Home Builder Solar Incentives
Financial incentives for home builders installing solar energy systems in new homes
The following organizations offer financial incentives to homebuilders that install renewable energy systems.
- Federal - Home Builder Installed Solar and Efficiency Measures
Solar Energy Systems - At this time home builders cannot tap into the Federal Residential Investment Tax Credit. (Home owners can utilize this credit, however.)
Energy efficiency - Home builders are also eligible for a suite of Energy STAR energy efficiency incentives. Energy efficiency is an integral part of solar energy projects. For existing homes, there is a 10% credit for qualified efficiency improvements. More info here.
Administered under the Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC)
Incentives for solar electric, $3/Watt
Solar domestic hot water, $0.60/kWh saved
Active solar space heating, $0.60/kWh saved
Passive solar space heating, $600 plus %0.60/foot of heated floor space
See also, Oregon High Performance Home program.
- Utility based incentives
Energy Trust of Oregon and some public utilities offer cash incentives to builders that install solar energy systems on new homes. Additionally, the buyer of the new home will be eligible for substantial tax credits, described in Residential Incentives.
Solar electric (PV) systems
These utility funded programs generally require that an approved contractor install the PV system, and that the system pass a special inspection before the incentive will be paid to the builder. Home buyers may be eligible for up to $8,000 in state and federal tax credits.
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Pacific Power, offered by Energy Trust of Oregon
$1.50/wattDC, up to $20,000
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Portland General Electric (PGE), offered by Energy Trust of Oregon
$1.75/wattDC, up to $20,000 -
City of Ashland
$2.25/wattDC, up to $10,000
Solar water heating systems
Homebuyers may be eligible for up to $3,500 in state and federal tax credits.
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Energy Trust of Oregon, serving Oregon customers or Pacific Power, Portland General Electric (PGE), Cascade Natural Gas and NW Natural
Up to $1500 for Domestic hot water, up to $1000 for pool heating systems
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City of Ashland
Up to $1,000
Energy efficiency measures
Nearly all utilities offer incentives or promotions on certain energy improvements. Check dsireusa.org or contact your local utility for program info.