Oregon is a state with good solar resources, with most of the state getting an average of more than 5 kilowatt hours (kWh) of sunlight per square meter a day. Only the northwestern area of the state gets less, with about 4 kWh of sunlight per square meter a day. The state and its utilities are pushing to make its homes and buildings more efficient and self-powered through a veritable plethora of incentives, including tax breaks, rebates, performance-based incentives, low-interest rate loans and more.

Oregon’s energy market is dominated by large hydroelectric power plants. In fact, the state produces nearly two-thirds of its energy from dams on rivers, with its four largest power plants on the Columbia River. But the state also has bountiful natural renewable resources. The DOE’s Energy Information Administration said that the state already generates roughly 4 percent of the nation’s wind power and has considerably more wind power potential and the potential to generate as much as 2.2 gigawatts of geothermal power.

The state also has one of the nation’s stronger renewable portfolio standards, which requires the state’s utilities to produce or purchase at least 25 percent of their electricity from renewable resources, like solar, wind, geothermal or tidal, by 2025. The renewable portfolio standard covers all 39 utilities to varying degrees. By 2025, the state’s largest utilities must source 25 percent of their power from renewable sources. In addition, the largest utilities—those with more than 3 percent of the state’s electricity load—must source 5 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2011, 15 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.

Only three states, California, Colorado, and Hawaii, have higher renewable energy requirements. Renewable-energy-portfolio standards are a powerful tool that states are using to bring more renewable power generation into their states. This means that utilities are being pushed into developing local renewable resources and in many cases, as in Oregon’s, they will offer incentives in addition to those offered by the state and federal government.

In 1996, Ashland adopted a net metering program that includes simple interconnection guidelines. Generation and consumption are netted monthly and any excess generation is rolled over to the next month as a kWh credit. Any net excess generation remaining after the March 31 billing cycle every year is paid out at the wholesale rate.  

The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers a solar water heating program to its residential electric customers who currently use an electric water heater. Under "The Bright Way to Heat Water Program," qualified home owners may choose either the cash rebate or a zero-interest loan. Cash rebates of up to $1,000 are available for approved systems. The rebate amount is calculated as $0.40 times the estimated annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) savings (the Oregon Department of Energy provides the estimates for approved systems). Interested customers are provided site evaluations, consumer education, information about available solar systems, and the names of qualified contractors.

The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers residential and commercial electric customers installing photovoltaic systems a rebate of $0.25 per watt up to a maximum of $5,000 per system. In order to qualify, a solar electric system needs a total solar resource fraction of at least 75%. Systems must be interconnected with the City's electrical grid and net metered, comply with all City permit requirements, and system owners must own or be a tenant of the facility where the system is installed. 

The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers incentives to residential customers for buying and installing energy efficient appliances, insulation and equipment. Customers can also choose to receive a zero-interest loan to purchase equipment in lieu of a rebate. Detailed rebate information is available on rebate applications or by contacting the Conservation Division. 

City of Ashland Conservation Division has zero-interest loans to help its residential customers finance energy efficiency improvements to homes. The maximum loan amount is $7,500. The loans can be used for a variety of energy saving projects, including solar water heaters and weatherization measures. To be eligible, homes must be owner-occupied and heat with electricity from the City of Ashland. Contact the City of Ashland for more information on this program.

The City of Ashland Conservation District offers a wide variety of incentives for residential customers to increase the energy efficiency of eligible homes, or build new homes that meet efficient design standards. The Energy Efficiency program includes an on-site home energy review from a Residential Energy Analyst. Following this review and approval, rebates are available for weatherization and heating/cooling rebates. Other rebates include upgrades to heat pump water heaters, washers/dryers, and induction cookers. Appliances must be ENERGY STAR certified. Interested customers should see the specific application forms, for more information about these appliance rebates.

The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers a solar water heating program to residential electric customers who currently use an electric water heater. Under this program, qualified home owners may take advantage of the City's zero-interest loan program or a cash rebate up to $1,000. Interested customers are provided site evaluations, consumer education, information about available solar systems, and names of qualified contractors.

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites. The Oregon Energy Code amendments were most recently updated for both residential and non-residential construction in 2017 and 2019, respectively.  The Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Chapter 11, contains energy efficiency requirements for one- and two-family dwelling construction. The Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), Chapter 13, contains energy conservation requirements for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings

The Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) offers a variety of financial incentives to promote energy efficiency among residential members. Rebates are provided for qualifying weatherization measures, heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps, heat pumps and Energy Star rated homes. Weatherization measures must be done in an electrically heated home, and must have a free energy analysis done before work begins. In order to qualify for the appliance rebates, an electric water heater must be the primary source of hot water for the customer. CEC also offers rebates for efficient sprinkler systems and irrigation equipment. Contact CEC for program information or

Central Lincoln People's Utility District provides financial incentives for its commercial and residential customers to install photovoltaic (PV), solar water heating, wind, and hydro electric systems on their property. The Total Solar Resource Fraction for the location of any solar energy system must be at least 75%. In addition to receiving this incentive, systems that produce electricity can participate in net metering. More information and all the necessary applications are available at the program web site above.

