Oregon Solar Incentives 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Here in Oregon, we’re fortunate to have strong solar incentives. If you’re curious how much you can save with Oregon solar rebates, tax credits, and more, just give us a call at (541) 248-5373 or send us a message anytime:
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started with Oregon solar incentives in 2025. We hope you’ll feel more empowered to make a decision about whether solar makes sense for your home. Here’s what we’ll cover:
Net Metering Benefits: Learn how feeding electricity back to the grid can reduce your bills and contribute to a sustainable energy system.
Tax Credits Explained: Understand the financial benefits available at both state and federal levels and how they can significantly reduce the cost of going solar.
ODOE Programs and Resources: Get an overview of the various programs offered by the Oregon Department of Energy to support your transition to solar energy.
Solar for Multifamily Housing: Learn about initiatives aimed at making solar accessible to multifamily and low-income housing, ensuring everyone can benefit from clean energy.
Expert Guidance: Find out why it’s important to consult with a solar expert to navigate the landscape of solar incentives and make the most out of your investment.
Each section will help you navigate the incentives and make an informed decision about installing solar panels in 2025. These programs don’t just help you save money — they invest in a cleaner future for all Oregon residents.
Please note: We’re professional Oregon solar installers, not professional accountants. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult with your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before proceeding with any transaction.
Oregon Net Metering: Your Gateway to Savings
Oregon's net metering policy is a game-changer for residential and commercial solar system owners. Net metering programs allow you to receive credit for any excess electricity your solar panels generate and feed back into the grid. These credits can offset future electricity bills, making solar an even more attractive investment.
By earning credits on your utility bill for excess energy produced, you can save money while contributing to a more sustainable power grid. This policy ensures that your system not only meets your solar power needs during the day but also provides value for any surplus energy that can be applied to future use.
While policies can vary slightly by utility company, most systems are eligible if they stay under 25 kW. Learn more about net metering - including how to apply and how it can benefit you - from Oregon’s two largest utilities: PGE and Pacific Power.
Federal and Oregon Solar Tax Credits: Boosting Your Solar Journey
While Oregon’s Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) for solar projects ended in 2017, homeowners can still take advantage of substantial savings through the Residential Clean Energy Credit, formerly known as the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This federal incentive allows eligible homeowners to claim 30% of their solar installation costs as a tax credit.
As of 2025, the 30% credit remains available and will stay at that level until 2033, when it is scheduled to decrease to 26%, and then to 22% in 2034. There is no cap on the amount you can claim and no income limits for eligibility, making this an accessible option for many households.
The credit also rolls over—if your federal tax liability is less than your credit amount in the year you install your solar panels, you can apply the remaining balance in future tax years. Keep in mind that to qualify, you must own your solar system. Homeowners who opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) are not eligible for this credit.
When you factor in the potential savings on your federal taxes, this long-standing federal incentive continues to play a key role in reducing the upfront cost of solar and accelerating your return on investment.
Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) Programs
The Oregon Department of Energy is a valuable resource for residents looking to go solar. The ODOE has various programs and resources designed to support renewable energy projects. This includes grants, loans, and technical assistance to help make your solar transition smooth and affordable.
For example, the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program in Oregon is designed for Tribes, public bodies, and utilities. It focuses on competitive grants for projects that enhance energy equity and resilience. A majority of the funds are dedicated to serving environmental justice communities and promoting community energy resilience.
Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP)
Addressing the needs of multifamily affordable housing, Oregon is working to make solar accessible to a broader range of residents. Programs like OR-MEP are designed to bring the benefits of solar energy to communities that need it most, ensuring equitable access to clean energy.
The next round of OR-MEP funding will be available in July 2025. Visit the OR-MEP website to find out more about eligibility, cash incentives, design assistance, and other information.
Pacific Power and PGE Solar Incentives
Pacific Power and Portland General Electric customers may qualify for cash rebates through the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) . These incentives help reduce the upfront cost of going solar and can significantly improve overall affordability.
To access these rebates, homeowners must work with an approved contractor from the Energy Trust of Oregon’s Trade Ally Network. Installations must also meet specific energy efficiency and safety standards.
Flexible financing options, including loans and leases, are available to support different budgets. Income-qualified customers may also be eligible for additional incentives through programs like Solar Within Reach.
As participating utility companies, Pacific Power and PGE partner with the Energy Trust of Oregon to offer these rebates and support clean energy adoption in Oregon. For a side-by-side comparison of 2024 and 2025 solar and battery incentives by utility and program type, see the table above or visit the Energy Trust of Oregon’s website for the latest details.
| Program Type | Utility | 2024 Incentive | 2025 Incentive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar – Standard | Pacific Power | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Solar – Standard | PGE | $1,000 | $900 |
| Solar – Solar Within Reach | Pacific Power | $6,000 | $4,800 |
| Solar – Solar Within Reach | PGE | $7,200 | $6,600 |
| Battery – Standard | Pacific Power | $6,000 | $5,400 |
| Battery – Standard | PGE | $6,000 | $5,400 |
| Battery – Solar Within Reach | Pacific Power | $10,000 | $8,400 |
| Battery – Solar Within Reach | PGE | $13,000 | $10,800 |
Income-Eligible Oregon Solar Panel Incentives
The Solar Within Reach program provides enhanced incentives for income-qualified households to add solar and battery storage, substantially reducing costs and making clean energy more accessible.
