Easy Steps to Solar

  • Consider your budget, roof life and sun exposure
  • Get bids from several solar contractors (Must be listed with Energy Trust if applying for cash incentives or with Oregon Department of Energy if applying for tax credits).
  • Select a contractor
  • Sign a contract with your installer and complete an Energy Trust application, if you are eligible.*
    • Your contractor will submit the application to Energy Trust to secure your incentive. Systems must be pre-approved before installation.
    • Energy Trust pays your incentive to the contractor and the contractor deducts it from the installation cost up front.
  • 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.
    • Claim your federal and Oregon tax credits when you file your income tax returns.

* 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 or the Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency to see if your utility provides incentives for solar installations.