2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Bend, OR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Bend.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Bend?
Solar Electric Incentive Program
Solar + Storage Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Systems Exemption
Columbia River PUD - Solar PV Net Metering Rebate
State Energy Loan Program
New Homes Incentive Program
Solar ready incentive: up to $200
Custom Renewable Energy Projects
Lane Electric Cooperative - Residential Efficiency Rebate Program
Heat Pumps (includes geothermal): $500 or a 0% loan up to $9,000
HVAC Repairs: 25% of cost, up to $1,000
Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heaters: $200 - $400
Solar water heater: $500
Solar PV: $0.5/watt, up to $1,000
Lane Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Programs
Heat Pump (must have a minimum HSPF of 9.0 and a SEER rating of 14.0): loan up to $9,000 OR $500 rebate
HVAC duct sealing and whole house air sealing(Vinyl window replacements, ceiling, floor, and wall insulation, HVAC duct sealing and repair, door and window caulking, weather-stripping, and general air sealing): up to $1,000
Lane Electric Cooperative - Residential and Commercial Weatherization & Energy Efficiency Program
Heat Pump: $500
Qualifying Ductless Heat Pump: up to $3800
Heat-Pump Water Heater: $200 - $400
Weatherization Cash Grant: 25% of total measure cost up to $1,000
Low Income Weatherization Cash Grant: up to $1500
Solar Photovoltaics Rebate: $0.50/Watt, up to $1,000
Midstate Electric Cooperative - Residential Conservation Rebates
Clothes Dryer: $50
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500- $1,400
Geothermal Heat Pump: $3,000
Ductless Heat Pump: $800-$1,000
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Duct Sealing: $200
Windows: $3 per square foot
Energy Star Manufactured Home: $1,200
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to encourage homeowners to switch their home over to renewable energy by providing financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are provided by the state of Oregon or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system could qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
- Net Metering: Make sure you speak to your Bend utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates may be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC is applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.
To understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Bend solar panel installer.
The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Under the new program, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022, and finished by December 31, 2032, can qualify for a 30% tax credit. This percentage will then see a slight annual decrease until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Bend solar panel installer can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more can be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. They may be given by your county or municipality, or by the Oregon government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Bend
You can receive solar incentives from the federal government and the Oregon government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Your local Bend solar panel installer can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Bend, OR Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on property you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Oregon government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Bend solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.
What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Bend.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order in which incentives are applied could vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but typically yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Talk with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify you are claiming all possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Bend solar installation expert. They can help you as you plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you might or might not qualify for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.