By: Nathalie Weinstein, Daily Journal of Commerce Portlan

The state’s first solar feed-in tariff installation in Pacific Power’s Oregon territory is up and running.

Crooked River Ranch resident George Jameson last week saw his 3.24 kilowatt solar electric system go live thanks to the pilot incentive program. The feed-in tariff system allows utility companies to pay customers who have solar panels for the power they produce. The amount of power a system produces is deducted from the customer’s electricity bill. Jameson’s system was installed by Sunlight Solar of Bend.

“Previous incentive systems (for solar installations) were geared toward tax credits, so you needed a high income to take advantage,” Jameson said. “This system made it more viable for someone with an average income to install solar.”

The feed-in tariff program was launched July 1 by Pacific Power and Portland General Electric under the direction of the Oregon Legislature.