Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

New Homes Incentive Program

Program Overview


Category:
Financial Incentive
Program Type:
Rebate Program
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Oregon
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Solar Water Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Water Heaters, Lighting, Furnaces, Heat pumps, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Website:
http://insider.energytrust.org/programs/new-homes/
Incentive Amount:
Varies based on performance above code and the particular energy efficient measures installed; can range from $600 to $4,680
Solar ready incentive: up to $200
Equipment Requirements:
Equipment receiving incentive must exceed code and must not be used to meet code
Administrator:
Energy Trust of Oregon
Applicable Sectors:
Construction, Residential, Installers/Contractors
Utility:
PacifiCorp, Portland General Electric Co
Last Updated:
01/31/2017
Funding Source
Public Benefits Fund

Summary

Energy Trust's New Homes Program offers builders cash incentives for energy efficient measures included in new homes where the measures exceed the building code minimum requirements. Lighting upgrades, whole home performance upgrades, higher levels of insulation, high-efficiency equipment, better windows, air sealing and solar systems are eligible for incentives under this offering. The more energy-efficient a home is above code, the more incentives a builder can qualify for. See the program overview for a sample of some of the incentives available.

Most incentives are based on a home's Energy Performance Score (EPS), a measurement tool that assesses a home's energy consumption, estimated utility costs and carbon impact. The EPS allows builders to clearly demonstrate how efficient the home is beyond code and helps homebuyers compare homes based on energy costs and efficiency. The EPS can work with any certification, such as ENERGY STAR, Earth Advantage, LEED and Oregon High Performance Homes.

It is recommended that builders contact Energy Trust during the design stage.  In order to receive an EPS and an incentive, the home must be inspected by a third party verifier before drywall is installed.  If the building plans are set or construction has just begun, Energy Trust will provide free project modeling using the home plans.

To be eligible for these incentives, the home must be located within the service territory of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas or Avista.