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. To ensure you make a decision that is right for your home and budget, we encourage you to do some important homework:

• Learn how net metering works at EWEB.
• Use independent third-party tools such as https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ to estimate the amount of solar energy you can anticipate producing at your home.
• Seek more than one bid, and choose a reputable solar installer who is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Email or call the EWEB Solar Team before you sign a contract with an installer.

Please note pre-approval from EWEB must be received prior to solar installation.

Before you make a decision on whether rooftop solar is a practical idea for your home or business, do your research.

As a starting point, consider these questions: 

• 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?

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.

UPDATE AUGUST 9, 2022: EWEB'S 2022 incentive budget of $225,000 has been fully expended.

Our solar electric incentives are funded by customers who voluntarily participate in our Greenpower program. Incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residential incentive is $0.40/AC output watt, with a maximum incentive of $2,500. 

Business incentive for nonprofit, government, or public is $0.50/AC output watt, with a maximum incentive of $12,500. 

Requirements to qualify for an EWEB incentive

• • Project must meet a minimum Total Solar Resource Factor (TSRF) of 85 percent.
  • All PV modules and inverters 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).

Follow these steps to get started on producing clean, renewable energy at your home:

1. Learn how net metering works at EWEB

• Find answers to some commonly asked questions about EWEB's Solar Electric program here. 
• Determine the estimated amount of solar energy you can anticipate producing at your home by visiting https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ (we recommend sizing your system according to your average baseline usage). 
• Email or call the EWEB Solar Team with any additional questions regarding your project, our program or how net metering works at EWEB. 

2. Select a contractor

• We do not maintain a list of approved contractors; you are welcome to use whoever you choose (we encourage our customers to obtain more than one quote).

3. Complete and submit a solar electric program Power Purchase Agreement along with all required supporting documents (see page one of the Power Purchase Agreement). 

• You must receive pre-approval before installation as failure to do so could prohibit interconnection in addition to disqualification from receiving an incentive.

4. Submit completed application and supporting documents

• Email: solar.electric@eweb.org
• Mail: EWEB Customers Solutions, Attn Solar Electric Program, 4200 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402

NOTE: Some energy efficiency upgrades may be eligible for federal and/or state tax credits in addition to rebates provided by EWEB.  For questions on how or if any tax credits may apply to you, please consult a licensed tax professional. 

Some program details to note as you start your research about installing solar panels:

• The excess generation produced by your panels are calculated and trued-up on a monthly basis and does not roll over to subsequent months. 
• The excess generation over and above what you needed from EWEB will be calculated at the current annual rate schedule (2022 Renewable Net-Metered Rate is $0.0693 per kWh; 2022 Annual Renewable Generation Rate is $0.0724 per kWh). 
• All solar electric system installations must go through the EWEB Solar Electric Program independent of incentive qualification. 
• Inverters and modules must appear on the qualified equipment lists here. 
• The maximum net meter system size is 25 kW AC output. 
• There should be no instance where the battery is able to dispatch onto EWEB's electrical distribution system. 
• EWEB Policies and Procedures can be found here.