(Moonfire and Sun Garden Center | Photo courtesy of Energy Trust of Oregon)
For nursery and greenhouse operators in Central Oregon, keeping energy use under control can make a big difference in day-to-day costs. This year, Energy Trust of Oregon has updated cash incentives to make it easier to upgrade your facilities and manage rising expenses.
Whether you are planning a new greenhouse or retrofitting an existing structure, these updates can help you make the most of 2026.
This year’s changes focus on higher-performing materials and specialized heating strategies. Here’s a quick look at what local growers need to know:
- New rebate for double-wall polycarbonate: A new rebate for double-wall polycarbonate in new greenhouse construction makes it easier for growers to invest in higher-performing glazing from the start.
- Higher incentives for infrared greenhouse film:The infrared poly rebate has nearly doubled, from 8 cents to 15 cents per square foot, making heat-retaining films more affordable.
- New drip irrigation incentive:A new cash incentive for drip irrigation gives growers another way to manage water use and pumping costs.
- New support for electric-heated greenhouses:Electric-only heated greenhouses now have a rebate path for upgrades like thermal curtains, with incentives of 50 cents per square foot for new builds and $1.15 per square foot for retrofits. Electric-only heated greenhouses now have a rebate path for upgrades like thermal curtains, with incentives of 50 cents per square foot for new builds and $1.15 per square foot for retrofits.
In 2021, Moonfire and Sun Garden Center in Bend replaced an aging greenhouse with a larger, more energy-efficient model made of twin-wall polycarbonate which provides an extra layer of insulation. “Five years ago, we were pouring money into heating a space that couldn’t hold onto it,” said Brandon Reese, co-owner of Moonfire and Sun Garden Center. “Upgrading our greenhouse felt like a big step at the time, but it’s lowered our energy bills every month and lets us reinvest that money back into our business and community.”
In 2026, some insulation measures also offer different incentive levels depending on whether the project is part of new construction or a retrofit. Growers planning greenhouse projects may want to connect with a qualified professional early in the design process to understand which incentives apply.
Planning a project? Energy Trust recommends checking in with a professional before you break ground or begin a teardown. Visit energytrust.org/greenhouse or reach out to production@energytrust.org or 866-202-0576 to get started.
About Energy Trust of Oregon:
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit created to help people, organizations, and communities save energy and connect to renewable power like solar. Funded by customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista, Energy Trust services lower energy costs and help communities and utilities achieve their clean energy goals and build a strong future for Oregon.