Central Lincoln People's Municipal Utility District (CLPUD) offers a variety of energy efficiency programs for residential customers to save energy in eligible homes. Rebates are available for appliances, heat pumps, water heaters, weatherization measures, lighting, replacement windows, and Energy Star Manufactured homes. All equipment must meet certain energy efficiency standards that are listed on the rebate application forms, which can be found on the program web site. 

The rebate program offers $250 in compensation for qualifying Electric Vehicle Level 2 Charging Stations. Limited to one per location, the charger must be 220V or higher and must completed or purchased on or after July 1, 2018.

Developers in Ashland may increase the base density of units in residential developments by incorporating energy efficiency, architectural creativity and innovation, and the use of natural features of the landscape. Density may be increased up to a maximum of 15% based on bonus points earned for meeting the minimum requirements for certification as an Earth Advantage home, which includes an evaluation of energy usage, water usage, and air quality guidelines. Conservation features can also include passive solar design.

The City of Ashland has been promoting the use of solar energy since 1981, when it passed one of the first city-wide solar access protection ordinances in the United States. This ordinance contains solar setback provisions designed to ensure that shadows at the northern property line do not exceed a certain height, depending on the zone in which the property is located.

Ashland also includes Solar Orientation Standards for land divisions that create lots in residential zones. The requirements being (A) Where the site and location permit, layout new streets as close as possible to a north-south and east-west axis

Solar Standards The purpose of Eugene's Solar Standards, as described in sections 9.2780 through 9.2795 of the City of Eugene's City Code, is to create lot divisions, layouts and building configurations in a manner conducive to the availability of solar energy on one- and two-family dwellings. The goal is to promote the use of solar energy and to minimize shading of buildings by other buildings. Solar Lot Standards Solar lot standards apply to the creation of lots within subdivisions in R-1 and R-2 zones. In these zones, at least 70% of the lots in a subdivision must be designed as

In 2001, the City of Portland adopted a Green Building Policy requiring new construction and major renovations of all city facilities to meet the Certified level of LEED. This policy was amended on April 27, 2005 by Resolution Number 36310, which was adopted by the Portland City Council. At that time, the Green Building Policy was changed to require new buildings to meet the LEED Gold standard. Additionally, the 2005 changes required LEED EBOM Silver for existing buildings. This policy was further amended in April 2009, with the passage of Resolution Number 36700. This resolution includes measures to incorporate the

The City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS) developed a streamlined permitting process for residential solar energy system installations. The City of Portland has staff at the permitting desk trained as solar experts to assist solar contractors who need help filing their permits in person. Simple residential installations may apply for a combination building and plumbing/electrical permit, and proceed through planning and zoning and plan review process. If the installation complies with all requirements and all fees are paid, the permit will be issued the same day. 

Additionally, the permit fees are capped for systems following the prescriptive process

Clean Energy Works began in 2009 as a pilot program run by the City of Portland. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded $20 million to create a statewide nonprofit to expand the program beyond Portland and serve thousands of homeowners in urban, suburban and rural Oregon. Clean Energy Works Oregon also has funding from the State of Oregon, local governments, workforce investment boards and national foundations to support its efforts. The goal of Clean Energy Works Oregon is to finance energy efficiency retrofits for approximately 6,000 homes throughout Oregon, by offering a one-stop program for whole-home energy upgrades

Columbia River PUD offers rebates for Energy Star manufactured homes, Energy Star appliances, duct sealing, ductless heat pumps, air-source heat pumps, Marathon water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and a variety of weatherization measures.

Columbia River PUD also has a team of Energy Experts who can provide residential customers with a free analysis of home energy use to identify potential energy savings opportunities. Customers should see the program web site or contact the Columbia River PUD Energy Experts for more information.

Columbia River People's Utiltiy District offers net metering for customer-generators with solar PV installations through its Choice Energy Solar Rebates. The incentive is $1,000 for newly installed qualifying solar PV systems.

Energy Trust of Oregon offers incentives for commercial and institutional customers of any of the state's investor owned utilities to increase the energy efficiency of their existing buildings. The standard incentive program provides prescriptive rebates for the retrofit of insulation, water heaters, lighting equipment, and HVAC equipment, as well as equipment specific to data centers, grocery stores, and the food service and lodging industries. For more information on incentives specific to different industries, see the Energy Trust web site. Projects must be pre-approved before making any equipment purchases or initiating any work. 

