar energy. If you're an EWEB customer, you can take advantage of their solar net metering program and access resources to find a qualified contractor.

Net Metering with EWEB

EWEB provides net metering to allow customers to generate their own electricity and receive credit for excess energy sent back to the grid. Similar to other Oregon utilities, any surplus energy your system produces will roll over as credits on future electric bills. This means you can offset your winter energy use with the extra solar power generated during sunnier months. You can learn more about EWEB's Solar PV Program here.

Salem Electric Solar Incentives & Net Metering

Salem Electric (SE) supports members in adopting renewable energy by offering financial incentives for qualifying solar systems and a robust net metering program. If you're a Salem Electric customer, these benefits can help make going solar more affordable.

Solar Incentives from Salem Electric

Salem Electric provides the following incentives for solar systems:

• $300 per kW installed for qualifying systems (maximum incentive: $1,500).
• Incentives cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost and are subject to fund availability.

This program applies to net-metered solar systems with a nameplate capacity of 25 kW or less that comply with SE’s Net Metering Policy.

Net Metering with Salem Electric

Salem Electric offers a net metering program for its members, allowing them to generate electricity and receive credits for the excess energy sent back to the grid. Credits earned from surplus energy can offset your energy costs during months when solar production is lower.

You can learn more about Salem Electric's Solar Information here.

Have more questions about incentives?

Request an Estimate from National Solar to get started, we will answer all of your questions and verify your eligibility to see which incentives you qualify for.