Going solar in Oregon

Homeowners in the Salem Electric service area may be entitled to a rebate on new residential solar photovoltaics. Qualifying systems should be rated for or below 25 kW, installed by a certified contractor, and interconnected to the power grid under a net metering contract. Final inspections from both Salem Electric and the city of Salem apply. The rebate is based on capacity and starts at $300 per kilowatt. Rebates max out at $1,500 or half of the purchase/installation costs of the panels, whichever is lower. Additional information is available from the Salem Electric website.

Ashland homeowners may be eligible for incentives on new solar-powered water heaters. Applicants may choose from receiving a performance-based rebate ($1,000 maximum) or taking out a low-interest loan to fund their water heater; they may not receive both incentives. During the preapproval process, applicants may take advantage of a variety of educational initiatives, auditing and engineering services, and a specialized contractor marketplace. Additional information is available from the Ashland Conservation Division website.

Home and business customer-members of the Lane Electric Cooperative may be eligible for grants on energy-efficient insulation and weatherization projects. Only projects approved by a Lane auditor will be approved for funding. Additional grants may be available for applicants in low-income brackets. Participating contractors may assist customer-members through the auditing and application process. Grants will be awarded to the contractor and will appear as a discount on the final project invoice. Additional information is available through the LEC website.

Residential customer-members of the Lane Electric Cooperative may be eligible for interest-free financing on new thermal energy efficiency projects. Loans may fund new efficient heat pumps, related ductwork, insulation/weatherization, and new windows/doors. Only projects recommended by a Lane representative and undertaken by a participating contractor will be eligible. The maximum available principal per loan is $9,000 and will be serviced by either of two participating credit unions. LEC will cover all interest payments on behalf of the borrower. Additional information is available from the LEC website.

Residential, public-sector, and nonprofit solar customers of the Eugene Electric and Water Board may qualify to enter power purchasing agreements (PPAs). There is no maximum capacity limit on eligible PV systems; however, systems should already meet requirements for net metering, including all IEEE/UL specifications, permits, and renewable ratio. Available compensation is performance-based and will vary from year to year. As of 2021, rates started at 40 cents per watt up to $2,000. Customers can choose to receive compensation in the form of a rebate rather than a bill credit, in which case they keep the RECs they generate. Additional information is available from the EWEB website.

On occasion, the Oregon Department of Energy will announce opportunities for businesses to claim tax credits on small energy efficiency projects. Previous announcements have covered efficiency in agriculture and manufacturing, solar thermal systems, and CHP systems. Tax credits from an Opportunity Announcement max out at 35% of a project's equipment/installation costs. Credits may be claimed over multiple years depending on individual circumstances. The application process involves audits and proposals outlining estimated energy consumption decline. Additional information is available from the department website.

Home and business owners in Ashland may be entitled to performance-based rebates on new solar PV systems. The rebate amount will be determined at a fixed rate of 50 cents/installed watt up to $7,500. Systems must meet local and state standards for grid interconnection and net metering; bill credits from net metering are separate from the rebate. There is no capacity requirement so long as the PV collectors generate 75% of the property owner's electrical demand. For best results, the system should be installed on a lot free of shade from trees during peak hours.

Generally, Oregon's electric utilities are required to collect a 3% surcharge on customer bills to support the Energy Trust of Oregon. Larger consumers of energy may, in lieu of paying a surcharge, undertake energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments of their own. Should improvements be implemented successfully, surcharge waivers of 54% may be applicable. Qualifying customers should have consumed 1 megawatt of electricity per year, as measured by a single or contiguous meter, prior to application. They will also be subject to annual site audits. Additional information is available from the Oregon Department of Energy website.

In 2002, special provisions targeting solar access preservation were implemented into Portland's zoning laws. The provisions target lot orientation on roads angled within 30 degrees of a cardinal direction. Lots on streets within 30 degrees of the east-west axis should be oriented such that interior slips on the south side of the street are narrower. Lots on streets within 30 degrees of the north-south axis should be oriented such that interior slips on the east and west are wider. Additional information is available from the municipal website.

Homebuilders in Oregon may be eligible for incentives from the state's Energy Trust if they meet energy-efficient building standards in excess of state codes. Awards will be made for efficient lighting, insulation, windows/doors, appliances, and solar PV/thermal energy. Each project or component factors into the property's Energy Performance Score displayed to homebuyers. Additional information is available from the Energy Trust website.

Specialized permitting procedures have been established for solar energy systems and development in Portland. Each building department branch has trained solar professionals on staff daily; these representatives may review permit applications in person and assist contractors with the design process. Provided a solar array meets city requirements and broader performance/safety standards, its permit may be approved on the day of application. Additional information is available from the city website.

In Oregon, anyone who installs or repairs solar energy devices should be licensed by the state's Bureau of Labor. Specialized licenses are available for solar photovoltaic work and solar thermal work. Limited licenses are also available allowing the holder to work with systems rated under 25 kW. Each license is subject to experience/training hour requirements, though there are pathways to obtain journeyman and contractor certifications from an apprenticeship. Solar contractors may be required to subcontract certain tasks to licensed plumbers and electricians.

