News
Has it been 32 years already?
Solar Oregon Board President Ron "Mac" McDowell recaps the Community Dinner and 32nd Annual Meeting and Celebration
"Grape Solar could be key to post-tariff solar supply chain"
Several Chinese solar panel manufacturers, in an attempt to bypass potential U.S. tariffs, are considering shifting production to Taiwan and South Korea as part of a remapped supply chain that could culminate in Eugene. Ocean Yuan, majority owner and CEO of Eugene-based solar panel-maker Grape Solar, on Monday said he’s been in discussions with several unidentified Chinese manufacturers about expanding his operations to include assembly of the South Korea and Taiwan-made solar modules.
"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.
"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.
"EPA recognizes Portland, Oregon with a Green Power Leadership Award"
The City of Portland announced today that it has received a 2011 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The annual awards recognize the country’s leading green power users for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market. EPA presented Portland with the Green Power Community of the Year award at an event held in conjunction with the 2011 Renewable Energy Markets Conference in San Francisco, California, on November 16, 2011.
"SolarWorld panels pedal Kaiser toward LEED Gold"
Solar panels from SolarWorld are among the sustainable elements that Kaiser hopes will secure Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for the hospital when it is completed in 2013.
"500-kilowatt solar facility near Joseph generating power"
Thursday afternoon Jonathan Monschke and Louis Perry of Enterprise’s Sun Storage flipped the switch to a 500-kilowatt solar power generating facility outside of Joseph that will power as many as 100 homes. After turning on the power at the Prairie Creek solar project, a tour was given of the City of Joseph’s Sewer and Wastewater Treatment’s 100-kilowatt array that will offset approximately 90 percent of the facility’s power usage. Both systems are part of the Oregon Solar Incentive Program through Pacific Power, Perry said.
"Adams Elementary to unveil 4J's first renewable energy intallation"
The first renewable power system in the Eugene School District will be unveiled during a Nov. 9 ceremony at Adams Elementary School, 950 W. 22nd Ave. The event will take place after school, from 2 to 4 p.m.
"National League of Cities will feature Beaverton's solar program"
The National League of Cities will showcase the Solar Beaverton program at its conference in Phoenix on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The city of Beaverton program will be highlighted as one of six “green cities” in the nation recognized for its creative collaborations, increased efficiency and enhanced quality of life for residents, said Cindy Tatham, the city’s sustainability coordinator.
"New Poll: 9/10 Americans Support Solar"
Americans overwhelmingly support the use and development of solar energy as well as federal incentives for solar, according to the 2011 SCHOTT Solar Barometer™, a nationally representative survey conducted annually by independent polling firm Kelton Research. For the fourth consecutive year, the survey found that about nine out of 10 Americans (89 percent) think it is important for the United States to develop and use solar energy. Support for solar is strong across the political spectrum with 80 percent of Republicans, 90 percent of Independents and 94 percent of Democrats agreeing that it is important for the United States to develop and use solar.
"Portland Ikea going greener with solar, EV charging stations"
Ikea announced Wednesday plan to install solar panels on three additional U.S. locations, including its Portland store. The three new additions to Ikea's solar portfolio — Portland, Draper, Utah and New Haven, Conn. — will bring the total number of U.S. stores outfitted with panels to 23, more than half of the chain's U.S. presence.
"NE Portland community center goes solar, saves taxpayers thousands"
Matt Dishman Community Center is now using solar power to offset its energy consumption, thanks to a federal grant the city has been using for energy upgrades throughout town. The folks who use the community center at 77 N.E. Knott Street likely haven't noticed a change because you can't really see the shiny new solar panels from the street.
"Eugene restaurant adds solar-powered parking for EV's"
Cafe Yumm! cut the ribbon Wednesday in a ceremony attended by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon - and several of Oregon's estimated 1,000 electric car owners. It is the first restaurant in the Pacific Northwest to have expanded the menu to include solar-powered parking.
"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.
"Senators want Obama to dim solar trade"
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski paid a visit Friday to U.S. SolarWorld’s Hillsboro headquarters, touring the facility and meeting with some of the employees of the country’s largest solar cell producer. But the visit wasn’t just to celebrate the power of the Sun, but to shine a light on a myriad of alleged trade violations by the Chinese government and its burgeoning solar industry.
"Ontario ponders participation in pilot solar program"
The Ontario City council split 4-2 on approving motions to allow city staff to gather information on whether the city should be involved in a pilot solar power program proposed by Idaho Power Company and on whether the city should pursue an agreement with a firm to finance the project.
"Oregon 8th in nation for solar jobs"
Oregon’s solar energy employs more than 3,300 workers, making it the nation’s eighth biggest state for solar jobs, according to a new study by the Solar Foundation.
Solar Secret Sauce
Last August, nineteen 6-8th graders and staff from OMSI’s summer science camp visited Yoshida Foods International for an “Eco Class” and a tour of the Portland sauce factory. These 10-12 year olds had the opportunity to see first-hand how businesses use solar technology to provide their energy needs, and Solar Oregon was there to share in the experience.
"Corvallis offers energy-efficiency loans"
If Corvallis residents have a wish list of energy efficiency upgrades they’d like to make before the holidays, now is the time to act. The city of Corvallis has low-interest loans of $2,500 to $10,000 for energy efficiency projects, but the funds are only available through Dec. 31. Read more: http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_ba996250-f88c-11e0-bcef-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1b4TT6IRY
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