Rebate Overview
If you’re a homeowner in Oregon, it’s time to rejoice! The state is now offering a rebate of up to $5,000 for solar electric systems and up to $2,500 for energy storage systems.
Rebate Amount Breakdown
The rebate amount depends on a few factors. If you’re a low- or moderate-income homeowner, you’re entitled to $1.80 per watt (DC) of installed capacity, which can cover up to 60% of the net cost of the system or $5,000, whichever is less.
Homeowners not classified as low- or moderate-income have two options. If you’re eligible for an electric utility incentive, you’ll receive $0.20 per watt (DC) of installed capacity, up to 40% of the net cost or $5,000, whichever is less. If you’re not eligible for an electric utility incentive, you’ll get $0.50 per watt (DC) of installed capacity, up to 40% of the net cost or $5,000, whichever is less.
The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) calculates the net cost as the total of all eligible costs minus any incentive provided by an electric utility or the Energy Trust of Oregon.
Getting Your Rebate
To receive your rebate, reach out to an ODOE-approved contractor who’ll install the system. The contractor can also help you identify other potential solar savings, such as a federal tax credit or an Energy Trust of Oregon incentive.
The rebate amount will be paid directly to the contractor and will be passed on as savings to you. No need to pay upfront and wait for a rebate check. The savings will be deducted from the total system cost.
Finding an Approved Contractor
To locate an ODOE-approved contractor, visit the ODOE website and download the regularly updated list.
Qualifying for the Low- or Moderate-Income Rebate
The ODOE’s program aims to expand access to renewable solar energy to Oregonians with lower incomes. If you’re a low- or moderate-income homeowner, you may be eligible for a rebate covering up to 60% of your system cost. You can confirm your eligibility through one of three pathways:
- The homeowner is eligible for certain Oregon Housing and Community Services programs.
- The homeowner is eligible for certain Oregon Department of Human Services or Oregon Health Authority programs.
- The homeowner can prove qualifying household income by providing an Oregon Department of Revenue tax transcript for each tax filer residing at the household’s physical address.
Things to Note
Solar and storage installations must be installed on real property in Oregon by an ODOE-approved contractor. The contractor must submit a reservation application before beginning construction or installation of a solar system or paired solar and storage system to be eligible for a rebate.
If you’re planning to install a paired solar and storage system, both components must be purchased together from the same approved contractor. Stand-alone storage systems or systems added to existing solar are not eligible.
Your system must be installed with “islanding” capability, which means it can function independently of the grid during power outages. Also, systems must adhere to electric utility-specific rules and other technical and programmatic requirements.
For complete details about the program, review the Solar + Storage Rebate Program Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules online.
Further Readings:
