Solar vs. grid power: how much can you save?
Electricity rates are on the rise. The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that electricity prices in the U.S. rose 6.2% in 2023 alone.
Homeowners across the country are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs and many are turning to solar energy. But just how much can you save with solar and is it worth the investment?
Solar customers can often save tens of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of their solar system. To determine exactly how much you can save, you’ll have to do a little math.
Compare your current cost per kW from PacifiCorp with the cost per kW of your solar system. Then calculate your monthly or yearly expenses across a 25-year period. Finally, subtract your total cost of energy with solar from your total of energy from the grid to determine your savings
A simpler way to estimate your savings potential is to compare your current monthly energy costs with your projected solar payments. If your energy costs are higher than your solar payments, there is a good chance you will see savings.
At Solar Cost Calculator, we suggest that anybody paying more than $100 a month for electricity should consider solar.
What solar incentives PacifiCorp does offer?
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/business.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Construction, Industrial, Federal Government, Agricultural
Incentive Amount : See incentive catalog for full details Lighting: varies widely by type Lighting Controls/Sensors: Varies widely Evaporative Cooling: $0.06/cubic feet per minute Indirect-Direct Evaporative Cooling: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Evaporative Pre-cooler: $75/ton of attached cooling capacity Chillers: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Air Conditioners: $25-$75/ton Advanced Rooftop Controls: $2,800-$4,500 Electronically Commutated Motors: $1/watt or $100/horsepower, depending on which application is filled out Variable-Frequency Drives: $200/horsepower Green Motor Rewinds: $1/horsepower Building Envelope: Varies Food Service Equipment: Varies Widely by Type Clothes Washer: $100 Heat Pump Water Heater: Not specified Smart Plug Strip: $5/qualifying unit Compressed Air: Varies Agricultural Equipment: Varies widely by type Adaptive Refrigeration Control: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Fast Acting Door: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Wastewater-Low Power Mixer: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://wattsmarthomes.com/
Applicable Sectors : Construction, Residential, Installers/Contractors
Incentive Amount : Appliances Clothes Washers: up to $50 Dishwashers: $20 Refrigerators: up to $50 Freezers: up to $20 Heat Pump Clothes Dryers: $230 Heat Pump Water Heater: $400 - $550 Room Air Cleaners: $25 Heating and Cooling Dual Fuel Heat Pumps: up to $2000 Ductless Heat Pumps: up to $750 Air Source Heat Pumps: up to $650 Ground Source Heat Pumps: up to $2500 Smart Thermostats: up to $100 Line Voltage Thermostats: up to $30 Central Air Conditioners: up to $75 Duct Sealing and Insulation: up to $400 Evaporative Coolers: up to $125 Rooftop Heat Tape Timer: up to $100 Bathroom Exhaust Fans: $10 Weatherization Air Sealing: up to $0.10/sq. ft. Insulation: up to $0.65/sq. ft. Windows: up to $3.00/sq. ft. Accessories Engine Block Heater Controls: $125 Smart Plugs: $10 Smart Switches: $10
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/customer-generation.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Institutional
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.pacificpower.net/savings-energy-choices/business/wattsmart-efficiency-incentives-california.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Institutional
Incentive Amount : HVAC Equipment: Varies widely. View website for details Lighting LED Lamps: $1.50 - $30/lamp Lighting Retrofit: $0.09 - $0.46/kWh Non-general Illuminance: $1.50 - $14/linear ft. Interior Lighting: $0.74 - $30/fixture Controlled Environment Agriculture: $0.12/kWh Motors and Drives Electronically Commutated Motors: $50 - $200 Variable-Speed Drives: $120/HP Green Motor Rewinds: $1/HP Food Service Equipment: Varies widely. Visit website for details Compressed Air VFD Controlled Compressor: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Appliance Clothes Washer: $50 Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Wastewater and Refrigeration Wastewater – low power mixer: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Adaptive refrigeration control: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Fast Acting Door: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://wattsmartsavings.net/california-residential/
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : Appliances Clothes Washers: $20/unit Clothes Dryer: $50/unit Refrigerator and Freezer: $20/unit Room Air Cleaner: $40/unit Room A/C: $40/unit Smart Connected Power Strip: $30/unit Other Heat Pump Water Heaters: Up to $400/unit Heat Pump Conversion: $2,500 Ductless Heat Pump: $1,000 New Homes Whole Home: Up to $5,000/unit Smart Thermostat: $50/unit Brushless Fan Motor: $15/ton
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.pacificpower.net/community/blue-sky-projects/funding-applications.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Institutional
Incentive Amount : Varies
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.energytrust.org/renewable-energy/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.energytrust.org/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-wind-power/
Applicable Sectors : Local Government
Incentive Amount : Incentive levels are based on a project’s cost in comparison to the market value of the energy produced, called above-market cost.
