Solar Electric Program
Solar electric program

Everyone knows that Eugene gets its share of rain. But did you know that on an annual basis, Eugene receives about the same solar radiation as the national average for the United States?

This sunlight can be turned directly into electricity to help power your home or business by using photovoltaic (PV) panels and inverters. In some cases, you might even generate enough power to send the excess back through your meter to EWEB.

EWEB's solar electric program allows you to produce clean, renewable power at your home or business, while also helping EWEB decrease the amount of power it purchases from non-renewable sources.

Download and read program brochure (PDF)


How can you participate?

There are two ways to take advantage of EWEB's solar electric program:

Net Metered Systems Install the PV system on your side of EWEB's electric meter to generate power for your home or business. You will be paid for any excess generation that flows into the EWEB electrical grid

Direct Generation Systems
For systems larger than 10,000 watts, you have the option to connect directly to the EWEB grid and sell all of the electricity generated to EWEB.

Program information and requirements

Interconnecting a generator of any sort to the electric grid is serious business. The program description and requirement information is designed to help you avoid electrical hazards, reliability concerns and system damage potential.

Downtown Eugene customers

Customers considering PV systems for buildings in downtown Eugene should call EWEB at (541) 685-7000 to discuss network specific requirements and guidelines.

See a map of the downtown network system to confirm if your building is included in this system.

Potential state and federal income tax credits

State and federal tax credits, along with EWEB's incentives, make solar energy more affordable than you think. Your savings will grow over the years as energy costs continue to rise.

Residential
  A state residential tax credit through the Oregon Department of Energy of $3/watt, up to $6,000.
  A federal income tax credit of 30% of net installed cost.
Commercial
  A state business energy tax credit through the Oregon Department of Energy of up to 50% of system cost.
  A federal investment tax credit of 30% of installed cost, and accelerated depreciation.
Call EWEB's energy experts

Contact EWEB Energy Management Services for more information at (541) 685-7000 or email EWEB Energy Management Services.