News
Site News
"Solar industry asks Congress to extend incentive"
The U.S. solar industry is lobbying Congress to extend a tax break that’s helped it more than double in size over the past two years. The Section 1603 Treasury Program, enacted in 2009, enables developers of renewable energy projects to receive a grant, in lieu of a tax credit, when their projects come on line. This program “has been the single most effective policy driving renewable energy growth during the past two years,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. The program is scheduled to expire, however, at the end of this year. If Congress is serious about creating jobs—and supporting renewable energy—it should extend this break for another year, Resch said.
"New deals shaking up solar industry in Oregon"
Two new options that are shaking up Oregon’s solar industry and bringing solar power to a broader sector of people. Welcome to the new era of solar leasing and solar prepayments, which enable homeowners to reap the benefits of rooftop solar systems without owning the panels.
Getting to Zero Net Energy for Transportation
Solar Oregon Board Member Bruce Barney combines a PV system with an electric vehicle to get to Zero Net Energy for transportation.
"Beaverton offers solar power at a savings"
Some competitors wish pilot program had been open to bidding process. Beaverton took one of its first visible steps in pursuing its sustainability goals last week, by launching a new program: Solar Beaverton.
"Coast Guard to the rescue"
Cutter Steadfast crew helps Astoria Middle School finish passive solar greenhouse project
"Let the sun pay the bills"
Rural Newberg couple installs a large solar array through a PGE power buy-back pilot program
"New armory dedication set for Wednesday"
Ontario - The system, once it is operational, will boast one of the largest solar power arrays on the Idaho Power electrical grid. The proposed system is capable of producing more than 100 kilowatts of energy per hour.
Oregon Department of Energy seeks input on renewable energy incentive programs
The Oregon Department of Energy is seeking input on the new Energy Incentives Programs (formerly BETC), and Residential Energy Tax Credit program.
"Oregon wineries go green cutting carbon"
Fourteen Oregon wineries claim to be the first in the country to complete a carbon reduction program. The Vineyard growers believe climate change is real and that reducing carbon emissions will lead to temperature stabilization here in Oregon.
"Federal Solar Energy Plans Skip Oregon"
Top federal officials Thursday unveiled plans to accelerate large-scale solar energy developments across the West. But as Rob Manning reports, those plans don’t include Oregon.
"Solar-power program expanding to North and Northwest Portland"
Portland's pioneering community solar-power program is coming to North and Northwest Portland, giving residents there the chance to install home solar electric systems at a steeply discounted rate. Two neighborhood coalitions -- North Portland Community Services and Neighbors West-Northwest -- are organizing the program, which lets residents join to purchase home solar-power systems as a group, netting wholesale prices. Additional tax credits and a cash-incentive program help bring down costs even more.
"Financial incentives bolster a push for solar"
Oregon is pushing solar energy at a premium price. A new pilot project will reward a select group of homeowners and businesses with monthly checks for installing solar cells. Customers of the state's largest utilities will be funding the program through their electric bills
"Oregon solar company to unveil new products"
Oregon solar power company Azuray Technologies is unveiling two new products Tuesday. They're meant to increase the power coming off a solar array by as much as 25 percent.
"Beaverton's pilot solar program came close to reaching its goal of 50 homes"
The goal for the pilot program: Solar energy for 50 new homes by Aug. 31. Four months later, Solar Beaverton didn't quite hit its goal of 50 -- 45 homes signed contracts, with a few others still in negotiations -- but city officials who sponsored the project say they're pleased with the results nonetheless.
"Communities go solar together, save money"
The group of neighbors, called "Solarize Salem," is the latest in a wave of grass-roots efforts around the country to connect homeowners interested in solar power.
"Family harvests solar power in place of crops"
This past week the largest ground-mounted solar farm in the region went on line at the 88-acre Lever Family Farm in Aurora.
Open House in Beaverton
Dan and Kendal McDonald will hold an open house on June 5th to encourage their fellow community members to participate in the Solar Beaverton Residential Home Program.
"Crook County emerges as solar energy hot spot"
Projects ranging from a government initiative involving 20 to 30 buildings to the Facebook data center draw on a growing network of solar designers, installers and manufacturers based in Central Oregon.
"Oregon Department of Energy Releases Information on New Rounds of Renewable Energy Generation Applications for the BETC Program"
"Scientists use inkjet printing to produce solar cells"
Solar energy may soon become easier to capture, say researchers who have developed a novel method to produce solar cells using inkjet printing.
"Largest ground-mounted solar array in Clackamas Co. turns on"
A 500-killowatt solar farm was switched on Friday at the Lever Family Farm in Aurora, the largest of its kind in Clackamas County.
