What NEC edition does Oregon use for solar permits in 2026?

Oregon adopts the National Electrical Code through the 2023 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC), administered by the Building Codes Division (BCD) under the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) pursuant to OAR chapter 918, Division 8. The 2023 OESC is based on NEC 2023 with Oregon-specific amendments. Effective January 1, 2025, Table 1-E was amended with errata corrections. Effective January 1, 2026, the 2023 OESC was further amended to require that microgrid equipment and distribution on the customer side of the service point be installed in accordance with the applicable sections of the current code — a change tied to Oregon's broader microgrid policy reforms. Every Oregon solar permit plan set references the 2023 OESC as the governing electrical code.

What building code governs Oregon residential solar?

The Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) 2023 governs one- and two-family dwellings and is based on the International Residential Code 2021 (IRC 2021) with Oregon-specific amendments addressing seismic considerations, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Commercial, mixed-use, and larger multifamily structures fall under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), based on the International Building Code. Both codes are administered by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). Solar energy systems are explicitly addressed within ORSC Chapter 3 building planning provisions alongside general structural design requirements including dead, live, roof, snow, wind, and seismic loads.

What is Oregon's seismic design requirement for solar installations?

Oregon is a seismically active state, and solar racking attachment calculations must address Seismic Design Category (SDC) — categories A through F — assigned based on site class, occupancy category, and mapped spectral acceleration values from ASCE 7. The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) produces seismic hazard maps, liquefaction susceptibility data, and landslide inventory maps that inform the geotechnical and structural inputs required by the Building Codes Division. Unlike most other states, an Oregon solar structural calculation package that omits seismic design category determination is incomplete — seismic lateral loads on the racking attachment points must be evaluated alongside wind and snow loads under ORSC or OSSC provisions.

What utilities serve Oregon solar installations?

Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power (PacifiCorp) are Oregon's two largest investor-owned utilities, both offering net metering programs under OAR 860-039. A significant portion of Oregon, particularly rural and coastal areas, is served by electric cooperatives and public utility districts including Central Electric Cooperative, Douglas Electric Cooperative, Clatskanie PUD, and Tillamook PUD, each maintaining their own interconnection agreements. The interconnection of all net-metering facilities and solar photovoltaic systems operated as interconnected power production sources must comply with the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code, and net-metering facilities using solid-state inverters must additionally comply with OAR 860-039 Net Metering.

What is Oregon's net metering policy?

Oregon's Net Energy Metering (NEM) policy, under OAR 860-039, allows residential solar customers with systems of 25 kW or less to receive credits for excess electricity exported to the grid at the full retail electricity rate — a 1:1 credit. Customers have 12 months to use accumulated credits, with an annual reset occurring each March; any remaining credits after the March reset are transferred to a low-income energy assistance fund rather than expiring without benefit. As of mid-2026, PGE has discussed potential future reductions to net metering credits of 20-30%, but no proposal has been finalized or approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) as of this writing — installers should verify current NEM terms with the serving utility before finalizing system economics.

What contractor licence is required for solar installation in Oregon?

Oregon requires contractors performing structural and electrical work, including solar installations, to hold a valid Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licence under ORS Chapter 701. There is no standalone 'solar contractor' licence category in the CCB system — contractors operating in solar hold residential general, commercial, or appropriate specialty endorsements. A homeowner who owns and occupies the residence may legally perform their own electrical work with a permit and is responsible for the system's safety going forward, though Permit Design plan sets are built for licensed contractor installations.

What incentives are available for Oregon solar in 2026?

The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC) provides a 30% direct reduction in federal income tax for the total installed system cost, claimed via IRS Form 5695. Energy Trust of Oregon offers a flat $2,500 per system incentive for 2026 to PGE and Pacific Power customers, with higher amounts for income-qualified households. The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) provides an additional incentive of $0.50 per watt DC for households not eligible for utility incentives through Energy Trust of Oregon. Oregon also provides a property tax exemption for the added value of qualifying solar installations. Combined, these incentives bring a typical 8 kW Oregon system (around $24,000 before incentives) down to roughly $16,800 after the federal credit alone, with further reductions from state and utility programs.

What is Oregon's January 1, 2026 microgrid equipment amendment?

Effective January 1, 2026, the 2023 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code was amended to require that microgrid equipment and distribution on the customer side of the service point must be installed in accordance with the applicable sections of the current code. For solar installations that include battery storage configured for microgrid or backup operation, this means the installation must reference current OESC provisions for the microgrid-capable equipment specifically, in addition to standard Article 690 and Article 705 solar provisions. Every Permit Design Oregon plan set involving battery storage or backup configurations documents compliance with this January 2026 amendment.

