Plug-In Solar in Oregon — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 4080 — Relating to Plug-In Solar Devices
Sponsor: Rep. Maxine Dexter
Legislative Status: Deferred until 2027. Short session adjourned without action on HB 4080. Sponsors plan to reintroduce in the 2027 regular session.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 12.8¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $160/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 5¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.5 |
| Retail Choice | limited |
Key Provisions
Would have prohibited utilities from charging customers extra fees for notifying them about a plug-in solar system. Would have prevented utilities from raising minimum monthly bills above standard rates.
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law. Oregon has strong net metering. PGE and Pacific Power offer solar programs.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Oregon utilities currently require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives for solar installations for PGE and Pacific Power customers. Oregon net metering available. Oregon property tax exemption for solar systems. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Energy Trust of Oregon — Solar Incentives — Cash incentives for solar installations for PGE and Pacific Power customers.
- DSIRE — Oregon Solar Incentives — Full list of Oregon state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 4,330,000 |
| Total Households | 1,679,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 1,046,000 |
| Renter-Occupied | 633,000 |
| Single-Family Homes | 1,098,000 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 289,000 |
| Median Household Income | $81,800 |
| Median Home Value | $486,400 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.58 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 32° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1340 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May-August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Portland General Electric | ~955,655 customers | Yes |
| Pacific Power | ~629,487 customers | Yes |
| Central Electric Cooperative | ~31,226 customers | Yes |
| Idaho Power | ~20,000 customers | Yes |