| Residential Energy Tax Credits for Solar |
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General Information
You can get a credit on your Oregon income taxes for adding solar energy system(s) into your home, thereby helping reduce imported fossil fuels and preserve Oregon’s environment.
Applications for the Residential Energy Tax Credit are filed after the project is completed. Each solar technology must be installed according to minimum requirements. The Oregon Department of Energy maintains a list of solar companies with one or more employee that understands these requirements.
Residential – Solar Electric (PV) Tax Credits
Solar electric systems, also called “PV” systems generate electricity directly from the sun using photovoltaic modules. More information is available on solar electric (PV) page.
- System must be verified by a tax-credit certified technician
- Systems must be comprised of new UL listed equipment
- Tax credit is based on $3 per watt up to $6,000
- $1,500 maximum credit can be claimed per year
- Minimum system is 200 watts
Solar Domestic Water Heating Residential Tax Credits
Solar domestic water heating systems use roof-mounted solar collectors to pre-heat incoming cold water so that on a sunny day, little or no backup water heating is needed. More information is available on the solar water heating page.
- System must be verified by a tax-credit certified technician.
- Tax credit is based on estimated energy savings for a typical four-person household.
- Tax credit amount is $0.60 per kWh saved up to $1,500.
- Credit is limited to 50 percent of the total system cost.
- Equipment must be new and either OG-300 certified or be listed as a “Research and Development” system by the Oregon Department of Energy.
Residential – Solar Pool Heating Tax Credits
Solar Pool heating systems are very effective in increasing swimming pool temperatures under warm sunny conditions. Most collector systems use unglazed type collectors which are not effective under cloudy, rainy or cool conditions. Solar pool heating systems can eliminate the need for backup heat during most of the typical outdoor swimming season. Annual savings vary greatly depending on the size of the pool and how many months it is used each year. Use of a pool blanket is highly recommended with or without a solar pool heating system.
- Equipment must be new and collector must come with a 10-year warranty.
- Collector area must be at least 40 percent of the pool surface area if there is a pool blanket.
- Collector area must be at least 60 percent of the pool surface area without pool blanket.
- Tax credit amount is $0.15 per kWh saved up to $1,500.
- Credit is limited to 50 percent of the total system cost.
Residential – Passive Solar Space Heating Tax Credits
Passive solar space heating relies on the use of windows, and a home’s design and construction materials to collect and store heating energy while at the same time increasing daylighting and reducing air conditioning needs. More information is available on the solar space heating Web page.
- System must provide at least a 20 percent reduction in annual space heating needs
- New or retrofit homes are eligible
- Tax credit amount is $0.60 per kWh saved up to $1,500
- Energy savings are determined by the Oregon Department of Energy
- Systems must meet minimum passive solar design criteria
Residential – Active Solar Space Heating Tax Credits
Active solar space heating systems use solar collectors to heat water that is used to heat the home. These systems are more complicated than any of the other solar energy systems and should be designed and built by trained or experienced professionals.
- System must be verified by a tax-credit certified technician.
- System must provide at least a 15 percent reduction in annual space heating needs.
- Tax credit amount is $0.60 per kWh saved up to $1,500
- Energy savings are estimated by the solar professional and reviewed the Oregon Department of Energy
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Favorite Files
Tax Credit-Certified Solar Technicians
Hiring Tips
Basic Solar Information
Solar Tax Credits FAQ
Sun Chart for PV and ST
ODOE Solar Web Pages
Solar Home Page
Business Solar Incentives
Solar Tour/Events
Solar Professionals
Solar Publications
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