What are Oregon's wind and snow load requirements for solar?

Under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, the minimum roof snow load for nonprescriptive design is 25 psf except where a higher value is determined per Section 1608 of the Building Code, with ground snow load (pg) determined per ORSC Section R301.2.3.1. Sites located within a designated special wind region — as mapped in ORSC Figure R301.2.1(1), which includes portions of the Columbia River Gorge and certain coastal exposures — must use the special wind region basic design wind speeds rather than the statewide baseline. High-elevation Cascade range counties see substantially higher snow loads than the Willamette Valley or coastal lowlands. Every Permit Design Oregon plan set applies the correct county and elevation-specific wind and snow values.

Does Oregon require rapid shutdown for solar installations?

Yes. The 2023 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code, based on NEC 2023, requires rapid shutdown compliance under Article 690.12 for solar photovoltaic systems. The rapid shutdown system boundary, initiating device, array dimensions, and labelling per NEC 690.56(C) must be documented on the single-line diagram. Oregon electrical inspectors verify rapid shutdown documentation as part of the standard solar electrical inspection alongside compliance with IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 standards for inverters and interconnection equipment.

How long does Oregon solar permitting take?

Oregon permit timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction. Cities with online permitting portals such as Portland, Salem, and Eugene typically process residential solar permits in 3-10 business days. Rural counties with paper-only permitting systems — common in parts of Columbia and Pacific counties along the coast — can take 2-4 weeks. PGE and Pacific Power interconnection (NEM agreement) for systems under 25 kW is generally streamlined and processed alongside the building and electrical permit applications. Submit the building permit, electrical permit, and utility interconnection application together to run all three in parallel.

What is the difference between building and electrical permits in Oregon solar?

Oregon requires both a building permit, to confirm the roof structure can support the added dead load under ORSC or OSSC provisions, and a separate electrical permit, to confirm the wiring complies with the 2023 OESC including rapid shutdown and interconnection requirements. Even for homeowner-installed systems where a CCB-licensed contractor is not required for the electrical work under owner-occupant provisions, both permits remain separate requirements. After installation, a building inspector and an electrical inspector each verify the work against the approved plans before the utility will proceed toward Permission to Operate (PTO).

How long does it take to get an Oregon solar permit plan set from Permit Design?

Permit Design delivers Oregon solar permit plan sets within 24-48 hours. Every plan set references the 2023 OESC (NEC 2023) for electrical, ORSC or OSSC for structural with seismic design category determination per ASCE 7 and DOGAMI hazard maps, county-specific wind and snow loads including special wind region designations, CCB contractor licence fields, and the correct utility interconnection package — PGE, Pacific Power, or the relevant rural PUD or cooperative. Free revisions until your Oregon AHJ approves both building and electrical permits.

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Multnomah County · NEC 2020 · Portland General Electric · OR 1:1 Net Metering

Portland Solar Permit Design.
Portland General Electric · Oregon 1:1 Net Metering. Oregon Energy Trust Incentives · Multiple Metro AHJs.

Portland solar permit drawings for City of Portland and all metro AHJs. Portland General Electric (PGE) serves most of the metro with Oregon 1:1 full retail net metering under 25 kW. Oregon Energy Trust offers cash incentives for qualifying installations. NEC 2020. Oregon property tax exemption on solar. Multiple AHJs — confirmed per address. Free for first-time clients.

⚡ Order Your Portland Plan Set PGE Net Metering + Energy Trust ↓

PGE Portland General Electric · 1:1 net metering

OR 1:1 NEM Full retail rate · Under 25 kW

Energy Trust Cash incentives for qualifying installs

Free AHJ revisions

1:1 NEMOregon full retail net metering · Under 25 kW

Energy TrustCash incentives · PGE + Pacific Power customers

OR Property TaxExemption on solar energy systems

24–48 hrStandard plan set delivery

2026 CodesElectrical: NEC 2020 (Oregon)Structural: IBC/IRC 2018 (OR)Utility: PGE (Portland General Electric) · Most metro · 1:1 net meteringIncentive: Oregon Energy Trust · Cash incentives for qualifying customersLast verified July 2026

Oregon 1:1 Net Metering + Oregon Energy Trust Cash Incentives

Oregon Law Requires PGE to Offer Full Retail 1:1 Net Metering for Systems Under 25 kW. Oregon Energy Trust Offers Cash Incentives for Qualifying Installations. Multiple Portland Metro AHJs — Confirmed Per Address.