Business customers retrofitting existing buildings through measures not

Consumers Power Inc. offers rebates to its residential members for a wide variety of energy efficient products and measures. Rebates are offered for certain Energy Star appliances, weatherization measures, water heating, heat pumps, and Energy Star new and manufactured homes. All equipment must meet specific energy efficiency requirements stated on the program web site.  Applications for all residential rebates can be found on the program web site.

Consumer's Power, Inc.(CPI)  offers incentives for new home construction. To qualify, homes must use CPI electricity, be new construction (remodels do not qualify), and be approved for the incentive before construction begins. Guidelines for ensuring new homes are eligible to participate in CPI's incentive program can be found on the utility's website.

Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives and project development assistance for renewable energy projects that are 20 megawatts (MW) or less in capacity. Eligible resources include wind, hydropower, biomass, fuel cells, and geothermal. Separate standard incentives are available for  solar electric up to 200 or 250 kilowatts (kW) and  small wind projects under 50 kilowatts. 

Project development assistance funding is available for a variety of purposes, including grant writing, feasibility studies, or technical assistance with design, permitting, or utility interconnection. Energy Trust will pay up to 50% of costs associated with project development activities, up to a maximum

Douglas Electric Cooperative offers financing for heat pumps and weatherization. Insulation levels for this climate zone should be a minimum of R-38 in the ceiling, R-30 in the floor and R-11 in the walls. All equipment and project requirements must be met in order to be eligible, check the website above for specifics regarding heat pump requirements. Coop members must choose between financing and rebate incentives, they cannot be used together. See the program website listed above for more information or contact Douglas Electric directly.

Douglas Electric Cooperative offers rebates to its members for the purchase of energy efficient products and measures.  Rebates include clothes washers, heat pumps, manufactured homes, and weatherization measures. Members may take advantage of either the 5% low-interest financing or a rebate, but not both. For more information on equipment requirements, rebate terms and conditions, and eligibility please visit the program website listed above or contact Douglas Electric Cooperative directly.  

Register your electric vehicle and receive $100.

Refer to website for more information on requirements.

Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) has a loan program through Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union to help residential customers improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Through this loan program, residents can borrow up to $10,000 with zero interest to install insulation in the attic, floor, and walls, and to upgrade windows and doors. The first step to obtaining a weatherization loan is to call Emerald Energy Services and schedule an energy analysis. An energy analyst will visit the home to help determine what energy saving measures are needed. Emerald Energy Services is working with the Housing Authority and Community

Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) offers several incentives for its residential customers to increase the energy efficiency of homes. Emerald PUD offers rebates for ENERGY STAR rated appliances, heat pumps, insulation, windows, lighting, and ENERGY STAR homes. All equipment must meet program requirements in order to be eligible for rebates. Rebate forms and program details are available on the program web site listed above. Emerald PUD also offers low interest loans for some of the items covered under these rebates. Contact Emerald PUD for more information on this and other offerings.

Emerald People's Utility District offers incentives to customers installing a qualified solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Systems must be 25 kW or smaller to qualify. Systems must be pre-approved by Emerald PUD for grid interconnection and net metering, must meet the acceptable solar resource requirement, and must be installed by an approved solar contractor. See the program website for further details.

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) periodically releases Opportunity Announcements for tax credits for energy conservation projects.  Check ODOE's website for announcements and complete information. 

Energy conservation projects include projects with investments for which the first year energy savings yields a simple payback period of greater than three years. Categories for solicitations include: Commercial Buildings; Renewable Thermal; Commercial, Agricultural and Industrial Processes; and Combined Heat and Power. Projects must intend to begin construction within 12 months of the award. Tax credits are worth up to 35% of the project costs. The tax credit is claimed over five years, with 10%

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) periodically releases Opportunity Announcements for tax credits for energy conservation projects.  Check ODOE's website for announcements and complete information.  

Energy conservation projects include projects with investments for which the first year energy savings yields a simple payback period of greater than three years. Categories for solicitations include: Commercial Buildings; Renewable Thermal; Commercial, Agricultural and Industrial Processes; and Combined Heat and Power. Projects must intend to begin construction within 12 months of the award. Tax credits are worth up to 35% of the project costs. The tax credit is claimed over five years, with

The Oregon Department of Energy periodically releases Opportunity Announcements for tax credits for energy conservation projects. There is currently $2 million available in tax credits for conservation projects on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum tax credit per project is $7,000. Projects must submit completed applications by June 30, 2017, with the form available on the program website listed above.

The Energy Conservation Tax Credits program is set to sunset at the end of the 2017 tax year.  

Energy conservation projects include projects with investments for which the first year energy savings yields a simple payback period of greater

The Oregon Department of Energy periodically releases Opportunity Announcements for tax credits for energy conservation projects. There is currently $2 million available in tax credits for conservation projects on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum tax credit per project is $7,000. Projects must submit completed applications by June 30, 2017, with the form available on the program website listed above. 

