Solar Electric Incentive Program

Summary

Energy Trust of Oregon’s Solar Electric Incentive Program, launched in May 2003, is available to customers of Pacific Power and PGE who install new photovoltaic (PV) systems on new or existing homes, multifamily homes, commercial buildings, farms, and public entity facilities. Energy Trust allocates solar incentives into steps, such that when funding in a given allocation is fully subscribed, the incentive amount steps down. A status report with current funding allocations and availability is available on Energy Trust's website. Current incentive amounts are as follows:

Residential

• PGE: $400 per project
• Pacific Power: $450 per project

• PGE: $0.15/watt up to $15,000 (480 kW-DC max)
• Pacific Power: $0.18/watt up to $18,000 (480 kW-DC max)

*Refer to the Energy Trust of Oregon Commercial Estimator for more detailed information on commercial incentives.

Public Entities

• PGE: $0.18/watt up to $18,000 (480 kW-DC max)
• Pacific Power: $0.18/watt up to $18,000 (480 kW-DC max)

Public entities receiving service from either utility may also receive a Solar Development Assistance incentive equal to 90% of the cost up to $1,800.

Energy Trust will provide referrals to contractors from their Trade Ally Network (self-installed systems will not qualify). The solar contractor selected advises the customer on installation options and best siting designs to obtain the maximum performance and satisfaction from the solar electric system. The contractor will provide a system quote that estimates the PV system annual performance, installation date, and the cost after Energy Trust incentive deductions. After Energy Trust approves the customer's PV system, the buy-down incentive will be paid to the solar contractor and deducted from the final cost.