Eligibility is determined by PGE or Pacific Power and requires collaboration with an approved solar trade ally contractor like Earthlight Technologies. Incentives vary based on the system size and utility provider, with specific rates offered per watt and for battery storage.
If you are a low- or moderate-income homeowner in Oregon, you may also qualify for a rebate of up to $5,000 for a solar electric system and up to $2,500 for an energy storage system through the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program. This can cover up to 60% of the cost of your system and help you access clean and renewable energy.
These rebates can significantly reduce your long-term energy costs, making solar a more affordable option for households across Oregon. Program updates and availability are posted on the Oregon Department of Energy website
How to Qualify for Oregon Solar Rebates
You can qualify for the rebates if you meet one of these criteria:
You are eligible for certain housing or community services programs.
You are eligible for certain human services or health authority programs.
You can prove your household income with a tax transcript.
How to Apply for Oregon Solar Rebates
You’ll need to work with a contractor that is approved by the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), such as Earthlight Technologies. Just give us a call at (541) 248-5373.
The contractor will submit a reservation application for you before installing your solar or storage system. You will also need to provide proof of your eligibility and installation.
You can only get a rebate for a solar system that is paired with a storage system. The storage system must have “islanding” capability, which means it can work independently from the grid in case of a power outage. You also need to follow the utility and technical rules and requirements.
The rebates are a great opportunity for low- or moderate-income homeowners in Oregon to go solar and save money. By applying for the rebates, you can get a solar and storage system at a lower cost and enjoy the benefits of clean and reliable energy.
Consult with an Expert
Navigating the world of solar incentives can be complex. Consulting with an Oregon solar installer is the best way to understand the available incentives and financing options for your specific situation.
Earthlight Technologies is dedicated to helping Oregonians like you embrace the benefits of solar energy. If you're curious about how much you could save with Oregon's solar incentives, we're here to guide you through every step of the process.
Start your solar journey today by calling us at (541) 248-5373 or sending us a message. We have been helping homeowners receive solar rebates for over 15 years. Our team of experts will provide you with personalized advice and help you understand the incentives available to you.
Start your solar journey today by calling us at (541) 248-5373 or sending us a message. We have been helping homeowners receive solar rebates for over 15 years. Our team of experts will provide you with personalized advice and help you understand the incentives available to you.
Note: We do our best to provide the most accurate information possible, but Oregon solar incentives can and do change often. For up-to-date information, you should go directly to the organizations offering the incentives, such as the Energy Trust of Oregon and Oregon Department of Energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Total Solar Resource Fraction (TSRF) is a metric used to measure how much sunlight a solar panel system receives at a particular site, after accounting for shading, orientation, and tilt. It's expressed as a percentage, with 100% being ideal, meaning the system gets full, unobstructed sunlight year-round.
In Oregon, some incentive programs, such as those from the Energy Trust of Oregon, require a minimum TSRF of 80% to qualify for rebates.
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The Residential Clean Energy Credit allows homeowners to claim 30% of the total cost of a solar panel system on their federal income taxes. This includes costs for equipment, installation, and permitting.
Key Points:
Available through 2032 at the 30% rate (drops to 26% in 2033).
No cap on the credit amount.
No income limits to qualify.
The credit rolls over if you don’t use it all in one tax year.
You must own the system (leases and PPAs do not qualify).
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Oregon does not currently offer a state tax credit for solar panels. The previous Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) expired in 2017. Today, the state supports solar adoption through rebates and grants, rather than tax credits. Oregon homeowners can still take advantage of the federal tax credit for solar.
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As of 2025, Oregon homeowners may qualify for various solar rebates. These include statewide programs offering upfront incentives to reduce installation costs. Rebates are available for customers of major utilities, and additional support may be offered to income-qualified households. Some programs also provide incentives for battery storage systems. Availability and rebate amounts can vary, so it's important to check current details on the Oregon Department of Energy and Energy Trust of Oregon websites.
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Yes. Oregon has net metering policies that allow homeowners to send excess electricity from their solar systems back to the grid in exchange for bill credits. These credits can offset future electricity use, reducing monthly utility bills.
The policy applies to systems up to 25 kW in size for residential customers and is available to those served by utility companies like PGE, Pacific Power, Salem Electric, and others.
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Not directly in cash, but Portland General Electric (PGE) does offer net metering, which allows you to earn energy credits for the excess electricity your solar panels send to the grid. These credits are applied to your monthly electric bill.
If you produce more than you consume in a billing cycle, the excess credit rolls over to the next month. However, PGE does not send you a check or direct payment for excess production.