"Study: Solar industry could add 14,500 jobs in Oregon"
If federal incentive programs are extended through 2012, just over 14,500 new solar jobs could be created in Oregon by 2016, according to a report out Thursday from the Solar Energy Industry Association
"SolarWorld's Panels in Largest US Solar-Equipped Affordable Housing Project"
SolarWorld's panels will provide electricity to 1000 low-income families in Santa Barbara County, California. The 2 megawatt (MW) system is believed to be the nation's largest for a government-sponsored affordable housing project. All told, more than 7,200 solar panels - made by SolarWorld - will offset 100% of the energy consumption of 863 units of affordable housing, including both tenant and common areas, and trim power costs for both the Housing Authority and residents.
"Bonus Incentives for Oregon Businesses"
Energy Trust of Oregon is helping commercial and industrial customers who may be impacted by changes to state energy tax credits by providing bonus cash incentives for qualified lighting upgrades and custom capital energy efficiency improvements. To be eligible for these bonus incentives, a project must be enrolled with Energy Trust September 1 or later and be completed by December 15, 2011.
"SoloPower leases 225,250 square feet in North Portland"
SoloPower will lease a 225,250-square-foot building in the Rivergate Industrial District in North Portland. The facility will produce flexible solar panels and will initially employ 170 workers. At full build-out, after $340 million in planned investment, it will employ 500.
"Beaverton solar project offers discount in pilot program"
Prompted by a February pledge to create a solar program for Beaverton residents, Mayor Denny Doyle this week will announce a partnership with a California business to offer discounted solar systems to about 50 homes, marking the first major initiative for the city's new sustainability program.
"Oregon groups get $7M for solar pilot"
Eight agencies from around the state learned Thursday that they will collectively receive nearly $7 million for two pilot programs to install solar panels on homes and implement other sustainability and energy efficiency improvements.
"Solar firm lands Costco sale"
The warehouse store chain is trying out sales of the Eugene company’s panels in 16 outlets. News.
"Timber frame home goes off-grid in Oregon"
USA Today: The 2,900 square foot home, chosen as "This Week's Green House," uses other recycled materials, such as stainless steel with a shimmery patina for a kitchen countertop. Its greenest feature may be its 27 rooftop solar panels which provide all its power. Since the house, on 27 acres, was so far from public utilities, Smith decided to go off-grid. The 5.1 kilowatt system cost $54,00 before tax credits and about $24,000 after them.
"Government support for renewable energy development must continue"
Solyndra's recent bankruptcy, on the heels of similar action by two other U.S.-based solar panel manufacturers, is seen as a major blow to U.S. efforts to become a leader in clean energy development. China now has three-fifths of the world's solar panel production capacity. What is more, Solyndra received $535 million in loan guarantees from the U.S. government. In the era of monumental government debt, critics cite this as a prime example of government waste; however, such a depiction would be a gross misrepresentation of the loan guarantee program. In fact, the federal government should accelerate its efforts and do more to develop and support clean energy and greater energy efficiencies.
"Data Center BendBroadband Vault Deploys Multiple Green Practices"
Data center operator BendBroadband Vault (www.bendbroadbandvault.com) announced on Friday it has recently opened 30,000 square-foot BendBroadband Vault in Central Oregon is substantiating its claims for extreme energy efficiency, slashing energy consumption by an estimated 600kW compared to standard data centers. The company partnered with Sunlight Solar and Advanced Energy PV Powered to create a truly sustainable facility, which opened in April.
"'Back Scatter Radar' Site To Be Used For Solar Power Installation"
The Oregon Military Department is making a big investment on green energy. The agency is building a million dollar solar instillation east of Christmas Valley. The array is part of the agency’s plan to produce as much energy as it uses. The Back Scatter Radar Site used to consume massive quantities of electricity when the Air Force used it to scan the horizon for incoming targets.
"'Fool's gold' aids discovery of new options for cheap, benign solar energy"
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Pyrite, better known as "fool's gold," was familiar to the ancient Romans and has fooled prospectors for centuries – but has now helped researchers at Oregon State University discover related compounds that offer new, cheap and promising options for solar energy.
"Oregon solar code needs tweaking"
A code developed by the Oregon Building Codes Division will establish requirements for installing photovoltaic systems. But the code would limit which parts a solar installer could use to attach solar panels to roofs. That doesn’t sit well with solar installers, solar manufacturers or the people in charge of writing the code.
"Oregon’s Solar Pilot Program: Snapshot of October 2011 Capacity Allocation"
OrOn Oct. 3, the investor-owned utilities began accepting applications for installations under the solar pilot program with several changes from previous capacity allocations. The PUC reduced the volumetric incentive rate (VIR) by 20% from the April 2011 allotment (down to 37.4¢/kWh) and applicants were awarded capacity through a lottery process, rather than first-come, first-served. Additionally, applicants who received allocations of capacity through the lottery were required to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit.