Portland General Electric (PGE) serves most of the Portland metro with Oregon 1:1 full retail net metering — every kilowatt-hour exported earns full retail rate credit for systems under 25 kW, as required by Oregon law. Oregon Energy Trust, a nonprofit administrator funded by PGE and Pacific Power, offers cash incentives for qualifying residential and commercial solar installations. Some Clackamas County areas use Pacific Power. The Portland metro has many separate building departments across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. We confirm AHJ and utility per address before building every Portland plan set.

Portland General Electric · Oregon 1:1 Net Metering Under 25 kW

✅PGE serves Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, and surrounding metro

✅Oregon law: 1:1 full retail net metering for systems under 25 kW — required for PGE and Pacific Power

✅PGE interconnection application: submit simultaneously with building permit

⚠️Some Clackamas County areas (Oregon City, Canby) use Pacific Power — confirm per address

✅Oregon Energy Trust cash incentives available for qualifying PGE and Pacific Power customers

Oregon Energy Trust · OR Property Tax Exemption · Multiple AHJs

✅Oregon Energy Trust: cash incentives for qualifying residential and commercial solar installations

✅Oregon property tax exemption for solar energy systems

⚠️City of Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Gresham, and counties all have separate building depts

✅NEC 2020 under Oregon state adoption — consistent across Portland metro AHJs

✅No PE stamp required for standard residential rooftop solar in Oregon

⚠️ Portland metro address does not mean City of Portland Bureau of Development Services. Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Gresham all have separate building departments. Some Clackamas County areas use Pacific Power, not PGE. We confirm AHJ and utility per address for every Portland project.

Why Portland Installers Outsource

Wrong Utility Application. Oregon Energy Trust Documentation Missing. AHJ Mismatch.

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Using PGE Application for a Pacific Power Address — or Routing to Wrong Building Dept

Some Clackamas County addresses in the Portland metro use Pacific Power rather than PGE. Pacific Power and PGE have different interconnection portals and application processes. A PGE application for a Pacific Power address is rejected. AHJ mismatch is equally common: Portland Bureau of Development Services only covers Portland city-limit addresses. We confirm utility and AHJ per address for every Portland project.

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Oregon Energy Trust Incentive Documentation Not Included in Project Delivery

Oregon Energy Trust cash incentives require documentation of the installation, equipment specs, and contractor information submitted through the Energy Trust portal. Installers who don't include Energy Trust application documentation in the project package leave customer incentives unclaimed. We include Energy Trust eligibility notes and documentation guidance in every Portland plan set deliverable.

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Portland's Commercial Solar Market — Oregon Net Metering Under 25 kW Is Strong

Oregon's 1:1 net metering applies to systems under 25 kW — covering most residential and many small commercial installations. Systems above 25 kW face different terms under Oregon PUC rules. Commercial system design should account for the 25 kW net metering threshold when sizing for maximum financial benefit. PGE also offers commercial interconnection programs for larger systems.

Portland Solar Permit Services

Portland General Electric Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Portland AHJs.

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Portland Residential Solar Permit Design

NEC 2020, IBC/IRC 2018. PGE or Pacific Power interconnection confirmed per address. City of Portland or suburb AHJ confirmed. Oregon Energy Trust eligibility note. Battery (NEC 2020 Article 706) where included.

NEC 2020PGE InterconnectionEnergy Trust

Residential Solar Permit Design Services →

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Portland Commercial Solar Permit Design

Commercial rooftop drawings for Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. NEC 2020, IBC 2018. PGE commercial interconnection. Portland's tech, healthcare, and manufacturing sector creates commercial solar demand. PE stamp. Pacific Northwest ASCE 7 wind calcs.

IBC 2018Tech / HealthcarePE Stamp

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Portland Battery Permit Plans

Solar-paired and standalone battery permit drawings. NEC 2020 Article 706. PGE storage interconnection. Portland's winter storm season and occasional grid stress events create battery resilience demand. Battery maximizes self-consumption under Oregon 1:1 net metering.

NEC 2020 Art.706Grid ResiliencePGE Storage

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Portland EV Charger Permit Design

EV charger permit drawings for Portland metro. NEC 2020 Article 625. Oregon ranks among the top US states for EV adoption. Portland's large tech, outdoor, and environmental sector drives residential EV demand. Commercial fleet EV growing at Intel Hillsboro campus and Portland metro logistics corridor.

NEC 2020 Art.625Intel HillsboroLoad Calcs

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Portland Solar Market — 2026

Four Things That Define Solar in Portland.