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.energytrust.org/solar/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Institutional
Incentive Amount : Varies (see below)
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://insider.energytrust.org/programs/eps-new-construction/eps-for-allies/
Applicable Sectors : Construction, Residential, Installers/Contractors
Incentive Amount : Incentives offered on a sliding scale of $1,123 - $4,085. See program website for incentive details.
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://www.energytrust.org/programs/multifamily/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : Appliances Clothes Washers: $65 - $300 Electric Clothes Dryers: Search for retailers through program website Refrigerator: $50 per unit Heating, Ventilation and Cooling Incentives vary widely by equipment type. See website for details. Windows Windows: $1 - $12/sq ft Storm Windows: $4/sq ft Water Heating Gas Commercial Condensing Tank Water Heater: $3.00/kBTU/h Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater: $1.40/kBTU/h Domestic Hot Water (DHW) Recirculation Pump Controls: $100/system DHW Recirculation Pump Controls: $500/system Residential Tankless Water Heater: $200 - $400/unit Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater: $140 each Lighting and Lighting Controls Incentives vary widely by equipment type. See website for details. Insulation For all building types* Gas Boiler Pipe Insulation - Low Pressure Steam: $10 per linear foot Gas Boiler Pipe Insulation - Hot water used for space heating: $10 per linear foot Domestic Hot Water Pipe Insulation: $10 per linear foot For side-by-side, duplex, triplex and fourplex properties only* Attic/Ceiling Insulation: $1.25 per installed sq ft** Floor Insulation: $0.50 per installed sq ft Wall Insulation: $0.50 per installed sq ft For stacked structures with 5 or more units only* Attic/Ceiling Insulation: $0.25 per installed sq ft Floor Insulation: $0.30 (electric heated only) per installed sq ft Wall Insulation: $0.50 per installed sq ft Commercial Foodservice Equipment Incentives vary widely by equipment type. See website for details. Pool and Spa Commercial Pool Cover: $2 per sq. ft. of pool surface area Commercial Swimming Pool Heater (Covered): $0.90 - $3.00 per sq. ft. of pool surface area Commercial Swimming Pool Heater (Uncovered): $1.00 - $5.00 per sq. ft. of pool surface area Custom Incentives $0.22 per annual kWh savings $3.00 per annual therm savings
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://www.energytrust.org/incentive-groups/residential-appliances/
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount : Incentives vary by retailer
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://www.energytrust.org/residential/
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount : Solar: $400 - $500/project Cooling Solutions: $100 - $1,650 Fireplace: $150 - $250 Heating Solutions: $250 - $1,650 Insulation: $0.50 - $1.50/sq. ft. Kitchen Appliances: Search EnergyStar LED Grow Lights: Search retailers through program website Programmable Thermostat: $80 coupon Washer and Dryer: Search retailers through program website Water Heater: $100 - $700 Windows: $1 - $1.50/sq. ft.
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://energytrust.org/commercial
Applicable Sectors : Commercial
Incentive Amount : Prescriptive and custom incentives available. See website for current incentive offerings.
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://www.energytrust.org/industry-agriculture/
Applicable Sectors : Industrial, Agricultural
Incentive Amount : Varies depending on technology
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://energytrust.org/newbuildings
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : Varies by project type, see website for details.
