EWEB is implementing the following program changes:

• Solar installations must be performed by a solar contractor listed in the State of Oregon approved contractor list. For questions regarding the State of Oregon approved contractor list, including contractor participation, please contact the State of Oregon and/or your contractor.
• EWEB’s 2024 Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will not be available on EWEB’s website. Customers must go through the application process to receive a PPA with a unique EWEB Project ID for the specific project.   

• Electric service commercial and residential rates and prices.
• For net metering, the excess energy generated over and above what the customer needs from EWEB will be credited monthly to their bill at the current annual rate schedule (2024 Annual Renewable Net-Metered Rate is $0.1045 per kWh).
• For direct generation, the energy generated and sold to EWEB will be purchased monthly at the annual rate schedule (2024 Annual Renewable Generation Purchase Rate (Purchased Power and REC's) is $0.1102 per kWh). 
• Current net metering and direct generation rates can also be found in the Customer Service Policy, Pricing and Glossary Appendices (see Power Purchase Rate Schedules).

As an EWEB customer, you’re already using clean, renewable energy and investing in McKenzie Watershed protection. But together we can do more. 

Solar panels can supplement the clean, reliable electricity you get from EWEB. But depending on your goals, solar may not be the most effective solution. Before you make a decision on whether rooftop solar is a practical idea for your business, consider the following:  

• Does your site have good solar exposure? About 250 square feet of un-shaded roof space facing south, southeast, or southwest is a great start, though not always required. 
• How much electricity do you use in a year? Review your EWEB bills, keeping in mind that energy use can vary dramatically from winter to summer. 
• What are your financial goals? Do you have a fixed budget? Are you considering financing options, or do you have a certain payback period in mind? Additionally, there may be other more cost-effective ways to lower your electric bill, including energy efficiency measures. Explore EWEB’s commercial energy efficiency programs. 
• Use independent third-party tools such as https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ or WattPlan to estimate the amount of solar energy you can anticipate producing at your business. 
• Seek more than one bid from reputable solar installers who are licensed, bonded, and insured. Solar installations must be performed by solar contractors on the State of Oregon approved contractor list. For questions regarding the State of Oregon approved contractor list, including contractor participation, please contact the State of Oregon and/or your contractor.
• The excess generation produced by your panels are calculated and trued-up on a monthly basis and does not roll over to subsequent months.  
• All solar electric system installations must go through the EWEB Solar Electric Program independent of incentive qualification.  
• The maximum net meter system size is 25 kW AC output.  
• If a solar electric system is paired with batteries, there should be no instance where the battery is able to dispatch onto EWEB's electrical distribution system.  
• For questions, email or call the EWEB Solar Team at 541-685-7088 before you sign a contract with an installer.

As your energy partner, we're committed to providing you the information and guidance you need to make an informed solar decision.  

Read our Solar FAQs and reach out to our energy experts to learn more. 

The business incentive for nonprofit, government, or public is $0.50/AC output watt, with a maximum incentive of $12,500, however, please be advised that the 2024 Solar PV Program incentive budget is now fully allocated and no further EWEB incentives will be available for this year.Customers may choose to install regardless of available EWEB incentive budget and will need to follow the same process to apply for pre-approval. 

Our solar PV incentives are funded by customers who voluntarily participate in our Greenpower program. Customers who wish to see continued or enhanced funding for solar incentives are encouraged to sign up for Greenpower for as little as $1.50 per month. Those who can afford more can invest more by matching up to 100 percent of their electricity consumption. 

Learn more about Greenpower

Some solar system installations may be eligible for federal tax credits in addition to incentives provided by EWEB. For questions on how or if any tax credits may apply to you, please consult a licensed tax professional. 

• All PV modules, inverters, and battery energy storage systems must be listed and rated in the California Energy Commission’s Solar Equipment Lists. 
• All interconnection equipment must meet EWEB’s published Interconnection Requirements (see ECA5A8000) and EWEB’s Customer Service Policies and Procedures (see Power Purchase Rate Schedules and Applicability pages 55 – 57). 
• Installation must be performed by a solar contractor listed in the State of Oregon approved contractor list. 
• Project must meet a minimum Total Solar Resource Factor (TSRF) of 85 percent (for incentive qualification only) 

As we transition to a new customer information and billing system, we have temporarily paused program applications. We will begin accepting new applications in early December when we have transitioned to our new systems. 

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. EWEB staff will still be available to answer all questions regarding our efficiency and water conservation programs during this period.  

Learn more about our system upgrades and scheduled downtime here.