"Solar panels help power Facebook's LEED gold data center in Prineville"
Facebook's new energy-efficient data center in Oregon has received top marks from the U.S. Green Building Council. The data center, located in Prineville, Oregon and designed to be "one of the most energy efficient in the world," has received LEED Gold Certification from the council. The end result is a data center that requires 52 percent less energy to operate than a comparable facility, said the company.
"2011 ASES Trip Report"
Solar Oregon Board Member Kacia Brockman reports back on her participation in the American Solar Energy Society conference in Raleigh, NC.
News
Solar Oregon covers the latest news about developments in solar energy for Oregon. Portland News, Salem News, Pendleton News, Bend News, La Grande News, Ashland News, Medford News, Astoria News, Coos Bay News, Lincoln City News, Newport News, Eugene News, Corvallis News, Hood River News, The Dalles News, Klamath Falls News
"Southern Oregon potato farm goes solar to cut power bills"
Southern Oregon potato farm goes solar to cut power bills
"In Oregon, Last Stand for Commercial Solar?"
Oregon is in the midst of a drastic shift in its solar strategy, only you wouldn't notice it based on recent news. The state in late August launched efforts on two big, highly visible projects -- one just off a major highway and the other across parts of its university system. But those projects were widely funded by money locked in long ago from the all-but-extinct Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC), which was essentially defunded during the state’s last biennium budget. The two projects launched in Oregon got in under the wire, but they may also serve another purpose. Their visibility could be seen as a daily reminder of the communal and economic power of large-scale solar. That, in turn, may help build public support once the next two-year budget begins to take shape.
"Military Deal To Double The U.S.'s Rooftop Solar Installations"
Solar Oregon professional member, SolarCity, is undertaking the United States’s largest residential solar project, a $1 billion, 371-megawatt program to put 160,000 photovoltaic installations on privately owned military housing and other structures in 33 states. If built out, the five-year project, dubbed SolarStrong, would double the number of solar installations in the U.S. The project is being financed by Bank of America Merrill Lynch and USRG Renewable Finance and underwritten with a partial $344 million federal loan guarantee.
"Oregon Department of Energy Renewable Energy Tax Credit Changes Effective 7/1/10"
Oregon Department of Energy Renewable Energy Tax Credit Changes Effective 7/1/10
"Solar power will cut costs at BLM site"
The federal government plans to reduce its carbon footprint by installing solar panels at its Medford interagency compound, a move that could save some $6,000 annually in its power bill. In addition, it is upgrading solar power installations for two historic sites off the power grid in the lower Rogue River's wild and scenic section.
"Oregon trims tax credits for residential solar panels"
Oregon solar installers say a rule quietly enacted by a state agency July 1 -- and announced late Wednesday -- cuts a crucial tax credit, boosting costs of rooftop residential energy production.
"Passive House Popular in Portland"
The Passive House concept is being actively implemented in Portland. The method’s popularity among builders and architects is rising as the industry seeks to accomplish ambitious goals to cut energy use.
"Oregon students charge their ideals by bringing power to African villages"
Nine Oregon Institute of Technology students will install solar panels this summer and bring electricity to isolated villages
Solar Oregon Ambassadors Celebrate PV + EV at Home
Solar Ambassadors Richard and Pauline Mather have a new companion for their residential solar system: A luminescent, pearl-colored 2011 Nissan Leaf all-electric powered car.
Couple Pioneers Green Lifestyle
Richard and Pauline Mather were the first residential customers with Salem Electric to install a solar system at their West Salem home, and just recently they were among the first in the Willamette Valley to purchase a Nissan LEAF.
"He walks the talk on sustainability"
His nine-year journey toward living green began small: planting an organic garden and using low VOC paint. It grew larger: installing 47 solar panels and other systems to help his home achieve net zero carbon emissions. And eventually gigantic: making a $2 million documentary film, "Deep Green," about how people the world over are reducing fossil fuel dependence.
"A little sunshine for Coos County's local economy"
A solar panel project organized by Oregon Coast Community Action is cutting energy costs and bringing a cash infusion to the local economy. The $1.24 million project, funded by a U.S. Department of Energy Sustainable Energy. Resources for Consumers Program grant, began in October and is on schedule to wrap up installations at Coos County locations by the end of February. An additional $250,000 in incentive dollars from the Energy Trust of Oregon helped pay for the project.
"Here Comes the Sun"
More than 50 people gathered at Corvallis High School on Friday afternoon to celebrate the installation of a 2.3-kilowatt solar system on the school’s roof.
"The Net-Zero-Energy Renovation"
With a background in green building and community development, James Santana has been a part of the Pringle Creek development team since the property was purchased in 2005, helping plan and design Oregon’s first LEED Platinum home, the Pringle Creek cottage; and Painters Hall, Oregon’s first LEED Platinum net-zero-energy commercial building.
Contribute 
Community Action!
Workshops and Events