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website :
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Institutional
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://wattsmartsavings.net/washington-residential/
Applicable Sectors : Construction, Residential, Installers/Contractors
Incentive Amount : Clothes Washers: $62 Heat Pump Clothes Dryers: $750 Central AC: $93 Duct Sealing and Duct Insulation: up to $750 Ductless Heat Pumps: $1,250 Electric Line Voltage Thermostats: $56 Evaporative Coolers: up to $312 Heat Pumps: up to $3,000 Heat Pump Upgrade: $300 Smart Thermostats: Up to $150 Lighting: Varies by type Heat Pump Water Heaters: Up to $900 Insulation: $0.07 - $0.62/square foot Windows: $3.00 - $10/square foot Air Purifier: $40 Engine Block Heater Control: $150
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.pacificpower.net/savings-energy-choices/business/wattsmart-efficiency-incentives-washington.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Institutional
Incentive Amount : Lighting: Varies widely by type Lighting Controls/Sensors: Varies widely Air Conditioners: $31-$93/ton Heat Pumps: $31-$800/ton Evaporative Cooling: Varies Chillers: $0.18/kWh annual energy savings Programmable Thermostat: Up to $300/unit Rooftop Unit Controls: $500-$6,000 HVAC New Construction: $0.18/kWh Variable Frequency Drives: $81/hp Green Motor Rewinds: $1/hp Electronically Commutated Motors: $93/hp Food Service Equipment: $125-$1,250 Compressed Air Equipment: Varies Windows: $0.42/sq. ft. Cool Roof: $0.06/sq. ft. Insulation: $0.08-$0.10/sq. ft. Window Film: $0.18/kWh annual energy savings Clothes Washer: $300 Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $1,500/unit Wastewater Equipment: $0.28/kWh annual energy savings Engine Block Heater Controls: Up to $200/unit Irrigation Measure: Varies widely by type Farm and Dairy Incentives: Varies widely by type Compressed Air: Varies widely by type
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : http://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/utilities/energy/Pages/netMetering.aspx
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Institutional
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/business/wattsmart-efficiency-incentives-wyoming.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Construction, Industrial, Federal Government, Installers/Contractors, Agricultural
Incentive Amount : See incentive catalog for full details Lighting: varies widely by type Lighting Controls/Sensors: Varies widely Evaporative Cooling: $0.06/cubic feet per minute Indirect-Direct Evaporative Cooling: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Evaporative Pre-cooler: $75/ton of attached cooling capacity Chillers: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Air Conditioners: $25-$75/ton Advanced Rooftop Controls: $2,800-$4,500 Electronically Commutated Motors: $1/watt or $100/horsepower, depending on which application is filled out Variable-Frequency Drives: $200/horsepower Green Motor Rewinds: $1/horsepower Building Envelope: Varies Food Service Equipment: Varies Widely by Type Clothes Washer: $100 Heat Pump Water Heater: Not specified Smart Plug Strip: $5/qualifying unit Compressed Air: Varies Oil and gas pump-off controller: $1,500 Agricultural Equipment: Varies widely by type Adaptive Refrigeration Control: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Fast Acting Door: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Wastewater-Low Power Mixer: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://wattsmarthomes.com/
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : New Home Program New home prescriptive path - electrically heated home: $1,000 New home prescriptive path - electrially cooled home: $500 Dual fuel heat pump: $2,000 Appliances Clothes Washers: up to $50 Dishwashers: $20 Refrigerators: up to $50 Freezers: up to $20 Heat Pump Clothes Dryers: $230 Heat Pump Water Heater: $300 - $600 Room Air Cleaners: $25 Heating and Cooling Dual Fuel Heat Pumps: up to $2000 Ductless Heat Pumps: up to $2000 Air Source Heat Pumps: up to $1700 Smart Thermostats: up to $100 Line Voltage Thermostats: up to $30 Central Air Conditioners: up to $50 Duct Sealing and Insulation: up to $600 Electronically Commutated Motors: up to $100 Evaporative Coolers: up to $150 Rooftop Heat Tape Timer: up to $100 Weatherization Air Sealing: $0.10/sq. ft. Insulation: $0.75/sq. ft. Windows: $1.00/sq. ft. Accessories Engine Block Heater Controls: $125 Lighting Occupancy Sensors: $10 Smart Plugs: $10 Smart Switches: $10
