Oregon continues to lead clean energy adoption by offering various financial incentives for commercial buildings, nonprofits, public entities, and tribes looking to install solar and battery storage systems. These incentives help reduce upfront costs and make solar energy a more accessible and cost-effective solution for larger-scale energy users.

Energy Trust Support: Reducing the Cost of Solar Projects

Eligible organizations can take advantage of generous planning and installation incentives through the Energy Trust of Oregon. These programs are available to customers served by Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power. Incentive amounts vary based on the utility provider, the system size, and the type of project.

The planning phase includes Solar Development Assistance and Battery Storage Development Assistance, which can provide early-stage financial support to assess a project’s potential. For qualifying projects, including new construction, solar-plus-storage systems, nonprofits, tribes, and public institutions, Solar Development Assistance offers up to $2,500, while Battery Storage Development Assistance can provide up to $5,000.

Installation Incentives: Portland General Electric and Pacific Power Customers

For organizations served by Portland General Electric, the following rebates are currently available:

Solar electric installation incentive: $0.11 per watt, up to $11,000

Battery storage incentive: $450 per kWh, up to $13,500

To qualify, solar projects must be a minimum of 2 kW-DC, while battery storage systems must have at least 3 kWh in capacity. Batteries must also be paired with a qualifying solar system.

Pacific Power customers can access identical rebate structures:

Solar electric installation incentive: $0.11 per watt, up to $11,000

Battery storage incentive: $450 per kWh, up to $13,500

These incentives support long-term sustainability goals while delivering substantial energy savings for eligible facilities.

Additional Solar Planning Opportunities

Beyond direct installation incentives, Energy Trust also offers additional planning-related rebates that help organizations integrate solar early in the design process or prepare for future installation:

Solar Early Design Add-On: $500 for involving a solar trade ally contractor in early-stage project design

Solar-Ready Design Incentive: Up to $15,000 for designing buildings to meet solar-ready standards when installation isn’t immediately feasible

Solar Installation: Up to $13,000 for eligible installations, with enhanced incentives for nonprofits, tribes, and affordable multifamily housing

Battery Storage Installation: Up to $14,250 for integrated battery storage systems that offer backup capabilities during outages

How to Get Started

All incentives are subject to availability and may change based on funding levels. To ensure compliance and maximize eligibility, working directly with a solar trade ally contractor is recommended. These professionals can help determine the best configuration for your facility, handle paperwork, and guide your organization through the application and installation process.

Oregon’s solar rebate landscape offers a valuable opportunity for organizations to reduce energy costs, increase resiliency, and invest in a more sustainable future. Whether you’re exploring solar rebates through Portland General Electric, solar incentives from Pacific Power, or starting with solar development assistance, the financial and environmental returns are well worth the effort.

Click here to read more about rebates through Energy Trust of Oregon.