Oregon’s generous financial incentives significantly offset the cost of investing in solar energy. Once installed your solar energy system is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.
Consult your tax professional to learn how federal and state tax credits apply to your specific project. The descriptions and information below are provided for information only, and do not constitute tax advice.
Energy Trust of Oregon Cash Incentive
Energy Trust offers a cash incentive that varies with rated capacity of both the photovoltaic array and the electric utility serving the site. This incentive comes in the form of a check sent directly to us and applied to the cost of the installation up front, reducing your out of pocket cost. Incentive rates are subject to change, for more information and current incentive rates visit the Energy Trust website.
Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit
A personal income tax credit equal to 30% of net system cost for solar energy systems. Net system cost for the federal income tax credit is defined as total system cost less the Energy Trust cash incentive. The federal personal tax credit has no maximum limit and excess credit may be carried forward to the next tax year. For more information refer to IRS Form 5695 or click here.
Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC)
The Residential Energy Tax Credit is administered by Oregon Department of Energy and equal to $1.70 per DC watt, capped at $6,000 or 50% of net system cost, whichever is less, per solar electric system per home. Net system cost is defined as the total installed cost less the Energy Trust incentive and the federal tax credit. A maximum of $1,500 of tax credit can be claimed per year. For more information visit the Oregon Department of Energy.
