Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregonians interested in producing power on their rooftops will get a new way to pay for that, Friday. Rob Manning has more.

Oregonians can already use energy tax credits and other funds to help pay for solar panels.

Lawmakers created an alternative in 2009 called the "Oregon Solar Incentive Program." It offers market-rate payments for 15 years to up to 3,000 homeowners willing to put solar panels on their roofs.

But homeowners wouldn't be able to use state tax credits.

The idea promises an alternative to tax credits, which cut into state revenue. And it offers homeowners a profit incentive.

Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association president, Brent Gunderson, advocated for the program. But he says hidden costs may ultimately doom it.

Gunderson: "It may not get to where we wanted it to be. We have the utilities charging us monthly fees, and insurance requirements that no one knew about going in, or had thought about."

Oregon customers of Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, and Idaho Power are eligible to participate.

To learn more:

For Pacific Power customers: www.pacificpower.net/oregonsolarFor PGE customers: www.portlandgeneral.com/solar