A program in Deschutes County is knocking down barriers for homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs.

“I built this house back in 2005 and my intention at the time was to put solar on it then, but I couldn’t afford it,” said Chuck Tucker, who lives in Bend. “In 2005, when I was pricing out solar that it was going to cost me $24,000, and I think today, with the incentives, it was $21,000.”

Tucker saved thousands with incentives and tax write-offs through the Solarize Deschutes program.

“Compared to data that we’ve seen from Energy Trust of Oregon, it’s about 20% lower than the statewide average (installation),” said Lindsey Hardy, director of climate solutions programs at The Environmental Center. 

The Environmental Center in Bend is helping lead the charge, partnering with other community organizations for homeowners who couldn’t otherwise pay for the nearly $30,000 upgrade.

“Another piece of the campaign is that Energy Trust of Oregon is offering increased incentives for folks who are low-to-moderate income,” Hardy said. “Some folks who are low-to-moderate income will have the opportunity to be able to access zero-interest loans to help cover the cost.”

The Environmental Center says some qualified buyers have saved up to 80% off total project costs. Surveying and preparation can take a few months, but once crews are on the ground, the project is complete in less than a week.

“Generally, we have four or five people on the install crew,” E2 Solar installer Gavin Ames said. “A couple of days, we’ll have one or two electricians down on the ground doing the interconnection stuff, and then we’ll have two or three guys on the roof.”

The deadline to sign up for Solarize Deschutes is Oct 31. The campaign’s installation window will remain open through June 2025.

“I think we ought to do a whole lot more of it because sunlight is a whole lot cheaper than fossil fuels, and I’m trying to get away from that,” Tucker said.

For more information about the program, click here.