July 1, 2026 — Energy Trust Incentive Changes for Pacific Power and PGE Customers
Energy Trust of Oregon made incentive updates effective July 1, 2026 for Pacific Power and PGE customers. Here’s a concise guide for Oregon homeowners on what changed and next steps.
Energy Trust of Oregon has updated its solar and battery storage incentives for customers served by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power. These new Q3 incentive rates took effect July 1, 2026 and apply to eligible residential and business solar and storage projects submitted during the July through September incentive period.
In 2026, Energy Trust moved solar and battery incentives to a quarterly schedule. That means incentive levels can change throughout the year based on program funding, demand, and future program updates. If you are considering solar or battery storage, the most important thing to know is this: current incentives may not stay the same all year.
July 1, 2026 Energy Trust Incentive Updates
Below is a quick look at the updated Q3 incentive rates effective July 1, 2026.
| Incentive | Portland General ElectricEffective July 1 | Pacific PowerEffective July 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | ||
| Solar for HomesStandard residential solar incentive — paid to your trade ally and deducted from your price. | $2,500 (flat) | $2,500 (flat) |
| Battery Storage for HomesFor qualifying battery storage paired with solar. | $400/kWh up to $5,000 | $288/kWh up to $3,600 |
| Solar Within ReachIncreased incentive for income-qualified households (min. 2 kW-DC). | $0.90/W up to $5,500 | $0.85/W up to $5,250 |
| Battery Storage — Income-QualifiedIncreased storage incentive for income-qualified households (min. 3 kWh). | $500/kWh up to $6,250 | $400/kWh up to $5,000 |
| Business | ||
| Solar for Businesses | $0.10/W up to $9,500 | $0.10/W up to $10,000 |
| Battery Storage for Businesses | $300/kWh up to $9,000 | $300/kWh up to $9,000 |
| Solar Development Assistance | 100% up to $2,000 | 100% up to $2,000 |
| Battery Storage Development Assistance | 100% up to $3,000 | 100% up to $3,000 |
What Changed on July 1?
The biggest update is not just the incentive amount. It is the way incentives are now being managed.
Beginning in 2026, Energy Trust solar and battery incentives moved to a quarterly change schedule. Q3 rates opened July 1, 2026 and are expected to apply through September, unless program funding or rules change. Future quarter rates are estimated in advance, but they are not locked until closer to the start of each new quarter.
For homeowners, this means timing matters more than it used to. If you receive a quote today, the incentive shown on that quote may depend on when your application is submitted, when your incentive agreement is signed, and whether funding is still available.
What This Means for Oregon Homeowners
If you are served by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power, you may still qualify for a strong upfront solar incentive through Energy Trust of Oregon.
For standard residential solar, both PGE and Pacific Power customers can receive a flat $2,500 solar incentive when working with a qualified Energy Trust Trade Ally contractor.
Battery incentives are also available, but the amount depends on your utility and battery size. PGE customers may qualify for $400 per kWh up to $5,000. Pacific Power customers may qualify for $288 per kWh up to $3,600.
Income qualified homeowners may be eligible for higher incentive levels through Solar Within Reach and income qualified battery storage incentives.
Why You Should Not Wait Too Long
Solar and battery incentives are not guaranteed forever. Funding can be limited, rates can change each quarter, and future incentive levels may be lower or structured differently.
If you are planning to install solar in 2026, it is worth getting a current quote now so you can understand:
Which incentives apply to your home
Whether your utility is PGE or Pacific Power
Whether you qualify for standard or income qualified incentives
Whether a battery makes sense for your backup power needs
What paperwork is required to reserve available incentives
A qualified installer can help confirm your eligibility and submit the correct documentation before incentive rates change again.
Battery Storage Incentives Are Still a Big Opportunity
Battery storage is becoming more important for Oregon homeowners who want backup power, more control over their energy use, and better protection from utility outages.
The July 1 incentive update keeps battery storage support available for both PGE and Pacific Power customers. While the available incentive amount differs by utility, the rebate can help reduce the upfront cost of adding battery backup to a solar system.
For homeowners considering battery storage, it is important to review system size, backup load needs, utility requirements, and available incentives before making a final decision.
Business Solar Incentives Also Remain Available
Oregon businesses served by PGE or Pacific Power may also qualify for Energy Trust solar and battery incentives.
For Q3, business solar incentives are $0.10 per watt, up to $9,500 for PGE customers and up to $10,000 for Pacific Power customers. Business battery storage incentives are $300 per kWh, up to $9,000 for both utilities.
For commercial properties with high electric bills, solar can reduce operating costs, improve long term energy stability, and help offset future utility rate increases.
How National Solar Can Help
National Solar helps Oregon homeowners and businesses understand current solar and battery incentives, verify eligibility, and design systems around real energy usage.
When you request a solar quote from us, we will show the current incentive assumptions, explain what is available through Energy Trust of Oregon, and help you understand what needs to happen to secure eligible incentives.
We can help with:
Solar system design
Battery storage planning
Energy Trust incentive guidance
Utility specific requirements
Application and documentation support
Residential and commercial solar projects
Next Steps
If you are thinking about solar or battery storage in 2026, now is the time to review your options.
Ask for a quote that clearly shows your system size, expected production, current incentive assumptions, and any battery storage options. Incentives can change, but a clear plan can help you make the right decision before the next program update.
To learn more, visit our 2026 Oregon Solar Incentives page or request a custom solar quote from National Solar.
People also ask
What people ask us about News
How often can Energy Trust solar and battery incentives change?
Energy Trust moved to a quarterly schedule in 2026, so incentive levels are set for each quarter but can still change if program funding or rules are updated before a quarter begins.
How can I make sure I receive the incentive shown on my quote?
Work with a qualified installer to confirm which incentive applies, submit your application and required paperwork promptly, and sign any incentive agreement as directed—funding availability and submission timing affect eligibility.
Do Portland General Electric and Pacific Power customers qualify for incentives?
Yes, customers of both utilities are eligible for Energy Trust incentives, but the specific incentive structure and amounts vary by utility and program rules, so verify details with your installer or Energy Trust.
Are incentives available for battery storage and is it worth adding to my home?
Battery incentives are still available for both utilities and can help reduce upfront costs, but whether a battery makes sense depends on your backup needs, system size, and the applicable incentive level—review these with a professional installer.
Can income-qualified homeowners get higher incentives?
There are income-qualified programs that can provide higher incentive levels, but you must meet the program’s income eligibility and documentation requirements to qualify.
How can National Solar help me with Energy Trust incentives?
National Solar can provide a custom quote showing current incentive assumptions, help design your solar or battery system, confirm eligibility, and assist with the application and documentation needed to pursue available incentives.
Written by
Clint Libby
Director of Marketing
Clint is National Solar's leader for strategic growth, currently spearheading the effort to build a sustainable, impactful online and offline presence for the company. With extensive experience driving growth, Clint specializes in creating exceptional digital experiences that resonate deeply with customers. Passionate about the home service industry, he focuses on improving all of our systems and operations. He also serves on the board at The Environmental Center in Bend, reflecting his commitment to local sustainability. Outside of work, Clint enjoys quality time with his wife and their Corgi.