The Energy Conservation Tax Credits program is set to sunset at the end of the 2017 tax year.  

Energy conservation projects include projects with investments for which the first year energy savings yields a simple payback period of greater

Oregon's 1999 electric-utility restructuring legislation (SB 1149) required Pacific Power and Portland General Electric (PGE) to collect a 3% public-purpose charge from their customers to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects through January 1, 2012. Of the funds collected by the electric utilities, 56.7% must be allocated towards energy efficiency programs and 17.1% to renewables. The remaining funds support low-income housing energy assistance and K-12 school energy-conservation efforts. The Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) authorized the Energy Trust of Oregon, an independent non-profit organization, to administer these programs beginning in 2002. Oregon’s renewable portfolio standard legislation (SB 838), enacted in

Eugene Water and Electric Board offers its residential customers a rebate of $500 for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

For details of qualifications refer to the program website.

The Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) offers net metering for customers with renewable energy generation systems with an installed capacity of 25 kW or less. Eligible systems use solar power, wind power, fuel cells, hydroelectric power, landfill gas, digester gas, waste, dedicated energy crops, or certain biomass to generate electricity. Systems should be sized to primarily offset the customer's energy usage at the site. 

Monthly excess generation is compensated at a rate of $0.036/kWh. 

Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) assists residential customers in financing energy efficiency improvements through a variety of loan programs.  Zero interest loans of varying amounts and repayment periods are available for air-source and ductless heat pumps, and weatherization measures including window replacements and insulation upgrades.  Generally, eligible homes must have permanently installed electric heat as their primary heating source. For additional information and program details consult the web site listed above of contact EWEB directly.

Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) provides cash incentives to help residential customers increase the energy efficiency of homes through several different rebate programs. Rebates are provided for heat pumps, heat pump water heater, window replacements, insulation and new construction.  Equipment requirements, additional information on the application process, and information about future changes to the utility's energy efficiency programs are available on the program web site.  In addition to its normal energy efficiency incentive programs, EWEB offers rebates and financing targeted directly at helping income qualified customers. Contact the utility or see the program web site for more information.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board's (EWEB) Solar Electric Program offers financial incentives for residential, nonprofit, and government customers that generate electricity solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. 

The 2021 incentive amount for residential net metered customers is $0.40 per watt-AC, with a maximum incentive of $2,000. The rebate for non-residential customers is no longer available. Rebate amounts are based on the electrical output of the system after equipment and site losses are calculated. Under the rebate program, customers retain ownership of all renewable-energy credits (RECs) associated with customer generation.  There is a reservation system for customers taking the rebate under the

Forest Grove Light & Power offers rebates through its Conservation Services Department. Rebates for ductless heat pumps are available to residential customers and rebates for lighting are available to commercial customers.

Consult the Forest Grove Light & Power web site for additional program information.

Enacted in June 2007, HB 2620 introduced a unique requirement for installing solar energy systems on public buildings. In 2012, S.B. 1533 amended the requirement to allow the use of any green energy technology (including geothermal electric, geothermal direct use, solar electric, solar thermal, and passive solar) to meet the requirement. The law requires public agencies to spend at least 1.5% of the total contract price of an eligible public building on green energy technologies. SB 3169 of 2013 allows green energy technologies located away from the site of a public building to satisfy the requirement if certain qualifications are met. Eligible

Energy Trust of Oregon offers a variety of incentives and services through their Home Energy Solutions program. All equipment eligible for incentives needs to meet the efficiency requirements stated in the program guidelines. Customers can see all individual product incentives here. The first step to participate in this program is to evaluate a home's energy use by using Energy Trust's online Home Energy Profile Tool or by calling 1-866-368-7878. Homeowners may also opt for a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR assessment. After the new measures have been installed by a licensed trade ally contractor, Energy Trust may request a follow-up

Idaho Power offers a variety of incentives for energy efficiency measures for residential customers living in Oregon or Idaho. 

The Heating and Cooling Program offers incentives for residential customers who purchase and install qualifying energy efficient heating and cooling equipment. In order to qualify for the incentive, customers must use a participating contractor for equipment installations and comply with all program requirements. Eligible homes may be a primary residence, vacation home or rental. Residential customers may also participate in the A/C Cool Credit program and receive a $5/month bill credit in exchange for allowing Idaho Power to cycle their air

Oregon has three separate interconnection standards: one for net-metered systems; one for small generator facilities (non-net metered systems); and one for large generator facilities (non-net metered systems). Oregon has also established separate net metering requirements and interconnection standards for the state's primary investor-owned utilities (PGE and PacifiCorp), and for its municipal utilities and electric cooperatives. Interconnection for Net Metered Systems PGE and PacifiCorp Customers The Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted new rules for net metering for PGE and PacifiCorp customers in July 2007 with Order 07-319, raising the individual system capacity limit from 25 kilowatts (kW) to two

Lane Electric Cooperative offers its customers an incentive for buying a new, permanent residence, EnergyStar manufactured home within service area. Qualifying customers may receive up to $500 if they submit to Lane Electric the following documentation:

To verify the availability of funds, please contact Lane Electric at (541) 484-1151 before purchase. Credits will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lane Electric Cooperative offers energy efficient Weatherization Grant Programs to Lane Electric residential and commercial members. Before receiving funding for any of the programs, members must first request an energy analysis for the dwelling. Once the energy analysis is performed, forms and bid sheets will be mailed to the applicant. Forms must be completed and returned to the Lane Electric Cooperative office and Lane Electric will notify the applicant if a grant is approved. Upon inspection and approval of the installation, payment will be made to the contractor using the approved cash grant. More information about the programs can be found

Lane Electric Cooperative provides rebates for duct sealing measures, heat pumps, and newly constructed Energy Star Homes. Lane Electric Cooperative must receive the necessary application forms in order to be eligible for rebate. Rebates for heat pumps and Energy Star Homes are $500. Eligible heat pumps include new air source heat pumps, replacement air source heat pumps, and geothermal units. Rebates for heat pumps must be applied for within 30 days of system installation. Expect pre- and post-authorization by Lane Electric's Energy Services Department.

Lane Electric provides 0% loans to residents for the installation of efficient heat pumps and weatherization measures through the Home Energy Loan Program. Participating single or multi-family residences with permanently installed electric heat are eligible to apply for 0% interest loans up to $9,000 through either Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union or First Tech Credit Union. The banks charge an interest rate on loans, but Lane Electric buys the interest rate down to 0%. In order to qualify for the loan, members must first request an energy analysis for the dwelling from Lane Electric. From the energy analysis, the auditor

Oregon's 1999 electric-utility restructuring legislation (SB 1149) required Pacific Power and Portland General Electric (PGE) to collect a 3% public purpose charge from their customers to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Large electric consumers may be eligible to direct a portion of their public purpose charge for conservation projects and renewable energy resources on qualified sites.

To qualify, consumers must use over one average megawatt or 8,760,000 kilowatt hours a year. The site must either be metered through a single meter or be contiguous (buildings within 1,000 feet of each other). The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must

Note:  In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENow for more information about PACE financing

Cities, counties, or several contiguous counties in Oregon can set up Rural Renewable Energy Development Zones. The zone can only cover territory outside of the urban growth boundary of any large city or metropolitan area. Businesses must meet certain employment and/or investment requirements to be eligible.

Commercial renewable energy property in these zones are eligible for a 3 to 5 year local property tax exemption. Eligible property includes either wind, geothermal, solar, biomass, or other unconventional forms of electricity generation, or systems that produce, distribute or store biofuels. Each zone sets a local cap for the total value of property

Since Oregon's electricity restructuring, the state's electric utilities are required to offer at least one power option with significant renewable energy resources. Legislation ( S.B. 838) enacted in June 2007 reinforced that requirement. The law requires all electric utilities to offer customers an optional green power program, where a "significant portion" of the electricity sold by a utility as green power must be generated using qualifying renewables, including wind energy, solar-thermal energy, solar-electric energy, ocean energy, geothermal energy, hydropower and/or certain forms of biomass energy. Each utility must inform customers of the sources of the electricity included in its

McMinnville Water & Light offers financing to residential and commercial customers to make energy efficient improvements to eligible facilities and homes. Financing is available for pre-approved conservation measures only. Loans carry an interest rate of 6.5%, up to $5,000, with 5 years to repay. Visit the program website for more information and the program application.

McMinnville Water and Light (MWL) offers rebates on energy efficient homes, appliances and equipment to residential customers. Rebates are valid on: 

Visit the program website to learn more details.

Midstate Electric Cooperative (MEC) encourages energy efficiency in the commercial and industrial sectors by giving customers a choice of several different financial incentive programs. First,  rebates are available for a wide variety of lighting upgrades and improvements. The rebate amount varies on a per unit basis according to the type of lighting installed. To participate in this program, customers must schedule an energy audit of the existing lighting equipment with Midstate Electric before installing any new equipment. The Midstate Electric representative will make improvement recommendations during the course of the audit. Custom rebates are also available for energy efficiency projects

Midstate Electric Cooperative offers its residential customers a variety of cash rebates for energy efficient improvements and new energy efficient homes. Rebates are awarded for the installation of several energy efficient appliances such as heat pumps, clothes washers, and refrigerators. Rebates also are provided for weatherization measures including the installation of insulation and energy efficient windows. Additional incentives are offered for manufactured homes which are Energy Star certified. For individual program requirements/specifications and for application forms please see the web site listed above.

