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Oregon Solar Guide 2026

Everything Oregon homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.

Key fact about Oregon solar

Oregon's west side has lower sun hours than most states, but full retail net metering and the Solar + Storage Rebate program make it viable. East of the Cascades has Phoenix-like sun hours.

Peak sun hours

4.2

hrs/day avg

Avg electricity rate

12.0¢

per kWh

Median install cost

$2.85/W

before incentives

Typical payback

12 yrs

8 kW system, avg usage

Typical 8 kW system in Oregon

Annual production

12,264 kWh

Year-1 savings

$1,472

System cost (est.)

$22,800

No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.

Oregon Net Metering Policy

Full retail net metering

Oregon requires full retail net metering under ORS 757.300. PGE and Pacific Power must credit excess at retail. Annual settlement — unused credits paid at avoided cost at year-end.

Oregon Solar Incentives

Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.

  • Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate ($0.30–$0.60/W, up to $2,400 for residential)
  • Low-income additional rebates
  • Property tax exemption
See full Oregon incentive database →

Top Utilities in Oregon

Portland General Electric (PGE)Pacific Power (PacifiCorp)Idaho Power (eastern OR)

Interconnection timeline: 4–8 weeks

Calculate your Oregon solar economics

Our calculators are pre-filled with Oregon data. Run any tool below.