2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Keizer, OR - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Keizer.

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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Keizer solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Keizer?

Solar Electric Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Varies (see below)

Solar + Storage Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Varies, see below

Renewable Energy Systems Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive

Columbia River PUD - Solar PV Net Metering Rebate

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Solar PV: $1,000

Portland General Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heat Pump Instant Discount: $200
Efficient Heat Pumps: $700
Heat Pump Controls: $250
Ductless Heat Pump: $800
Smart Thermostat: $50-$100
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $500 (special pricing available at certain retailers as well)

State Energy Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

New Homes Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Varies based on performance above code and the particular energy efficient measures installed; can range from $600 to $4,680
Solar ready incentive: up to $200

Custom Renewable Energy Projects

Incentive Type:
Grant Program

Salem Electric - Photovoltaic Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$300/kW

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. These financial incentives are in place to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. Solar incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of Oregon and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Keizer utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. A federal incentive that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed on a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Contacting your local Keizer solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to your situation.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit of 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022, and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to get in touch with your local Keizer solar panel company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. As with federal incentives, these can include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. Incentives may be provided by the Oregon government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Keizer

Solar incentives may be offered by your local utility company, the federal government or the Oregon government. The growing number of available solar incentives has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Your local Keizer solar panel installation expert can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Keizer, OR Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

Generally, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates 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 Keizer solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to Keizer's best solar panel companies.

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 40 pounds of CO2 a year by installing solar panels. This adds up to approximately 800 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act introduces a number of incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.

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.

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