Oregon energy efficiency codes are regularly updated. Previous quantitative goals set in 2006 required average home or business energy consumption for new buildings to drop by 15%. Regulations for single-family homes and duplexes are listed in the Residential Specialty Code. Regulations for all other buildings are found in the Structural Specialty Code. Local governments can adopt their own regulations exceeding those in the RSC or SSC, but they cannot nullify state codes. Additional information is available from the federal Energy Codes website.

Ashland homeowners undertaking energy efficiency projects may be eligible for special financing from the city's Conservation Division. Qualifying projects include insulation/weatherization and new solar water heaters. The maximum available principal per loan is $7,500. Loans do not accrue interest. Applicants must be within the Ashland municipal utility service area. Additional information is available from the city website.

Residential customers of the Central Lincoln People's Municipal Utility District (CLPUD) may be eligible for specialized rebates on an assortment of energy efficiency projects and equipment. Available rebate offers will vary from time to time. Currently, rebates may be awarded for new windows, insulation/weatherization, water heaters, heat pumps, lighting, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances. Additional information and application forms are available from the CLPUD website.

Ashland homeowners may be eligible for rebates or special financing on energy-efficient materials and equipment. Current offers cover insulation/weatherization and ENERGY STAR certified home appliances. Customers may choose between either a rebate or a loan, but they may not earn both. Loans are offered at no interest. Additional information is available from the Ashland Conservation Division website.

On occasion, the Oregon Department of Energy will announce opportunities for residents to claim tax credits on midsize/large bid-winning energy efficiency projects. Previous announcements have covered efficiency in agriculture and manufacturing, solar thermal systems, and CHP systems. Tax credits from an Opportunity Announcement max out at 35% of a project's equipment/installation costs. Credits may be claimed over multiple years depending on individual circumstances. The application process involves audits and proposals outlining estimated energy consumption decline. Additional information is available from the department website.

In Oregon, state facilities may adopt solar energy devices for self-consumption. New public buildings should earmark 1.5% of project costs toward energy conservation. To qualify, a system must reduce estimated energy consumption from a conventional baseline and fulfill at least three-quarters of the building's energy needs. Additional information is available from the Oregon Department of Energy.

In 1981, Ashland became among the first American cities to enact special zoning provisions for solar panels. Solar ordinances include setback requirements to protect solar access relative to northern lot lines. Also included are orientation standards for new roads, lots, and buildings; roads and lots should be aligned along perpendicular axes, while buildings should face north-to-south along their longer sides. To guarantee solar access, Ashland residents may obtain Solar Access permits which guarantee them protections against shade from plants. Additional information is available from the city website.

Oregon first established a renewable portfolio standard in 2007. The standard governs and tracks renewable energy investment throughout the state, with the long-term goal of generating 50% of all retail electricity with renewable technology by 2040. All electric utilities are required to participate regardless of governance. Uniquely, standard goals vary depending on the size and type of utility. Large utilities, such as Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, along with large cooperatives, must source 27% of their electricity renewably by 2025. Smaller utilities and cooperatives are subject to smaller goals of 5 - 10% renewable energy by 2025. Carve-out provisions require a certain share of the annual RPS quota to be invested in microgrids, community generation facilities, and solar facilities. Compliance with the standard is enforced through a renewable energy credit (REC) system pegging a fixed amount of electricity to a fluctuating dollar value. All operational renewable energy systems generate RECs, but utilities may also purchase credits from private customers. Credits expire after five years and must be replaced with new investments.

Residential and commercial renewable energy customers of the Eugene Water and Electric Board may take advantage of net metering if their system is rated for below 25 kW. Qualifying technologies include wind, solar, hydroelectric, fuel cells, solid waste/landfill gas, and agricultural biomass. EWEB will install a bidirectional meter on each renewable energy system to track net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid each month. Customers will receive a bill credit of 3.6 cents/kWh of NEG. Additional information is available from the EWEB website.

In Oregon, Rural Renewable Energy Development Zones (RREDZs) are formed by local and contiguous county governments. Residential and commercial solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, or other renewable energy systems in an RREDZ may earn local property tax exemptions for a three to five-year term. Currently, ten counties and one city have formed RREDZs among themselves. Localities may set their own terms, conditions, and maximum exemptions. Interested property owners should consult with their local tax assessor.

The Blue Sky program is Pacific Power's adaptation of Oregon's mandatory green energy option. Customers may choose to join the Blue Sky rate schedule to receive energy from the renewable power grid. In exchange, they will be assessed surcharges to support new renewable energy investment, and Pacific Power will receive any renewable energy credits they generate. Annual reports and program information are available through the Pacific Power website.

