Net Zero and Solar + Storage Installed
For EPS New Construction
Energy Trust supports your commitment to quality construction. We offer cash incentives and technical support so you can build homes with installed solar and storage that truly stand out. Energy Trust offers enhanced incentives to builders if a net zero or solar + storage system is installed on a model home, and they meet other offering requirements.
Net Zero
Homes built with solar already installed and a design that enables 100% of the home’s electricity usage to be powered by solar can qualify for extra incentives.
Along with the incentive, your verifier will arrange an early design assistance meeting to make the most of your site’s solar potential and to identify the energy-saving features that will enable the home to qualify as net zero. Qualified homes are built at least 5% more efficient than a typical newly built home and can earn additional incentives for meeting EPS requirements.
This is a great opportunity to lead the industry as a builder that empowers your buyers with high-performance homes that have the potential to produce as much electricity as they consume over the course of the year.
Solar + Storage Installed
Homes built with solar and a battery energy storage system already installed can also qualify for extra incentives. A solar + storage system stores solar power in the battery to use for essential equipment during routine power outages or outages caused by disasters like an earthquake. Essential equipment can include items such as lights, a refrigerator, medical equipment or a well pump.
Along with the incentive, your verifier will arrange an early design assistance meeting to make the most of your site’s solar potential and to identify critical loads that should be backed up in an outage. Qualified homes are built at least 5% more efficient than a typical newly built home and can earn additional incentives for meeting EPS requirements.
This is a great opportunity to lead the industry as a builder that empowers your buyers with high-performance homes that are efficient and resilient.
- Learn about available incentives. Before construction starts, contact the trade ally coordinator via email, or phone at 1.877.283.0698 to discuss your project and learn about available incentives.
- Establish eligibility. Contact a program-approved verifier to establish eligibility. Installation site must be in Oregon and grid-connected with electricity provided by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power. Net zero and solar + storage installed incentives are only available for homes that receive an EPS.
- Hire a solar trade ally contractor. An Energy Trust approved trade ally contractor and battery storage system.
- Plan with an early design assistance meeting. Your verifier will help you arrange an early design assistance meeting to plan energy efficiency elements and solar design of the home and will help ensure your home meets offering and EPS requirements.
- Receive your incentives. Your verifier will inspect the home for compliance and you will receive your incentives at project completion.
Incentives for net zero and solar + storage homes
| Incentive Type | Incentive Amount | Incentive Description |
|---|---|---|
| EPS whole homes incentive | $1,000 to $3,350 per home | Based on efficiency above a typical newly built home |
| Net zero | $3,000 per home | Flat incentive for homes that meet net zero requirements |
| Net zero model home | $5,000 per home | Flat incentive for homes that meet net zero model home requirements. Net zero model home incentive does not stack with net zero incentive |
| Solar + storage installed | $5,000 per home | Flat incentive for homes that meet solar + storage installed requirements |
| Solar + storage installed model home | $7,000 per home | Flat incentive for homes that meet solar + storage installed requirements. Solar + storage installed model home incentive, does not stack with solar + storage installed incentive |
| Early design assistance meeting | $1,000 per development | Incentive available to builders who hold an early design assistance meeting (EPS verifier and solar contractor must be present) |
| Solar (+ storage) installation incentive | Incentive varies | Upfront/Instant incentive paid to the solar trade ally to decrease the upfront cost of the system |
Homes must receive electric service from Portland General Electric or Pacific Power.
Energy Trust solar and battery storage incentives are allocated in steps and gradually reduce over time to support the most projects with Energy Trust’s limited budget. Solar Incentive Status Report has the most up-to-date details about current and upcoming incentive allocations. Income-qualified buyers may be eligible for an increased incentive rate. Installations may also be eligible for a federal tax credit. Pair with EV ready, to earn additional incentives for qualified homes.
See the Resources tab for links to the net zero and solar + storage installed residential installation requirements for complete details.
Your comprehensive guide
Review the net zero residential installation requirements for complete details on how to qualify for net zero incentives.
Review the solar + storage installed residential installation requirements for complete details on how to qualify for solar + storage installed incentives.