Portland, OR Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Under Portland City Code Title 26 (Electrical Code) and Title 24 (Building Code), any rooftop solar PV system requires an electrical permit and, for ground-mounted or large systems, a structural permit. BDS runs an Express Solar Permit program for standard residential PV: licensed electrical contractors submit plans through the Development Hub portal, and most permits are issued within 1-3 business days at a flat fee (currently $208 for an electrical-only solar permit, plus 12% state surcharge). For systems that require structural review (heavier modules, unusual roof framing, or ground-mount), a separate structural permit is required and may take 2-4 weeks. Inspection is performed by BDS field inspectors after installation. Interconnection with the utility is regulated by the Oregon Public Utility Commission under ORS 757.612 (net metering): Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power both offer net metering for systems up to 25 kW residential, with monthly net energy credits applied at the retail rate and any annual surplus credited at the utility's avoided-cost rate. The utility must execute an interconnection agreement within 20 business days for standard residential systems under OAR 860-039. Federal incentives include the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (IRS Form 5695). Oregon's state tax credit (RETC) was sunset in 2018, but the Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives for solar (currently around $0.20-$0.40 per watt for PGE and Pacific Power customers).