2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Tualatin, OR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Tualatin.
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 Tualatin?
Solar Electric Incentive Program
Solar + Storage Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Systems Exemption
Columbia River PUD - Solar PV Net Metering Rebate
Portland General Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
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
New Homes Incentive Program
Solar ready incentive: up to $200
Custom Renewable Energy Projects
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. The incentives may include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of Oregon and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Be sure to talk with your Tualatin utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month 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 Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value that your solar panels add when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
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 you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC originally covered 30% of the total cost of solar system installation, although it has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of labor, equipment and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
To know exactly how much the ITC could save you, contact your local Tualatin solar panel installer.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. At this point, the percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to speak with your local Tualatin solar panel installers directly.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. These incentives might be distributed by the Oregon government, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Tualatin
The large number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Oregon government. Speak with your local solar panel installer today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Tualatin home.
EcoWatch's Tualatin, OR Solar Incentives FAQs
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in Tualatin?
After adding solar panels to your home in Tualatin, you can anticipate savings of around $1,061.82 per year, or around $21,236.44 over the next 20 years.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you can help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 40 pounds annually, or roughly 800 pounds in 20 years.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now named the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money possible.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of wind and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss your plan with your local Tualatin solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what incentives 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.