Sep
24

Solar Power Incentives in Oregon

Installing solar panels

Solar power incentives in Oregon

Welcome to the first post in a series!  We are going to go through the states, one by one, both here and at solarpowerpanels.ws, to explain the solar power incentives available across the U.S.

If you did not already know, solar panels are significantly more affordable these days, thanks to a number of factors.  First, the price for PV panels has dropped, even while their efficiency has increased.  Second, the federal government offers tax rebates and other programs to help you make the investment in solar power.  Finally, each state in the nation also includes their own solar power incentives.  In the end, you can save up to 80% off of retail for a solar panel system for your home.

We’re starting with Oregon for a couple of reasons.  First, its my home state, and I am very familiar with the programs offered in “the Beaver State.”  Second, Oregon is a national leader with respect to solar energy.

Leaf on panel

Solar panels in Oregon can be quite affordable

So, we know you want to find out about the solar power incentives here in Oregon!  After all, anything that affects the cost of solar panels is worth discussing.

Oregon’s leadership with respect to energy is unprecedented and unequaled.  The state boasts an aggressive carbon reduction goal, a new Renewable Energy Standard, and has one of the most progressive commercial solar incentive programs in the country.
One of the most notable developments is that the Oregon legislature passed the Renewable Energy Act (SB 838) in 2007, which requires major utilities to generate at least 25% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025.  Of this percentage, solar can comprise a large portion.  Solar is more abundant than wind and even hydroelectric here, according to the University of Oregon Solar Energy Center.

Let’s review the most significant solar power incentives in Oregon:

  1. The Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) covers up to 50% of eligible solar system cost. The BETC (or “betsy” as it is referred to) is taken over a five year period; your company’s financial experts can work with REC Solar to determine how this is realized.
  2. The US government currently offers a 30% tax credit after the first year for either commercial or residential solar systems, making solar an even smarter financial investment.
  3. The Energy Trust offers cash incentives for eligible commercial systems. Two incentive categories – one for for-profit commercial facilities and one for non-profit businesses are offered.

But wait… there’s more.  We’d like to review a list of the solar power incentives in Oregon, with credit to the DSIRE (database of State incentives for Renewables and Efficiency):

Corporate Tax Credit

Green Building Incentive

Industry Recruitment/Support

Personal Tax Credit

Private Grant Program

Production Incentive

Property Tax Exemption

Property Tax Financing Authorization

State Grant Program

State Loan Program

State Rebate Program

Utility Grant Program

Utility Loan Program

Utility Rebate Program

As you can see, the solar tax incentives in Oregon are plentiful, as well as generous!  Be sure to check back for more reviews, state by state, of the rebates and more than can help you convert to solar power.

And be sure to share your own experiences in the comments below!

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4 Responses to “Solar Power Incentives in Oregon”

  1. firestar
    January 18th, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    You can choose to buy your own windmills and solar panels, but they are extremely expensive (costing more than $40,000 for larger units). All users who have tried the step-by-step guide in Earth4Energy know that they can build the whole system for less than $200. Along with the total cost of the guide, it is the best and most value-for-money solution for anyone looking to build their own home power energy system. http://www.green-wind-solar.easy-go.biz/

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