28 Years of Solar:

A History of Solar Oregon

By Marnie McPhee

Solar Oregon was created as the Solar Energy Association of Oregon in 1979 to educate Oregonians about energy conservation, energy efficiency and sustainable energy sources, particularly solar. We are the Oregon chapter of the American Solar Energy Society.

The Solar Energy Association of Oregon (SEAO) arose during a global oil crisis, when President Jimmy Carter turned the nation toward solar energy and conservation. Oregon was a hub of activity, with active solar energy education groups throughout the state, plus innovative laws and policies, and a vibrant solar industry. This activity was supported by state and federal tax credits and other financial incentives, and with resources from the Oregon Department of Energy and Oregon State University’s Energy Extension Program.

SEAO served as a leading educational and policy resource. Our annual conferences brought national experts to Oregon, and our presentations, workshops and newsletters provided current and accurate information. Thousands of people learned about innovative and effective solar energy system designs during our annual solar home tours. SEAO also catalyzed the formation of other solar groups in communities throughout Oregon.

Until the mid-1990s, SEAO was a leader in the creation and passage of landmark energy-related legislation, policies and programs that have kept Oregon in the forefront of renewable energy activity nationwide. Our areas of focus included utility restructuring, global warming, conservation planning, energy-efficient buildings, and solar access. To continue this important energy policy work, SEAO helped create several effective organizations: Northwest Conservation Act Coalition (now called the Northwest Energy Coalition), Renewable Northwest Project and the Fair and Clean Energy Coalition.

SEAO members were active in founding the Environmental Federation of Oregon (now called Earth Share of Oregon) to secure funding through workplace donations for SEAO and other organizations working to protect and improve Oregon’s natural environment and quality of life.  SEAO members were also active in founding the Citizens Utility Board as an advocate for energy consumers.

In 1999 SEAO became a founding partner in Oregon’s Million Solar Roofs Initiative coalition. The coalition’s member organizations still work cooperatively to organize solar home tours and publish the Green + Solar Building Oregon magazine. 

With decades of innovation and dedication, we have helped establish a broad and diverse solar infrastructure in Oregon, and continue to fuel Oregonians’ interest in solar. In 2007 we changed our name from SEAO to Solar Oregon. Today, Solar Oregon focuses on education and outreach to encourage Oregonians to choose solar energy.

Our programs include:

·       Workshops and presentations

·       Solar home tours

·       Informational tables at events

·       Newsletter

·       Web site (www.solaroregon.org)

·       Lesson plans for K-12

·       Library of books and teaching tools

Solar Oregon is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization.  Our success is fueled by our members and volunteers.  We hope that you will contact us to find out how you can get involved.