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/business.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Construction, Industrial, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : See incentive catalog for full details Lighting: varies widely by type Lighting Controls/Sensors: Varies widely Evaporative Cooling: $0.06/cubic feet per minute Indirect-Direct Evaporative Cooling: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Evaporative Pre-cooler: $75/ton of attached cooling capacity Chillers: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Air Conditioners: $25-$75/ton Advanced Rooftop Controls: $2,800-$4,500 Electronically Commutated Motors: $1/watt or $100/horsepower, depending on which application is filled out Variable-Frequency Drives: $200/horsepower Green Motor Rewinds: $1/horsepower Building Envelope: Varies Food Service Equipment: Varies Widely by Type Clothes Washer: $100 Heat Pump Water Heater: Not specified Smart Plug Strip: $5/qualifying unit Compressed Air: Varies Agricultural Equipment: Varies widely by type Oil and Gas Pump-off Controller: $1,500/Unit Adaptive Refrigeration Control: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Fast Acting Door: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Wastewater-Low Power Mixer: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://wattsmarthomes.com/
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Installers/Contractors, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : Appliances Clothes Washers: up to $25 Dishwashers: $20 Refrigerators: up to $25 Freezers: up to $25 Heat Pump Clothes Dryers: $150 Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Room Air Cleaners: $25 Heating and Cooling Dual Fuel Heat Pumps: up to $1800 Ductless Heat Pumps: up to $1700 Air Source Heat Pumps: up to $1600 Ground Source Heat Pumps: up to $2000 Smart Thermostats: up to $75 Electronically commutated Motors: up to $100 Duct Sealing and Insulation: up to $400 Evaporative Coolers: up to $125 Rooftop Heat Tape Timer: up to $100 Room Air Conditioners: $20 Whole House Ventilation Fans: $75 Bathroom Exhaust Fans: $10 Weatherization Air Sealing: up to $0.10/sq. ft. Insulation: up to $0.65/sq. ft. Windows: up to $3.00/sq. ft. Accessories Engine Block Heater Controls: $125 Lighting Occupancy Sensors: $10 Smart Plugs: $5 Smart Switches: $10 Multifamily Rebates Market Rate Rebate per kWh saved New Construction: $0.23/kWh saved HVAC: $0.39/kWh saved Lighting: $0.11/kWh saved Appliances: $0.20/kWh saved Building Shell: $0.23/kWh saved Windows: $0.39/kWh saved Domestic Hot Water: $0.20/kWh saved HP Water Heater: $0.39/kWh saved Low Income Rebate per kWh saved New Construction: $0.28/kWh saved HVAC: $0.47/kWh saved Lighting: $0.13/kWh saved Appliances: $0.23/kWh saved Building Shell: $0.27/kWh saved Windows: $0.47/kWh saved Domestic Hot Water: $0.23/kWh saved HP Water Heater: $0.47/kWh saved
Implementing Sector : Utility
Net metering with PacifiCorp
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/customer-generation.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Institutional
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website :
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Institutional
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : http://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/utilities/energy/Pages/netMetering.aspx
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Institutional
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Installing and connecting your solar system
When you install a solar system in PacifiCorp territory, these are steps you can expect to go through:
Once you’ve hired a contractor, you will need to communicate with PacifiCorp to prepare the interconnection paper. Your contractor will handle most of these responsibilities
After the interconnection agreement has been finalized, your contractor can begin the installation process.
Once your system is installed, it needs to be inspected for safety and code compliance.
After the final inspection, you will receive a written notice within a few days that your system is approved to operate. You can turn on the system yourself or you can contact your installer for further assistance.
Most homeowners prefer to do it themselves. The whole process should only take 10 - 15 minutes.
Is solar worth it for PacifiCorp customers?
The short and sweet answer is a resounding YES. Going solar is definitely worth it for PacifiCorp customers. The average homeowner in _UtilityCompanyName_ can save an estimated #### over the lifespan of their solar system.
Going solar is a long game so you need to think several years ahead. It can take a few years to hit your break even period. But between net metering and solar incentives, you can drastically reduce that timeframe.
Want to get an idea for what it will cost you to go solar with PacifiCorp? You can use our Solar Cost Calculator to generate a customized estimate instantly. We take into consideration a wide range of criteria including location, electric bill, roof size, and other factors. Try it out today and start planning for your future.
