October 1, 2026 — Energy Trust Q4 Incentive Changes for PGE and Pacific Power Customers
Energy Trust of Oregon confirmed Q4 2026 solar and battery incentives effective October 1. PGE's residential solar incentive rises to $3,500, while several Pacific Power incentives step down.
Energy Trust of Oregon has confirmed its Q4 2026 solar and battery storage incentives for customers of Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power. The new rates open October 1, 2026 and apply to eligible residential and business projects submitted during the October through December incentive period.
This quarter brings good news for PGE homeowners and step-downs for most Pacific Power programs. If you are close to signing, the timing of your application matters more than ever this week.
Q3 Rates End September 30, 2026
To lock in the current Q3 incentive rates, your incentive agreement must be signed and your application submitted by September 30, 2026. Starting October 1, Energy Trust will accept applications at the new Q4 rates only.
If you are a Pacific Power customer with a signed proposal in hand, contact your installer right away. Missing the deadline by a day could lower your battery or income-qualified incentive.
Q4 2026 Energy Trust Incentive Rates
Here are the confirmed Q4 incentive rates for PGE and Pacific Power customers, effective October 1, 2026.
| Incentive | Portland General ElectricEffective October 1, 2026 | Pacific PowerEffective October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | ||
| Solar for HomesStandard residential solar incentive — paid to your trade ally and deducted from your price. | $3,500 (flat) | $2,500 (flat) |
| Battery Storage for HomesFor qualifying battery storage paired with solar. | $400/kWh up to $5,000 | $244/kWh up to $3,000 |
| Solar Within ReachIncreased incentive for income-qualified households (min. 2 kW-DC). | $1.25/W up to $7,500 | $0.75/W up to $4,750 |
| Battery Storage — Income-QualifiedIncreased storage incentive for income-qualified households (min. 3 kWh). | $500/kWh up to $6,250 | $360/kWh up to $4,500 |
| Business | ||
| Solar for Businesses | $0.10/W up to $9,000 | $0.10/W up to $9,500 |
| 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 October 1?
PGE customers: the residential solar incentive increased
The biggest change this quarter is for PGE homeowners. The Solar for Homes incentive rises from a flat $2,500 to a flat $3,500, a $1,000 increase for standard residential solar.
PGE battery storage for homes stays at $400/kWh up to $5,000. Solar Within Reach ($1.25/W up to $7,500) and income-qualified battery storage ($500/kWh up to $6,250) are also unchanged.
Pacific Power customers: battery and income-qualified incentives stepped down
The Pacific Power Solar for Homes incentive holds steady at a flat $2,500. Several other Pacific Power incentives are lower in Q4:
Battery Storage for Homes: $288/kWh up to $3,600 drops to $244/kWh up to $3,000
Solar Within Reach: $0.85/W up to $5,250 drops to $0.75/W up to $4,750
Battery Storage (Income-Qualified): $400/kWh up to $5,000 drops to $360/kWh up to $4,500
Business solar caps are slightly lower
Solar for Businesses stays at $0.10/W, but the maximums go down. The PGE cap falls from $9,500 to $9,000, and the Pacific Power cap falls from $10,000 to $9,500.
Business battery storage stays at $300/kWh up to $9,000 for both utilities. Solar and battery development assistance also stay the same, at 100% up to $2,000 and 100% up to $3,000.
Affordable multifamily and nonprofit incentives are stepping down
Solar incentives for Affordable Multifamily Housing and Qualifying Nonprofits are also stepping down on October 1. For PGE the new rate is $0.50/W up to $30,000, and for Pacific Power it is $0.35/W up to $21,000, down from $0.40/W up to $24,000.
See the Incentives for Your Utility
Select your utility below to see the incentives that apply to your home or business.
