The 5 best solar installers in Oregon
A geographically balanced top 5 spanning Portland metro, Central Oregon (Bend), and Southern Oregon (Ashland / Medford) — so homeowners across the state have a local-to-them option in the top picks. All five are Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) trade allies (the credential that unlocks the $300–$600/kW ETO incentive in PGE and Pacific Power territory).
Sunlight Solar Energy Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 81 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Elemental Energy Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 142 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
True South Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 191 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Power Northwest Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 164 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Green Ridge Solar Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 177 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Oregon solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Oregon average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.13–$0.16 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,150–1,300 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (PGE, Pacific Power) |
| Average cash payback | 11–14 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Oregon solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Oregon stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Oregon state-level incentives
- Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO): Trade-ally-administered cash incentive — typically $300–$600/kW depending on income tier. Bonus rates for moderate-income households. Only flows through ETO trade-ally installers.
- Property tax exemption: OR Statute §307.175 — property tax exemption for solar.
- Sales tax: OR has no state sales tax.
Net metering & utility programs in Oregon
Retail-rate NEM with annual true-up. See also net metering explained.
- Portland General Electric: NEM + ETO incentive (trade-ally). portlandgeneral.com
- Pacific Power (PacifiCorp): NEM + ETO incentive. www.pacificpower.net
- EWEB: EWEB-specific solar rebate program. www.eweb.org
Oregon battery storage incentives
ETO Battery Solar Storage Rebate — adders for paired battery installs.
Oregon EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- State EV purchase rebate: Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program: Up to $2,500 for new EV; income-qualified path adds $5,000.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Oregon utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- Oregon Department of Energy: www.oregon.gov/energy
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=OR — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Oregon
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Oregon installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Oregon installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional Oregon-based installers worth getting a quote from, plus EnergySage-screened regional installers that serve Oregon from neighboring states.
Other Oregon-based installers
Imagine Energy Local
Why listed: 3.9-star Google rating from 32 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Energy Solutions LLC Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 106 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Advanced Energy Systems Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 40 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Oregon
Worth a quote if you're in the Portland metro (drive-time-equivalent service from Vancouver WA) or near a state border. Confirm ETO trade-ally status before signing — non-trade-ally bids leave the ETO incentive on the table.
Sunbridge Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 120 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
A&R Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 142 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: Always pick an Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) trade ally if you're in PGE or Pacific Power territory — the ETO incentive (typically $300–$600 / kW depending on income tier) only flows through trade-ally installers. Non-trade-ally bids leave that money on the table. Bonus credits exist for moderate-income households — verify income-tier qualification at proposal time.
Frequently asked questions about Oregon solar
Does solar make sense in Oregon?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Oregon's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Oregon solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Oregon solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Oregon; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.