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Send us an email or call 541-685-7088
Depending on your circumstances, installing a solar array at your home may be a good opportunity to consider. An optimally installed system in Eugene will generate approximately 1,100 kilowatt-hours of zero-emissions energy per year for each kilowatt of installed capacity.
When paired with a home battery storage system, a solar system can provide you with a temporary backup source of power in the event of a power outage.
Residential Solar PV Program Changes
EWEB is implementing the following program changes to the Solar PV program:
- Solar installations must be performed by a solar contractor listed in the State of Oregon approved contractor list.
- Customers will be required to obtain and submit at least two solar system bids as an initial step to begin any residential solar project. Bids are to be requested and provided by the customer from a State-approved 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 and generation rates
- 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).
Is solar right for me?
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 home, 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 residential 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 home.
- 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.
- 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 system is paired with batteries, there should be no instance where the battery is able to dispatch onto EWEB's electrical distribution system.
- Average residential solar system costs in 2021 were $4.23 per watt with an average system size of 6.9 kW. Average residential solar system costs in 2022 were $4.69 per watt with an average system size of 7.2 kW. Please note that some of these installations included paired battery systems, so the costs are not fully representative of stand-alone solar system installations. The cost and system size are based on AC output watt.
- 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.
More at energy.govWe offer these incentives
For Information Only - EWEB's residential solar incentive is $0.40 per AC output Watt with a maxiumum of $2,500 per EWEB electric meter.
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.
Some solar system installations may be eligible for federal tax credits and state rebates 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.
Incentive and interconnection eligibility
- Customers must obtain at least two bids as part of their application process.
- 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)
Get Started!
Follow these steps to get started on producing clean, renewable energy at your home:
Step One:
Apply online here. Once we receive and process your application, we will send you a confirmation email and you will be assigned a project manager to work with you. Applications should be completed by the customer or with the customer's information. Interactions will initially be with the customer.
If you prefer to mail in a paper project application, you can print one here. Paper applications can be mailed to:
EWEB Customer Solutions
4200 Roosevelt Blvd
Eugene, OR 97402
Applications can also be emailed to ems.answers@eweb.org.
Step Two:
Submit two bids from contractors on the State of Oregon approved contractor list to your assigned project manager. Bids can be from within the past 3 months from the application submittal date and/or within the application year. Bids are requested and provided by the customer. Your project manager will then provide you a Power Purchase Agreement for completion by you and your contractor.
Step Three:
Submit a completed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), including all required supporting documentation. Installation can begin after receiving EWEB pre-approval of the PPA by your project manager. Failure to do so could prohibit interconnection in addition to disqualification from receiving an incentive if applicable.
Step Four:
After installation of the system and submittal of all required documentation, including passing of the appropriate City or County inspection, EWEB will install a new meter. After and upon approval from EWEB, the solar system may be energized. EWEB may verify the system for program compliance.
If applicable, the incentive payment will be mailed to either the participant or the contractor approximately four to six weeks from the date EWEB approves the installation.
You also might be interested in:
The Oregon Department of Energy website provides lists of incentives, laws, policies and other recources related to solar electric.
The U.S. Department of Energy website is a helpful resources if you are considering a home solar electric system.
Purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) by enrolling in Cleanpower and help displace dirty energy sources with wind, solar and other zero-emission energy sources.
Upgrading from gas vehicles to electric cars and bikes can reduce air pollution and create a better, cleaner environment. In addition to the cost savings you'll get from electric transportation, you may qualify for EWEB rebates and state and federal tax credits.
Help reduce your utility bill and lower your carbon footprint by living green. We offer rebates and loans for your home or rental property that can help offset the upfront cost to upgrade heating, cooling, water heating, windows and insulation.