NOTE: This model ordinance was designed to provide guidance to local governments that wish to develop their own siting rules for renewable energy projects. While it was developed by the Oregon Department of Energy, the model itself has no legal or regulatory authority. The Oregon Department of Energy issued guidance to local governments to address wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and co-generation project planning needs at the city and county level in July 2005. The Model Ordinance describes energy projects and siting issues and includes model ordinance language and commentary. Energy projects below certain thresholds are not regulated by the Oregon Energy

Monmouth Power & Light offers a wide range of energy efficiency rebates that encourage residential customers to save energy in their homes. To qualify for these incentives electricity must be and must remain the primary heating source of a participating home.  Rebates are available for Energy Star appliances and lighting, heat pumps, and insulation.

Eligibility and Availability Oregon state law requires all utilities to offer net metering pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes 757.300.* Some requirements differ between the state's primary investor-owned utilities (PGE and PacifiCorp) and its municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, and people's utility districts.

Net-metered systems must be intended primarily to offset part or all of a customer’s requirements for electricity. Systems that generate electricity using solar power, wind power, hydropower, fuel cells, landfill or digester gas, biomass resources, geothermal energy, or marine energy are eligible. 

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted new rules for net metering for PGE and PacifiCorp customers in

Energy Trust's New Homes Program offers builders cash incentives for energy efficient measures included in new homes where the measures exceed the building code minimum requirements. Lighting upgrades, whole home performance upgrades, higher levels of insulation, high-efficiency equipment, better windows, air sealing and solar systems are eligible for incentives under this offering. The more energy-efficient a home is above code, the more incentives a builder can qualify for. See the program overview for a sample of some of the incentives available. Most incentives are based on a home's Energy Performance Score (EPS), a measurement tool that assesses a home's energy

The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program offers cash rebates for drivers in Oregon who purchase or lease electric vehicles. This program consists of three options, namely the standard rebate, charge ahead rebate, and the standard rebate + the charge ahead rebate. For more information, visit the program website.

Oregon has several laws that protect access to solar and wind resources and the use of solar energy systems. Oregon's solar access laws date back to 1979 and state that no person conveying or contracting to convey a property title can include provisions that prohibit the use of solar energy systems on the property. Any provisions that prohibit the use of solar energy systems are void and unenforceable. Solar energy systems are defined broadly to include anything that uses solar radiation for heating, cooling, or electrical energy.  In June 2011, this law was expanded upon with the passage of HB

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) assists residential members in reducing electric consumption by providing rebates for energy efficient equipment. OTEC offers an appliance program, a heat pump program, a manufactured home program (NEEM or ENERGY STAR), and a window program. Rebates may not be combined. The applicant must be a member of OTEC and/or provide proof that the project is being completed within OTEC's service territory. Forms and other resources can be found on the program website.

Note: Funding was not available in 2021. Applications for 2022 will be accepted starting in July 2022. 

Pacific Power's Blue Sky program is a voluntary program for customers to support renewable energy. A portion of the voluntary payments through the program is used to fund new community-based renewable energy projects within Pacific Power's service territory.

Eligible renewable energy resources include wind, solar PV, geothermal, low-impact hydropower, pipeline or irrigation canal hydropower, wave or tidal energy, and low-emissions biomass. Projects must be grid connected, less than 10 MW, locally owned, and non-residential. 

Funding awards are made annually. Projects are evaluated

Pacific Power offers net metering for customers with renewable power generation capabilities.

2022 application window: April 1 - June 1.

Portland General Electric Company (PGE) offers its customers a voluntary renewable power option. A portion of the customer payments for renewable power are used to seed the Renewable Development Fund, which provides financial support for local renewable power projects.

The Renewable Development Fund supports new renewable energy projects less than 10 MW in capacity that are directly interconnected to PGE's grid or delivered to PGE through a Power Purchase Agreement. The Fund also supports certain research and development projects and educational components associated with renewable energy projects previously funded by the PGE

Purpose: In 2002 Portland created guidelines to encourage variation in the width of lots to maximize solar access for single-dwelling detached development and minimize shade on adjacent properties.

Inclusion: The following applies to lots for single dwelling detached developments created as part of a land division in all zones. Where it is not practicable to meet both the approval criteria of chapter 33 and the standards and approval criteria of other chapters in the 600’s, the regulations of the other chapters supersede the approval criteria of this chapter.

All the following must be met:

PGE customers who own or lease an EV are eligible for up to a $500 rebate when they purchase a PGE-approved connected Level 2 EV home charger.

Portland General Electric's (PGE) Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program offers offers a variety of rebates to residential customers for energy efficient improvements. See the program web site or contact the utility for additional information on program incentives and guidelines.