1:1 NEM

Oregon 1:1 Net Metering — Full Retail Credit Required by State Law for Under 25 kW

Oregon law requires PGE and Pacific Power to offer full retail rate 1:1 net metering for residential and commercial solar systems under 25 kW. Every kilowatt-hour exported earns the same credit as a kilowatt-hour consumed from the grid. Systems above 25 kW face different interconnection terms under Oregon PUC rules. Oregon's 1:1 net metering is among the most installer-friendly policies in the Pacific Northwest.

Energy Trust

Oregon Energy Trust — Cash Incentives for PGE and Pacific Power Customers

Oregon Energy Trust is a nonprofit administrator that offers cash incentives for qualifying residential and commercial solar and battery installations for PGE and Pacific Power customers. Incentive amounts are set by program year and vary by system size. Energy Trust has consistently offered meaningful cash incentives since its establishment. Installers should include Energy Trust documentation guidance in project delivery packages.

OR Property Tax

Oregon Property Tax Exemption — Solar Adds Value Without Adding Tax Burden

Oregon exempts solar energy systems from property tax assessment. A solar installation increasing home value pays zero additional property taxes. Oregon also has no state income tax on solar energy system income. The combination of 1:1 net metering, Energy Trust cash incentives, and property tax exemption makes Portland solar financially attractive after the federal 25D credit expiration.

PNW Tech

Portland's Tech and Semiconductor Corridor — Strong Commercial Solar Market

Portland is home to Intel's largest campus (Hillsboro), Nike's global headquarters (Beaverton), and a growing technology and semiconductor manufacturing sector. These large industrial and commercial facilities create significant commercial rooftop solar and EV fleet charging demand. PGE offers commercial interconnection programs for large-scale installations, and Oregon's net metering and Energy Trust incentives apply to qualifying commercial customers.

AHJ Solar Permit Design Portland

Portland and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — Portland General Electric Interconnection Formatted.

We cover City of Portland and all Portland metro AHJs. PGE or Pacific Power interconnection formatted per address.

Jurisdiction	Utility	Permit Type	Key Notes	Review Time
City of Portland	Portland General Electric	Bldg + Elec	Portland Bureau of Development Services · City-limit addresses · 2–4 week review	2–4 weeks
Beaverton (Washington Co.)	PGE	Bldg + Elec	City of Beaverton Development Services · Own department	2–3 weeks
Hillsboro (Washington Co.)	PGE	Bldg + Elec	City of Hillsboro Building · Intel / tech campus area	2–3 weeks
Gresham (Multnomah Co.)	PGE	Bldg + Elec	City of Gresham Building · East Portland metro	2–3 weeks
Lake Oswego / Tigard	PGE	Bldg + Elec	Own city building depts · Clackamas / Washington Co.	2–3 weeks
Oregon City (Clackamas Co.)	Pacific Power	Bldg + Elec	City of Oregon City Building · Pacific Power territory · Confirm utility	2–4 weeks
Washington County (unincorp.)	PGE	County Bldg + Elec	Washington County Building Services · Unincorporated areas	2–4 weeks

References: PGE Solar · Oregon Energy Trust Solar

What You Get

Solar Permit Package Portland — Portland Solar Permit Plan Sets. Portland General Electric Ready.

Cover Sheet — Portland PV Permit Plans

NEC 2020 · IBC/IRC 2018 (OR) · Portland AHJ · Portland General Electric utility

Site Plan

Meter and Portland General Electric interconnection access · ASCE 7 local wind values · Applicable wind zone

Roof Layout

Portland rooftop conditions · Array diagram · Pitch, azimuth, setbacks · IFC fire access paths

Single-Line Diagram

NEC 2020 §690.12 rapid shutdown · Battery (Article 706) where included · Portland General Electric bidirectional meter

Structural Calculations

IBC/IRC 2018 (OR) · ASCE 7 local wind loads · Gravity and lateral loads · PE stamp for commercial

Rapid Shutdown + Labels

NEC 2020 §690.12 · Battery shutdown interface (Article 706)

Equipment Datasheets + Portland General Electric Interconnection Package

UL-listed module, inverter, racking, and battery datasheets · Portland General Electric interconnection application · State solar incentive notes

Portland Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Portland General Electric Interconnection · NEC 2020 · All Portland AHJs

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How It Works

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Portland AHJ Ready.

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Submit the Project

Share address, specs, and design. We confirm the AHJ, Portland General Electric interconnection, and NEC 2020 format.

5 minutes

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We Build the Plan Set

NEC 2020, IBC/IRC 2018 (OR). Portland AHJ formatted. Portland General Electric interconnection package. Battery where included.