Portland General Electric (PGE)
Energy Trust of Oregon territory
As an Energy Trust Trade Ally since 2009, National Solar can secure the full incentive schedule for your home. Here is what is available for Portland General Electric homeowners, effective October 1, 2026:
- Solar for Homes: $3,500 (flat)
- Battery Storage for Homes: $400/kWh up to $5,000
- Solar Within Reach: $1.25/W up to $7,500
- Battery Storage — Income-Qualified: $500/kWh up to $6,250
- Net metering
- Full-retail net metering with annual true-up each March; unused credits are donated to low-income bill assistance.
- Energy Trust incentives
- Eligible for the full Energy Trust incentive schedule above (Solar for Homes, batteries, Solar Within Reach).
- Always stackable
- Oregon's property tax exemption (added home value is not taxed) applies statewide, and commercial projects may qualify for the federal Clean Electricity Investment Credit. We confirm your exact eligibility and current funding during your free assessment.
Do You Qualify for Solar Within Reach?
Income-qualified households can receive higher incentives through Solar Within Reach and income-qualified battery storage. Eligibility is based on Area Median Income for your county and household size.
Annual gross household income maximums to qualify for Solar Within Reach.
| Household size | Annual income maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $126,300 |
| 2 people | $144,300 |
| 3 people | $162,300 |
| 4 people | $180,300 |
| 5 people | $194,850 |
| 6 people | $209,250 |
| 7 people | $223,650 |
| 8 people | $238,050 |
Effective June 1, 2026. Income includes all gross wages, tips, rental income, public assistance, social security or pensions, self-employment income, alimony, interest, and other sources defined by the IRS for the previous tax year. Maximums are referenced from Energy Trust of Oregon. We verify your eligibility during your free assessment.
What This Means If You Are Shopping for Solar
PGE homeowners: Waiting until Q4 pays off. The standard solar incentive is $1,000 higher starting October 1, and every other residential PGE incentive stays the same.
Pacific Power homeowners: If your project includes a battery or qualifies for Solar Within Reach, submitting before September 30 locks in the higher Q3 rates. After that, Q4 rates apply.
Everyone: Energy Trust now updates incentives every quarter, and estimated Q1 2027 rates will be announced in October. Ask for a quote that clearly shows which quarter's incentive it assumes.
How National Solar Can Help
As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally, National Solar tracks every quarterly update so your quote always reflects the incentives you can actually receive. We handle:
Confirming your utility and incentive eligibility
Solar and battery system design based on your real energy use
Solar Within Reach income-qualification guidance
Energy Trust incentive agreements and application paperwork
Residential and commercial solar projects
Next Steps
Want to know exactly how the Q4 changes affect your home? Request a free solar estimate and we will show your system size, expected production, and the current incentives for your utility.
For the full list of programs, visit our 2026 Oregon Solar Incentives page.
People also ask
What people ask us about Energy Trust Q4 Incentive Changes for PGE and Pacific Power Customers
When do the Q4 2026 Energy Trust incentive rates take effect?
Q4 rates take effect October 1, 2026 and apply to applications submitted October through December 2026, unless Energy Trust announces a change.
How can I still get the Q3 incentive rates?
Your incentive agreement must be signed and your application submitted by September 30, 2026. After that, Q4 rates apply.
Did the PGE solar incentive go up for Q4?
Yes. The PGE Solar for Homes incentive increases from a flat $2,500 to a flat $3,500 starting October 1, 2026. Other PGE residential incentives are unchanged.
What changed for Pacific Power customers?
Pacific Power Solar for Homes stays at $2,500. Battery Storage for Homes drops to $244/kWh up to $3,000, Solar Within Reach drops to $0.75/W up to $4,750, and income-qualified battery storage drops to $360/kWh up to $4,500.
When will the Q1 2027 incentive rates be announced?
Energy Trust expects to announce estimated Q1 2027 incentive rates in October 2026. National Solar will update our incentive pages as soon as they are released.
How can National Solar help me with Energy Trust incentives?
As an Energy Trust trade ally, National Solar confirms your eligibility, designs your solar or battery system, and handles the incentive agreement and application so you receive the incentives available to you.
Written by
Clint Libby
Bend, OR
