Solar energy is the perfect match for the farms and vineyards of rural Oregon.
Farms often have ample land available and a great solar resource. Most vineyards are already situated on South facing slopes making the land well-suited for a solar array.
Solar Payment Program
If you are a business with a great roof for solar now you can turn that unused space into an income generating power plant. PGE and Pacific Power offer special Solar Payment Programs that pay you a premium rate for every kwh that you generate. The current allotment is open from October 3, 2011 to April 1, 2012.
For systems under 10kW: Receive $0.37 for every kilowatt-hr that your system generates. This premium rate is locked in for 15 years. An average 10kW system will generate over $50,000 in revenue over the contract period.
For systems over 10kW: Receive $0.32 for every killowatt-hr that your system generates.
REAP Grant
Grants that cover 25% of total project costs are available through the USDA. We work with an experienced team of grant writers to give our customers the best opportunity to receive a grant. Financial assistance is also available through the Energy Trust of Oregon to offset up to 50% of the cost of applying for the grant.
Rebate
Oregon offers a rebate for solar energy systems through the Energy Trust (ETO). Rebates range from $1/W to $1.50/W depending on the size of the system and whether your account is with PGE or Pacific Power. Try the Energy Trust Online Calculator to determine your system rebate.
Federal Tax Credit
The federal government offers a tax credit at 30% of the system cost. There is no cap for this credit and it can be applied directly to your federal taxes. If you can’t use the entire credit in one year you can spread it out for up to twenty years. It is also possible to receive this tax credit as a cash grant.
MACRS Depreciation
Businesses can now depreciate 50% of depreciable system costs in the first year with bonus depreciation and the remainder of costs can be depreciated on the 5 year accelerated scale.
