Easy Steps to Solar

  • Get educated! Attend a free solar workshop.
  • Consider your budget, roof life and sun exposure.
  • Get bids from several solar contractors.
  • Select a contractor
  • Sign a contract with your contractor.
    • Your contractor will submit the application to Energy Trust to secure your incentive.* Systems must be pre-approved before installation.
    • The Energy Trust incentive is applied like a coupon: the contractor deducts it from the installation cost up front, and Energy Trust reimburses them when the system is installed.
  • If installing solar electric, sign a net-metering agreement with your electric utility. Your contractor will provide the form.
  • Your contractor installs your system.
    • From the time you select your contractor to installation completion usually ranges from two weeks to two months.
  • Complete and submit the application for your Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit. Your contractor will provide the form and assist you.
    • Oregon Department of Energy will provide you with a tax credit certificate for your files.
    • Complete IRS Residential Energy Credit Form 5695 to submit with your federal tax return.

* Energy Trust serves Oregon customers of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas. If you live outside Energy Trust’s service territories, please visit Solar Oregon to see if your utility provides incentives for solar installations.