The Blue Sky program is Pacific Power's adaptation of Oregon's mandatory green energy option. Customers may choose to join the Blue Sky rate schedule to receive energy from the renewable power grid. In exchange, they will be assessed surcharges to support new renewable energy investment, and Pacific Power will receive any renewable energy credits they generate. Annual reports and program information are available through the Pacific Power website.

The Blue Sky program is Pacific Power's adaptation of Oregon's mandatory green energy option. Customers may choose to join the Blue Sky rate schedule to receive energy from the renewable power grid. In exchange, they will be assessed surcharges to support new renewable energy investment, and Pacific Power will receive any renewable energy credits they generate. Annual reports and program information are available through the Pacific Power website.

SELP is an Oregon-based solar energy financing program created by a ballot referendum. Loans take the form of small bonds at zero interest. Any Oregon resident, business owner, school district, local government, or state agency may receive bonds of $20,000 - $20 million. Up to 2% in fees may apply during the repayment process. The maximum repayment term should not outlast the useful life of the solar device being funded. Additional information is available from the Oregon Department of Energy website.

Residential customer-members of the Lane Electric Cooperative may be eligible for rebate incentives on a variety of energy-efficient thermal solutions. Available rebate offers will vary from time to time. Currently, the cooperative is incentivizing new air and geothermal heat pumps and related ductwork. Rebates may also be available on brand new homes which receive ENERGY STAR certification. Customer-members should submit rebate paperwork 30 days after installation at the latest. Inspections by a utility representative may apply. Additional information is available from the Lane Electric Cooperative website.

Residential and commercial customers of the Central Lincoln People's Utility District may be eligible for rebates on new renewable energy systems. Any wind, hydroelectric, solar PV, or solar water heater will qualify so long as it generates at least 75% of the customer's electrical demand. The rebate's amount will vary depending on the capacity and expected performance of the system. Additional bill credits from net metering programs will apply. Further information is available from the CLPUD website.

The Blue Sky program is Pacific Power's adaptation of Oregon's mandatory green energy option. Customers may choose to join the Blue Sky rate schedule to receive energy from the renewable power grid. In exchange, they will be assessed surcharges to support new renewable energy investment, and Pacific Power will receive any renewable energy credits they generate. Annual reports and program information are available through the Pacific Power website.

Oregon state law requires all public/private electrical utilities and cooperatives to provide their customers with at least one "green power" rate option. Qualifying renewable generation technologies toward the law include solar PV/thermal, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and some biomass. Utilities must be transparent about their power sources.

A 3% surcharge on customer energy bills in Oregon supports the state's Energy Trust (ETO). ETO is an independent 501 organization partnered with the Oregon government. Funds support a variety of energy efficiency programs in the state, including educational campaigns, school building efficiency, conservation incentives, and energy access/assistance for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Organizations may submit proposals directly to ETO for funding consideration. Annual reports on funding goals, surcharge revenue, and expenditures are available from the fund website.

Energy efficiency/renewable energy programs and improvements in public schools within the Pacific Power and Portland General Electric service areas are funded by the Energy Trust of Oregon. Funding is derived from a standard 3% surcharge on consumer energy bills. 10% of the total Energy Trust is earmarked for school-related initiatives. Qualifying projects include educational initiatives and new windows, HVAC, water heating, lighting, and insulation/weatherization. Only projects suggested by a utility representative may be eligible for funding or incentives. Additional information is available from the Oregon Department of Energy.

On occasion, the Oregon Department of Energy will announce opportunities for businesses to claim tax credits on large bid-winning energy efficiency projects. Previous announcements have covered efficiency in agriculture and manufacturing, solar thermal systems, and CHP systems. Tax credits from an Opportunity Announcement max out at 35% of a project's equipment/installation costs. Credits may be claimed over multiple years depending on individual circumstances. The application process involves audits and proposals outlining estimated energy consumption decline. Additional information is available from the department website.

The Oregon Department of Energy may award grant funding to renewable energy projects involving solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and some biomass technologies. The grant program is the successor to a corporate tax credit and remains closely tied to taxation through its funding sources. Qualifying projects for a grant should be rated for below 35 MW. Applicants will be subject to fees of $500 plus 1.25% for processing and permit reviews. Approval is based on a quantitative scoring system. Additional information is available through the ODE website.

Residential and commercial property owners in Ashland may take advantage of net metering if they meet certain interconnection standards. The local utility will install a bidirectional meter on each renewable energy system to track net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid each month. For their NEG, customers will receive monthly bill credits based on a fixed avoided-cost rate. Should generation exceed consumption, credits may roll forward to subsequent months. Outstanding credits after every March 31st will yield a cash payment. Additional information is available from the EWEB website.

In Oregon, property tax exemptions apply statewide to new renewable energy systems. The exemption applies to any wind, solar, geothermal, and some biomass/fuel cell device used to generate power or provide heating/cooling. Systems must be interconnected to the grid and under a net metering contract to procure renewable energy credits. To claim the exemption, property owners should consult with their local assessor. Assessors may not consider the value of the system for any purpose relative to the overall property value.