Oregon Homeowners Can Still Get 30% Off Solar

You’ve probably heard the news: the 30% federal solar tax credit for homeowners ended on December 31, 2025.

But here’s what most people don’t know. Oregon homeowners can still access that same 30% savings in 2026 and beyond.

It’s not a loophole. It’s not too good to be true. It’s simply a different path to the same destination. And for many homeowners, it’s actually the better path.

Let us explain.

What Most People Got Wrong About the Tax Credit

Yes, the residential solar tax credit (the one where you claim 30% on your taxes) expired at the end of 2025. That part is true.

But here’s what the headlines missed: the commercial solar tax credit is still alive and well through 2027, and Oregon homeowners can tap into it.

The difference comes down to one thing: who owns the solar panels on your roof.

Think of it like buying a car versus leasing one. When you lease, the dealership gets certain tax advantages, but they pass those savings to you through lower monthly payments. You still drive the car. You still save money. You just don’t deal with the tax paperwork.

Solar works the same way now.

How Oregon Homeowners Can Still Get 30% Savings

Here’s the simple version:

A solar company installs panels on your roof. They own the system. They claim the 30% federal tax credit. And you get those savings passed directly to you through lower energy rates.

What does this actually look like for you?

Zero or low upfront cost: No writing a big check to go solar
Immediate savings on your electric bill: Often 35% - 50% lower than what you’re paying now
No tax paperwork: You don’t file anything; the savings just show up
No waiting for a refund: The benefit hits your wallet right away
Someone else handles maintenance: If something needs fixing, it’s not your problem

Here’s the part that surprises most people: for many Oregon homeowners, this approach actually makes more sense than the old tax credit ever did.

Why? Because the old 30% credit required you to:

Pay for the whole system upfront (often $15,000-$30,000)
Have enough tax liability to actually use the credit
Wait until you filed your taxes to see any benefit
Handle maintenance and repairs yourself

A lot of homeowners couldn’t take full advantage of that credit anyway, especially retirees, people with lower tax bills, or anyone who didn’t have $20,000+ sitting around.

Now? The barrier is gone. The savings come to you automatically, from day one.

See what you’d save on your home →

The Oregon Advantage: Stack Even More Savings

Here’s where it gets even better for Oregon homeowners.

On top of the 30% federal savings, Oregon has its own incentives through the Energy Trust of Oregon:

Up to $2,500 cash incentive for solar installation
Up to $5,000 for battery storage (protect your home during outages)
Available for PGE and Pacific Power customers

These incentives come right off your installation cost, so you see the savings immediately.

But here’s the catch: you can only access Energy Trust incentives if you work with a certified Trade Ally contractor.

Not every solar company qualifies. You need a contractor who’s been vetted by Energy Trust, follows their installation standards, and knows how to navigate the paperwork.

When you work with a Trade Ally like Prolectric, we handle all of that for you. The incentive gets applied automatically and you just see the lower price.

Between the federal savings and Oregon’s incentives, many homeowners are seeing thousands of dollars in combined benefits. And unlike the old tax credit, you don’t need to wait until April to see it.

Find out what incentives you qualify for →

Is This Right For You?

This approach works especially well if you:

Want solar without a big upfront investment: Start saving without draining your savings
Don’t have a huge tax bill: No tax liability required to benefit
Like predictable costs: Lock in your energy rate instead of watching it climb every year
Don’t want to think about maintenance: Someone else handles repairs and monitoring
Plan to stay in your home for several years: Maximize your long-term savings

Now, let’s be honest: if you have the cash to buy a system outright, significant tax liability, and want to maximize every dollar of savings over 25 years, ownership might still make sense for you. There are trade-offs either way.

But for most Oregon homeowners? The math has shifted. The easier path is now often the smarter path too.

The key is running the numbers for your specific situation: your roof, your energy usage, your goals.

Why Your Solar Partner Matters More Than Ever

With the residential tax credit gone, choosing the right solar contractor is more important than it’s ever been.

Here’s why:

Not every company can offer this structure. Some installers only do cash sales. Others aren’t set up to pass the commercial credit savings to homeowners. You need a partner who knows how to make this work.

Only Trade Ally contractors can access Energy Trust incentives. If your installer isn’t certified, you’re leaving money on the table, potentially thousands of dollars.

Your roof and electrical panel matter. Going solar isn’t just about panels. An older roof might need attention first. Your electrical panel might need an upgrade to handle the system. Working with a company that does all of this (roofing, electrical, and solar) means one team assessing your whole situation, not three contractors pointing fingers at each other.

At Prolectric, we’re an Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally. We handle the paperwork. We assess your roof. We check your electrical panel. And we make sure you’re getting every dollar of savings available to you.

No high-pressure sales tactics. No confusing fine print. Just honest advice about whether solar makes sense for your home, and if it does, the easiest path to get there.

Ready to See Your Numbers?

The 30% federal savings window is open through 2027. Energy Trust incentives are available now, though funding levels can change over time.

There’s no rush to make a decision today. But there’s real value in knowing what your options are.

Our free solar calculator shows you:

What size system fits your home
How much you could save each month
What incentives you qualify for
Whether this approach makes sense for your situation

No commitment. No sales call unless you want one. Just real numbers for your home.

Get your free solar estimate →

Questions about solar for your Oregon home? Contact us or call (971) 487-8309. We’re happy to help you understand your options, even if you’re not ready to move forward yet.