As 2025 unfolds, homeowners considering solar + storage solutions face a dynamic and evolving landscape of incentives. From local opportunities for Pacific Power customers to the uncertain future of federal and state programs, understanding what’s available—and what might change—is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key incentives and developments shaping solar + storage decisions in Southern Oregon.
Energy Trust of Oregon Incentives for Pacific Power Customers
If you’re a Pacific Power customer in Oregon, now is an excellent time to explore solar + storage. The Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) offers financial incentives to help offset the upfront costs of installing solar panels and battery storage. These incentives make it easier for homeowners to achieve energy independence, reduce reliance on the grid, and protect against power outages—a frequent concern in Southern Oregon.
The ETO’s solar incentives vary depending on the size of your system, with specific add-ons for energy storage. However, these funds are limited, so acting sooner rather than later ensures you can lock in these savings.
Federal Incentives and the Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been a game-changer for renewable energy, offering a federal tax credit of 30% for solar and storage systems. But with the new Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, there’s growing concern about the future of this program. Some industry analysts predict that the IRA’s solar and storage incentives could be significantly reduced—or even eliminated—by the end of the year.
For homeowners, this uncertainty underscores the importance of moving quickly. By acting in early 2025, you can secure the full federal tax credit before any potential changes take effect.
Oregon Department of Energy Incentives: A Potential Comeback?
Unfortunately, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) solar and storage incentives are currently unavailable. However, there’s hope on the horizon. If the Oregon Legislature acts during the 2025 session, these incentives could be restored as early as June. While there’s no guarantee, the state’s long-standing commitment to renewable energy suggests that a revival of these programs is possible.
Homeowners considering solar + storage should stay informed about legislative updates. If new incentives become available, they could provide a significant financial boost to your project.
Net Metering Under Threat: Lessons from California
Another critical factor to watch is the future of net metering policies. Across the country, utilities are reevaluating the compensation rates they offer for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. In California, the implementation of Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 significantly reduced the value of exported solar energy, making it less attractive for homeowners to rely solely on solar without storage.
Similar changes could come to Oregon. If utilities adopt reduced net metering rates, energy storage systems like Tesla Powerwall or Sol-Ark hybrid inverters will become even more valuable, allowing homeowners to store and use their solar energy on-site rather than selling it back to the grid at lower rates.
New Ashland Low-Interest Financing Program
Residents in the City of Ashland can take advantage of a new financing program coming online in 2025. While we don’t have all the details as of this writing, we understand that the City will offer low-interest loans for energy conservation improvements made to homes, with loan payments made directly on the utility bill. That way, your bill should not change drastically, despite the fact that you’ve invested thousands of dollars into the perfomence improvements like adding solar panels. More details to come!
Take Control of Your Energy Future
With so much uncertainty surrounding federal, state, and utility-level incentives, 2025 is a pivotal year for solar + storage. Acting now ensures you can take full advantage of existing programs while preparing for a future where energy independence may become even more critical.
If you’re ready to explore how solar + storage can transform your energy needs, True South Solar is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how you can benefit from our top-notch solar and storage solutions.
For more insights on choosing the right solar provider, download our free guide: Top Ten Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer.