Solar Energy in Portland, OR (2026)
2 verified solar energy rules for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) issues electrical and (when needed) structural permits for residential solar PV systems through its Express Solar Permit program — most rooftop installations are reviewed and issued within 1-3 business days. Net metering with PGE or Pacific Power is governed by Oregon Public Utility Commission rules under ORS 757.612.
Portland Solar Panel Permits (Portland BDS + ORS 757.612 Net Metering)
Few RestrictionsHOA Restrictions
Oregon Revised Statutes 105.880 through 105.895 create a statutory right to solar access easements and protect property owners from homeowner-association rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of solar-energy systems. ORS 94.762 explicitly voids any planned-community provision that prohibits residential solar collectors. Portland HOAs cannot ban rooftop solar panels.
Portland Solar Access — HOA Restrictions Prohibited (ORS 105.880-895)
Few RestrictionsLooking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Solar Energy in Multnomah County →