Energy Trust Incentives
How your Energy Trust incentive is calculated depends on the size and type of pool you own. For outdoor, seasonal use pools that are less than 1,000 square feet, the incentive is based on the square footage of solar pool heating collectors installed. For this type of pool, the collector area is typically 50-100 percent of the pool size.
For greater than 1,000 square feet, indoor or year-round use pools, the incentive is based on the estimated annual energy savings from the solar pool heater. Annual savings is estimated using modeling software. A solar contractor can estimate how much energy a solar pool heating system could save your facility.
For seasonal use pools <1,000 square feet:
| Customers with electric* pool heaters: |
$3.00/sq. ft. of pool heating collector
|
| Customers with natural gas* pool heaters: |
$3.00/sq. ft. of pool heating collector |
Maximum incentive is $1,500.
For year-round use or indoor pools >1,000 square feet:
| Customers with electric* pool heaters: |
$0.10/kWh of first-year energy savings
|
| Customers with natural gas* pool heaters: |
$1.50/therm of first-year energy savings
|
Maximum incentive amount is 35% of project cost.
*Electricity or gas must be provided by Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural or Cascade Natural Gas.
Tax Credits
Solar pool heating systems are not eligible for the federal energy tax credit at this time.
All incentives and tax credits are subject to change.
A solar pool heating system is an investment for your business. Like any investment, it will require research, planning, and a financial commitment. The steps below will get you started:
- Consider your budget, water heating costs (whether electricity or natural gas), roof life, roof area and sun exposure.
- Get bids from several solar trade ally contractors.
- Find project financing, if necessary. GreenStreet Lending offers preferred rates, no closing costs and no loan fees.
- Select a contractor.
- Apply for your Energy Trust incentive before starting your project. Your contractor will provide the form and assist you.
- Wait as your contractor installs your solar water heating system.
- After Energy Trust verifies the installation, receive your incentive check from Energy Trust.
All required forms will be supplied by the trade ally contractor that installs your system.
Have questions? Call us at 1.866.368.7878.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does solar pool heating work?
A. In a solar pool heating system, pool water circulates through a large series of collectors, usually located on the roof of your property, and absorbs the sun's energy. Cool water from your pool will be collected and warmed by the sun, creating a constant cycle of desired water temperature. Most solar pool heating collectors are flat, black panels manufactured from high-technology plastics designed to resist weather and ultraviolet radiation.
Q. Are there federal tax credits for installing a solar pool heating system?
A. At this time, there are no federal tax credits for the installation of a solar pool heating system.
Q. Can I still receive an Energy Trust incentive if I install my own solar pool heating system?
A. Energy Trust only offers an incentive when solar pool heating systems are installed by an Energy Trust solar pool heating contractor.
Q. I’m interested in making other solar improvements to my multifamily property or commercial facility. How can I find out more?
A. Energy Trust also offers cash-back incentives for other solar improvements made to multifamily properties and commercial facilities.
How can we help? For more information, questions or comments, call us at 1.866.368.7878.