24–48 hours

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Submit Permit + Interconnection

Submit City of Portland or suburb building permit and PGE interconnection simultaneously. PGE interconnection: 4–8 weeks. Free revisions for any AHJ correction on our design.

Free revisions

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The Permit Design Commitment

Solar permit services in Portland — what every installer and EPC gets.

✓AHJ confirmed per address before we build

✓Portland General Electric interconnection package included

✓24–48 hour delivery on standard residential projects

✓NEC 2020 formatted for OR — not California NEC 2026

✓Free revisions for any AHJ correction on our design

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Licensed installers & EPCs only.

FAQ

Questions Portland Installers Ask Us

Portland General Electric (PGE) serves most of the Portland metro including Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Some Clackamas County areas are served by Pacific Power. Oregon law requires both utilities to offer full retail 1:1 net metering for systems under 25 kW. We confirm utility per address before building.

Oregon Energy Trust is a nonprofit that administers energy efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs for PGE and Pacific Power customers in Oregon. Energy Trust offers cash incentives for qualifying residential and commercial solar installations. Incentive amounts change periodically — check energytrust.org for current program values.

Oregon net metering (1:1 full retail for systems under 25 kW). Oregon Energy Trust cash incentives for qualifying installations. Oregon property tax exemption for solar energy systems. Federal 25D residential credit expired December 31, 2025.

NEC 2020 under Oregon state adoption.

Oregon has no statewide PE stamp requirement for standard residential rooftop solar. City of Portland Bureau of Development Services does not typically require a PE stamp for standard residential rooftop installations. Commercial projects require PE-stamped drawings.

City of Portland Bureau of Development Services handles permits for City of Portland addresses. Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and surrounding communities have their own building departments. Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties handle unincorporated areas. We confirm AHJ per address.

Most Portland residential plan sets ship in 24 to 48 hours. Battery same day. Commercial: 3 to 5 business days. Rush available.

Nearby Cities

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Our Services

🏠 Residential Solar 🏗️ Commercial Solar 🔋 Battery Storage 🚗 EV Charger

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Reviewed by the Permit Design Engineering Team — Licensed PE PGE (Portland General Electric) as primary Portland utility confirmed. Oregon 1:1 net metering (under 25 kW, required by OR law) confirmed. Oregon Energy Trust programs for PGE/Pacific Power customers confirmed. NEC 2020 OR adoption confirmed. Oregon property tax exemption for solar confirmed. Federal 25D expiration confirmed. Last reviewed July 2026.

NEC 2020Portland General ElectricOregon 1:1 Net MeteringOregon Energy TrustPortland Solar Drafting ServicesPortland Solar CAD ServicesJuly 2026

Portland Solar Permit Design.
Portland General Electric · Oregon 1:1 Net Metering. Oregon Energy Trust Incentives · Multiple Metro AHJs.

Oregon Law Requires PGE to Offer Full Retail 1:1 Net Metering for Systems Under 25 kW. Oregon Energy Trust Offers Cash Incentives for Qualifying Installations. Multiple Portland Metro AHJs — Confirmed Per Address.

Wrong Utility Application. Oregon Energy Trust Documentation Missing. AHJ Mismatch.

Portland General Electric Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Portland AHJs.

Four Things That Define Solar in Portland.

Portland and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — Portland General Electric Interconnection Formatted.

Solar Permit Package Portland — Portland Solar Permit Plan Sets. Portland General Electric Ready.

Portland Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Portland AHJ Ready.

Questions Portland Installers Ask Us

Portland Plan Sets — 24 Hours.

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Portland Solar Permit Design.Portland General Electric · Oregon 1:1 Net Metering. Oregon Energy Trust Incentives · Multiple Metro AHJs.

Oregon Law Requires PGE to Offer Full Retail 1:1 Net Metering for Systems Under 25 kW. Oregon Energy Trust Offers Cash Incentives for Qualifying Installations. Multiple Portland Metro AHJs — Confirmed Per Address.

Wrong Utility Application. Oregon Energy Trust Documentation Missing. AHJ Mismatch.

Portland General Electric Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Portland AHJs.

Four Things That Define Solar in Portland.

Portland and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — Portland General Electric Interconnection Formatted.

Solar Permit Package Portland — Portland Solar Permit Plan Sets. Portland General Electric Ready.

Portland Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Portland AHJ Ready.

Questions Portland Installers Ask Us

Portland Plan Sets — 24 Hours.

Portland Solar Permit Design.
Portland General Electric · Oregon 1:1 Net Metering. Oregon Energy Trust Incentives · Multiple Metro AHJs.