Milwaukie Solar Energy Initiative

Solar Roof

Solar in Milwaukie

In support of solar energy's potential in Milwaukie, the City is pleased to provide information about solar options for your property. The City of Milwaukie is encouraging citizens to learn more about solar energy and ask, "Is solar right for me?" Solar energy has never been so inexpensive, and before tax subsidies expire, the City urges property owners to know their options.

How does Solar Work?

Imagine a typical day in Milwaukie - anytime there is natural light outside, regardless of clouds, solar energy is available. Rooftop solar panels have photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb sunshine and convert it to DC power. The DC power then flows to an inverter which changes the DC to AC power. AC power is what you use in your home or business. A bi-directional electric meter measures both the power you use and the electricity you generate. The excess power you don't use right away is sent back onto the electricity grid and credited to your account for free use later!

Solar energy is Oregon's most abundant energy source. Oregon ranks 9th in the United States for most solar units cumulatively installed. Need a reason to go solar? We'll give you five:

  1. Solar energy protects your home from rising energy costs. Solar energy will completely eliminate or drastically reduce your monthly electric bills for the next 30-35 years.
  2. Solar energy increases your property value! Solar homes sell faster and for 2.8-3.5% more than non-solar homes.
  3. The cost of solar has decreased over 60% in the last five years. Additional federal and local subsidies make solar even more affordable. 
  4. Solar energy creates jobs in small, local solar businesses. These jobs are good for the economy!
  5. Solar energy is good for the environment! The average rooftop solar unit will prevent 1,808 lbs. of carbon dioxide pollution, 2.6 lbs. of sulfur dioxide pollution and 1.48 lbs. of nitrous oxide pollution per year. The pollution you prevent is the equivalent of reducing automobile driving by 2,170 miles or planting .2 acres of trees!

Solar Goes Affordable…

Since 2011, the price of solar panels have decreased by 60 percent. Federal and local subsidies can save property owners up to 80 percent of the remaining cost! How much will a solar unit cost? Let us do the math for you: 

Installed System Price (Avg System = 4kW)

 $16,000.00
     Energy Trust of Oregon Cash Incentive (Paid directly to contractor) -$2,560.00 ($0.64/watt)
Cost at Installation $13,440.00
Tax Credits  
     Oregon Tax Credit ($1.70/watt over 4 years, up to $1,500 per year) -$6,000.00
     Federal Tax Credit (30% of cost) -$4,032.00
Total Net Cost  
     Actual Cost After Tax Credits and Incentives $3,408.00

Every property and building is unique. Click here to use the Energy Trust of Oregon Solar Calculator and find out how much you can save with solar!

Putting money back in your pocket: Solar energy will save you an average of $516 per year in energy bills.

Our Partners and Other Renewable Energy Programs:

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