Energy Trust Incentives
Up to $100,000 (lesser of $4,500 per meter of rotor diameter or $4,500 per rated kilowatt of the wind turbine).
Energy Trust does not endorse any particular manufacturer, contractor or product in promoting its programs. Energy Trust is not responsible for assuring that any aspect of any wind energy system project is proper or complies with any particular laws, regulations, codes, licensing, certification or permit requirements, or industry standards and makes no representations of any kind regarding any wind energy system or any energy generation results.
Project Development Assistance: Energy Trust may provide support for expert project development assistance including, but not limited to the following: grant writing assistance, feasibility studies, pro forma analysis and site assessment. Energy Trust may pay up to 50% of the cost of hiring a consultant to provide expert assistance for these activities, up to the maximum funding levels listed below.
| Proposed Project Size |
Maximum Project Development Incentive Amount |
| <= 4 kW |
$2,000 |
| > 4 kW and <= 20 kW |
$5,000 |
| > 20 kW and <= 100 kW |
$10,000 |
Tax Credits, Grants and Loan Guarantees
State and federal tax credits, grants, and loan guarantees can play an important role in making projects financially viable. Consult your tax professional to learn how tax credits and rules apply to your project. This information does not constitute tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties. Read more about these opportunities.
You must be an Oregon customer of Portland General Electric or Pacific Power. Systems must generate electricity and be connected to the local electric utility grid. To be feasible, the small wind turbine installation site must:
- Be at least one acre in size
- Experience average wind speeds of at least 10 mph (use this wind map to check your property's estimated wind speed)
- Be located within about 1,500 feet of a utility’s electrical meter
Additional small wind system requirements:
- Tower height must be a minimum of 60 feet
- All installed wind turbines must be on the list of Energy Trust eligible wind turbines
- Wind turbine blades must be 30 feet above any trees, buildings or other obstacles within a 300-foot radius
- Minimum setback between the tower base and property lines, power lines and habitable buildings must be equal to or greater than the height of the wind system, including the blades
- Must be installed by an approved small wind trade ally
All projects must be approved by Energy Trust prior to installation. Also, your incentive application must be submitted to Energy Trust prior to purchasing equipment or starting construction on your project. Working with an Energy Trust trade ally contractor can help ensure that your project will meet Energy Trust requirements and qualify for Energy Trust incentives.
Follow these steps to install a small-scale wind turbine and get cash incentives and tax credits:
- Establish your eligibility.
- Investigate your wind resource potential (use this wind map to check estimated wind speeds at your property).
- Contact several trade ally contractors to discuss your project and get bids (view our list of qualifying trade allies).
- Get the help you need. Depending on your project’s complexity, your contractor may need to perform a detailed wind resource or site assessment, or you may need to get expert assistance for grant writing. Energy Trust may provide up to 50% of the cost of hiring a consultant to provide assistance for these activities. Your contractor will help you complete and submit your development assistance forms.
- Select a trade ally contractor.
- Sign a contract with your installer. Your contractor will complete and submit your Energy Trust incentive application on your behalf.
Your incentive application must be submitted to Energy Trust before purchasing equipment or starting construction on your project. Also, if applying for tax credits, check eligibility criteria as some tax credits require pre-authorization.
- Your contractor installs your small wind turbine system. All projects must meet Energy Trust requirements, and require a pre- and post-installation inspection, to be eligible for an incentive.
- Receive your cash incentive from Energy Trust.
- Work with your contractor to complete state and federal tax credit applications.
Questions? Call us at 1.866.368.7878 or contact our small wind team.
Use the following project enrollment forms to apply for Energy Trust cash incentives:
Project Development Assistance Forms
Your contractor will help you complete all forms listed below (see tips for how to apply for project development assistance).
- Form 710E (PDF | Doc): Project Enrollment Application
- Form 730RF (PDF | Doc): Request for Funding
- Form 740C (PDF | Doc): Completion Certification
- Substitute W9 (PDF)
Small Wind Project Incentive Forms
Your contractor will supply and help you complete all forms required to receive cash incentives for your project as well as state and federal energy tax credits.
Learn more about the basics of wind power. Not sure how to begin planning for a wind system? Unsure what to expect from the local government permitting process? The information below will help you get started.
Tax credits
Interconnection
Permitting and Zoning