PlugInSolarMap.com
Take ActionNotify me
All states
☀️

New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Oregon

Not yet legal

Oregon has some of the strongest general solar-access laws in the country (ORS 94.760, 94.778, 100.175), and both PGE and Pacific Power are required to offer net metering at full retail rate for systems up to 25kW. However, a 2026 bill (HB 4080) that would have exempted plug-in 'balcony solar' from interconnection agreements did NOT pass, after opposition from electrician and firefighter groups citing safety concerns — so small plug-in devices currently fall under standard interconnection rules.

Get notified when Oregon goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when Oregon passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in Oregon While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in Oregon right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$299
Check price ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$449
Check price ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$749
Check price ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

→

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 5.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 28% over the past 5 years
From $0.102/kWh in 2021 → $0.130/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
5.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.102
2021
$0.107
2022
$0.112
2023
$0.118
2024
$0.124
2025
$0.130
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.345/kWh
at 5.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$1,699
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a Oregon Law Could Look Like

⚡

Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A Oregon law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

💸

High rates = strong economics

At Oregon's avg. $0.130/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $114/year. Payback in as few as 7 years at current rates.

🏠

Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Oregon?
It's not banned, but under current rules any grid-tied device — including small plug-in solar units — technically requires a standard interconnection agreement with PGE or Pacific Power. A 2026 bill (HB 4080) that would have exempted balcony solar from this requirement did not pass.
Can my HOA block solar panels in Oregon?
No — Oregon's solar access laws (ORS 94.760, 94.778, 100.175) make HOA provisions that unreasonably restrict solar installations void. HOAs can only impose reasonable placement and screening rules.
Does PGE or Pacific Power offer net metering?
Yes, both utilities are required to offer net metering at full retail rate for residential systems up to 25kW, which is one of the more favorable net metering policies in the country.
What happened with Oregon's balcony solar bill?
HB 4080 (2026) would have allowed plug-in balcony solar devices to connect to the grid without a formal interconnection agreement. It did not pass, after opposition from electrician and firefighter groups citing fire and electrical safety concerns.
Is Oregon a good state for plug-in solar?
Oregon's clean energy policy is very supportive (targeting 100% clean electricity by 2040), and its solar access laws are strong, but the lack of a plug-in-specific exemption means small devices technically face the same interconnection paperwork as larger systems for now.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment Oregon files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.