Oregon requires trade licenses for individuals installing solar energy equipment, and contractor licenses for the companies that do construction. Companies with an electrical contractor license may engage in the business of making electrical installations. Similarly a plumbing contractor license allows a company to engage in the business of making plumbing installations. Companies must also meet licensing and bonding requirements of the Construction Contractors Board. Individuals doing installations must hold a trade license. Solar electric installers must either hold an Electrical Journeyman's License or a Limited Renewable Energy License (LRT). General Journeymen can do all aspects of solar electric work, whereas

The window for submitting grant applications under the most recent opportunity announcement closed December 15, 2015. Announcements, application materials and more information are available on the program's website.

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) offers competitive grants to renewable energy projects as part of ODOE's Energy Incentives Program.  ODOE created this competitive grant program in 2011, and it took effect on January 1, 2012.  This program replaces the formerly-available Business Energy Tax Credit.  Grants are funded by the proceeds of a tax credit auction, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Revenue.  The budget is set at $3 million per

Oregon law states that any change in real market value to property due to the installation of a qualifying renewable energy system is exempt from assessment of the property’s value for property tax purposes. Qualifying renewables include solar, geothermal, wind, water, fuel cell or methane gas systems used to heat, cool or generate electricity. This exemption is intended for end users and only applies to systems that are net metered or primarily intended to offset on-site electricity use.  Systems installed on real property that is otherwise exempt from property taxation will continue to be exempt.

As part of the Oregon Renewable Energy Act of 2007 (SB 838), the state of Oregon established a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for electric utilities and retail electricity suppliers. This RPS was updated by SB 1547* in 2016 to raise the target to 50% renewable energy by 2040. Different RPS targets apply depending on a utility's size. Electricity service suppliers must meet the requirements applicable to the electric utilities that serve the territories in which the electricity service supplier sells electricity to retail consumers.

Requirements Large investor-owned utilities -- those with 3% or more of the state's

Energy Trust of Oregon offers rebates for Energy Star clothes washers to Oregon residential electric service customers of Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power and to Oregon residential natural gas service customers of NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.

Clothes washers installed in homes with an electric water heater must be within the PGE or Pacific Power service territory. Clothes washers installed in homes with a gas water heater must subscribe to NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas or Avista service to qualify. A rebate of $75 is available for clothes washers. Clothes washers must be Energy Star

Note: ODOE recently filed final rules to implement SB 1507 (2016), which places a limit of $1,500 for all tax credits that can be claimed in a year. SB 1507 is effective in June 2016. It is also considering input on calculating first-year energy savings for solar thermal systems. More information can be found here.

Homeowners and renters who pay Oregon income taxes are eligible for the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) if they purchase qualified heating, efficiency, and renewable energy systems. Third-party owned systems are eligible for the tax credit, though specific requirements detailed in the administrative

Salem Electric offers a rebate to residential customers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The rebate offered is $300/kW, up to a cap of 50% of project costs or $1,500. In order to take advantage of this rebate, systems must be 25 kW or smaller. System owners must apply for the rebate and be approved prior to beginning work on the system. Systems must be net-metered and meet the equipment requirements established by the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE). System owners must use an installer certified by the ODOE. Salem Electric will conduct a final inspection and issue the rebate

Salem Electric provides incentives for members to increase the energy efficiency of eligible homes and facilities. Available rebates include:

A list of appliance dealers and rebate forms can be found on the program web site. Recycling of used appliances qualifies for a $40 rebate. Residential members may receive rebates for insulation and heat pumps. Heat pumps must be installed by a participating contractor. For more information, visit the program website.

Salem Electric residential customers with electric water heating are eligible for a $600 rebate through Salem's Bright Way program. A program brochure with details is available on the program website. In order to receive the rebate, all guidelines and terms must be followed. Systems must be installed by a tax credit-certified solar technician. Instead of the rebate, customers can also apply for a low-interest loan. Customers cannot apply for both the rebate and the low-interest loan.

Oregon's retail electricity restructuring law, SB 1149, includes a requirement for the state's two largest utilities, Pacific Power and Portland General Electric, to collect a 3% public purpose charge from all customers. Ten percent of the collected public purpose funds are designated for energy efficiency programs in public K-12 schools within the utilities' service areas. School improvements can include new windows, upgraded heating and cooling systems, building envelope improvements, energy efficient lighting, domestic hot water systems, and more. 

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) administers the public purpose funds for schools, along with Education Service Districts and local school districts

The Energy Trust of Oregon’s Small Wind Incentive program provides resources and cash incentives for customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power that are installing turbines up to 50 kilowatts (kW).  Larger systems are allowed to participate, but must contact Energy Trust for approval. Incentive levels are based on a project’s cost in comparison to the market value of the energy produced, called above-market cost.

