(Photo | Courtesy of the Oregon Department of Energy)
The Oregon Department of Energy has announced a new solar and energy storage rebate program serving Oregonians across the state.
The Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program was established by the Oregon Legislature in summer 2019 (HB 2618). The program offers rebates to residential customers and low-income service providers that install solar or solar and paired energy storage systems (batteries). Rebates are issued to ODOE-approved contractors, who pass the full amount of the rebate on as savings to their customers.
Homeowners are eligible for rebates up to $5,000 for solar and an additional $2,500 for paired energy storage installed together. Low-income service providers — such as nonprofits, municipalities or other organizations serving low-income Oregonians — are eligible for rebates up to $30,000 for solar plus $15,000 for paired storage.
The program has a special focus on expanding access to renewable energy to Oregonians who may not otherwise be able to afford the investment in solar. At least 25 percent of rebate funds each year will be reserved for low- or moderate-income residential customers and low-income service providers. Eligible low- and moderate-income Oregonians can receive rebates that cover up to 60 percent of the net cost of the system. For higher-income Oregonians, the rebate is capped at 40 percent. For low-income service providers, the rebate is capped at 50 percent of the net cost.
“We’re excited to offer a program that expands access to clean, renewable energy,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “We hope that the immediate savings in the form of a rebate, plus the long-term savings of making your own electricity, make solar and storage options more accessible for more Oregon families.”
ODOE began signing up interested contractors on January 1 and will begin accepting rebate reservations on January 22. Contractors can still sign up for the program through ODOE’s website, where Oregonians can also learn more about program eligibility and rebate caps and can find a list of approved contractors.
