Energy Trust - Small Wind Incentive Program

November 08, 2007

Summary

The Energy Trust of Oregon’s Small Wind Incentive program provides resources and cash incentives to help customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power install turbines up to 50 kilowatts. To be eligible for the incentive the site must have annual average wind speeds of at least 10 miles per hour (4.5 m/s). Wind maps are available to provide estimated wind speed averages for specific sites, and Energy Trust Small Wind Trade Ally contractors can help interpret the results and recommend the best small wind system for the proposed site. Incentive levels are as follows: Residential Systems: The lesser of $4,500 per meter of rotor diameter, or $4,500 per rated kilowatts of the wind turbine, up to a maximum of $35,000 Commercial Systems: The lesser of $3,750 per meter of rotor diameter, or $4,000 per rated kilowatts of the wind turbine, up to a maximum of $60,000 All systems must be installed by an approved Energy Trust Small Wind Trade Ally contractor. After the Energy Trust approves the customer's small wind system, the buy-down incentive will be paid to the contractor and deducted from the final cost. Currently, the program has only one Trade Ally contractor, but Energy Trust is actively seeking others. Other available incentives include a residential tax credit through the Oregon Department of Energy of $2.00/kilowatt-hour produced in the first year of operation, up to $6,000 (up to $1,500 may be claimed per year), and a business tax credit of 50% of installed system cost applied over five years.