If a project owner installs more than one system on a single property at the same time, the systems will be considered as one turbine, and their estimated annual energy output will be added

Note: This program is currently insolvent and has been on hiatus since 2015. The insolvency is a result of the default of high-risk loans that occurred between 2007 and 2012 and the lack of new loan origination since 2015. The program will require General Fund support to meet bond debt service payments in 2022 and 2023. The 2021 Legislature in SB 5506 (2021) appropriated $3.5 million General Fund to ODOE to pay SELP bond debt service through the 2021-23 biennium.

The Oregon Small-Scale Energy Loan Program (SELP) was created in 1979 after voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the sale

H.B. 2618 of 2019 established the Solar + Storage rebate program and allocated $2 million to the Oregon Department of Energy to administer it. Incentives are available for residential solar + storage systems, with higher rebate amounts available for qualified low-income residents, and those ineligible for an incentive from their utility. Rebates are paid directly to the program-approved contractor who installs the equipment, not the customer. 

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, commercial and community buildings, farms, and municipal 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:

With the passage of HB 3516 in June 2011, solar permit application approval is a "ministerial function", provided a system meets certain guidelines. To qualify for this simplified permitting process, a solar system must not expand the footprint or peak height of the residential or commercial structure that the system is installed upon. The system must also be aligned so that it is parallel to the slope of the roof.

This legislation also addressed permitting fees for solar systems.  Counties may not charge permit fees for solar permit applications specifically, but they can charge building permit fees for the project

Energy Trust of Oregon provides increased incentives to income-qualified homeowners in Oregon when they install solar with a qualifying contractor and are a customer of Portland General Electric or Pacific Power. To participate, customers must own and live in a single-family home, manufactured home, floating home, condo or multifamily residence that is either an attached side-by-side unit or a duplex, triplex or fourplex. 

The Springfield Utility Board offers qualifying customers a 0% loan for the purchase of qualifying energy-efficient heat pumps, insulation upgrades, duct sealing, and energy efficient windows. For the Heat Pump Loan Program, qualifying systems must have a programmable thermostat, and existing duct systems (if any) need to be tested for efficiency. Air Source and Gas Backup Heat Pumps (with an 9.0 HSPF and 14.0 SEER ratings for split units) qualify for this rebate. Customers who are purchasing a qualifying heat pump, and who chose not to participate in the loan program, are eligible for a $500 rebate. The Weatherization

Springfield Utility Board (SUB) offers a rebate program targeting heat pumps, weatherization measures and various household appliances. Appliances must meet all efficiency and program requirements in order to receive incentives. View the program web site for forms and instructions for these pieces of equipment. Customers interested in participating in the heat pump or weatherization program should obtain bids from contractors listed on the program web site. They must then submit the bids along with the application form to the utility before purchase or installation can begin. Applications for all measures and equipment can be found on the program web site listed above.

Oregon homeowners and renters who heat with oil, wood, propane, kerosene, or butane are eligible for home weatherization rebates for up to $500 per dwelling. A variety of measures, including insulation, HVAC, and gas technologies qualify for the rebates, which go directly to the homeowner, tenant, or contractor who installed the measure on the owner's behalf. Residents complete an energy audit independently, or with the assistance of a certified contractor, to decide which measures are appropriate. After installing the new products, the “Energy Rebate” form must be filled out and mailed, along with the “Energy Audit Checklist” and copies of

Tillamook PUD offers residential customers a variety of rebates and loans to make energy efficiency improvements to participating homes. Loans are available at 0% interest for one year for the purchase and installation of Energy Star appliances and Marathon Water Heater. In order to receive this loan, customers must submit a loan application and supporting materials, receive bids for recommended work from approved contractors, and receive authorization from the PUD to proceed. To qualify for a rebate or loan under this program, an audit must be done prior to any work being completed. Tillamook PUD and certain participating stores (All

The Tillamook County Public Utility District (PUD) offers residential customers standard rebates on efficient appliances, weatherization measures, and HVAC measures. Eligible equipment includes Energy Star certified clothes washers, and clothes dryers as well as water heaters, heat pumps, performance duct testing and sealing, and energy efficient replacement windows. To qualify for a rebate for a heat pump, an audit must be done prior to any work being completed. More information and rebate forms are located on the program web site. In addition to the various rebate programs, Tillamook County PUD offers low or zero interest financing for Energy Star appliances

HB 4037 of 2016 created the Solar Incentive Program for utility-scale solar development. The bill directs Oregon's Business Development Department (the Department) to establish and administer a program to provide a production incentive to solar developers, and establishes the Solar Incentivization Fund to provide the incentives.

Solar photovoltaic systems located in Oregon with a capacity between 2 and 10 MW are eligible for a $0.005 per kilowatt hour (kWh) incentive. The systems must become operational after January 1, 2016 but within a year of enrollment in the program. The incentives are paid monthly and will continue for a period of

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