Energy Trust Incentives
Homeowners: Up to $45,000 (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.
Incentive offer is subject to availability of funding and may change.
Tax Credits
State and federal tax credits can play an important role in making projects financially viable. Be sure to investigate the following:
Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit: $2.00/kilowatt hour produced in the first year of operation, up to $6,000 (credit must be claimed over a four-year period)
Federal income tax credit: 30 percent of net installed cost (net cost = total system cost – Energy Trust incentive)
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.
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 residential small 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).
- Get bids from several trade ally contractors (see our Find a Contractor page for a list of trade allies).
- Select a trade ally contractor. Make sure that no work has begun on your project until step 5 is complete.
- 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.
Your contractor will supply and help you complete all forms required to receive cash incentives 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
Permitting and Zoning