Oregon State Solar Energy Buy-Down Program

Oregon’s Energy Trust has a Oregon’s Energy Trust that is available for Pacific Power and PGE customers. The program was launched in May of 2003 and those with new photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in existing or new homes, community buildings, municipal facilities and commercial buildings.

Residential households are entitled to $2.00 per watt installed for Pacific Power customers. PGE customers enjoy a slightly higher rate of $2.25 per watt installed. The maximum incentive per residential site is $20,000.

The watt incentive rate is at its peak at 30 kW and declines linearly for systems that generate between 30 and 200 kW. The amount of the incentive can be determined with the use of the incentive estimator found in the Energy Trust web site.

To qualify for the Solar Energy Buy-Down Program, the system must comply with federal, state, and local building codes. It must be connected to the grid, net-metered, pre-approved, and installed by a certified Energy Trust solar trade ally contractor. Self-installed or DIY systems are not qualified. It will be up to the solar contractor to advise the customer with regards to the type of installation that best suits the location of the home. The contractor will provide a system quote that will include the PV system’s annual performance, date of installation, and the total cost of the system after the Energy Trust incentive is taken out. Once the Energy Trust approves the system, the incentive will be paid to the contractor and will be deducted from the total cost of the installation.

The system must be brand new and consist of UL listed parts. It must have a minimum of two-year warranty on its labor and parts. The inverters should have a five-year warranty, and solar panels should carry at least a 20-year warranty.

According to official records, in 2009 the Buy-Down Program has a total budget of $1.6 million for those under the jurisdiction of Pacific Power, while $6.1 million is allotted for those under PGE. Hopefully the program will get a bigger budget next year.

This is just one way the State of Oregon helps those who are willing to invest in solar energy. There are other incentive programs people can avail of, such as the residential tax credit offered by the Oregon Department of Energy.

People are entitled to $3.00 per watt installed, for up to a total of $6,000. A maximum of $1,500 can be claimed each year.

Disclaimer:  This article does not constitute a source of a official legal or financial advice. While we attempt to represent all data as accurately as possible, we advice you to refer to official government websites, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.