Oregon vs Washington Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Oregon and Washington solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | OR · Oregon | WA · Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $115 | $110 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4 ◆ | 3.8 |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.9 | $2.85 ◆ |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | retail | retail |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | Yes |
| Avg Payback (yrs) | 9.6 ◆ | 9.8 |
| Avg 25-Year Savings | $28,600 ◆ | $26,200 |
State Tax Credit Comparison
Oregon offers no state income tax credit. Washington offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
Oregon: retail rate net metering active. Washington: retail rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Oregon: $28,600 over 25 years (avg payback 9.6 yrs). Washington: $26,200 over 25 years (avg payback 9.8 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
Oregon edges out Washington on lifetime savings primarily due to higher solar irradiance.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.