Ten Steps to Solar

Follow these 10 steps to solar:

Note: From the time you meet with your contractor to the end of installation usually ranges from two weeks to one month.

1. Get bids from approved solar contractors. We recommend you receive competing bids from at least two contractors. Incentives are available from Energy Trust of Oregon for systems installed by approved contractors - visit www.energytrust.org.

2. Select a contractor.

3. Sign the a contract with your installer and, sign an Energy Trust application if you are eligible.

4. Your contractor submits an incentive application to Energy Trust of Oregon to secure your cash incentive. To receive the incentive, your application must be pre-approved before the system is installed. Learn more at www.energytrust.org/solar.

5. Energy Trust pays your incentive to the contractor. This amount will be subtracted from the cost of your installation.

6. If you are installing solar electric (PV), sign a net-metering agreement with your utility. Your installer will provide you with the form.

7. Your contractor installs your system.

8. Fill out the forms for the Oregon Department of Energy Tax Credit. Your contractor will provide you a form and assist you. For extra forms, visit www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/Solar/Support.shtml.

9. When you complete your federal income tax return, claim your federal tax credit with Residential Energy Credit Form 5695.Your contractor will provide you with the form, or you can download it here.

10. Tell your friends and neighbors about going solar. Let's make Portland a leader in energy independence!