"Solar Now! University Equips Solar Champions in Bend"
The third annual Solar Now! University in Bend was our most successful conference yet, with over 60 attendees and 15 communities across Oregon represented. From La Grande to Medford and Portland to Lakeview, community leaders came to learn about solar energy from the best in government, nonprofit, industry and fellow local champions.
Solar Oregon board member Doug Boleyn shows off his first PV panel at SNU purchased in 1982
The third annual Solar Now! University in Bend was our most successful conference yet, with over 60 attendees and 15 communities across Oregon represented. From La Grande to Medford and Portland to Lakeview, community leaders came to learn about solar energy from the best in government, nonprofit, industry and fellow local champions.
Some of this year’s most popular topics included community solar, financing and funding for businesses public and community projects, as well at the evolution of Solarize programs across the state.
“All of the workshops were thoughtfully planned, pertinent to the solar industry, and very informative. It was great to hear how other Solarize communities have or are implementing their programs. Evan Elias' presentation on the EIP was informative and, whereas I had discounted the BETC program as being basically extinct, I will relook at that for our customers.” Sherry Dowiot Rogue Solar and RHT Energy
SNU attendees tour Desert Rain House, Oregon's first residential project to compete in the international living building challenge
For more information: http://desertrainhouse.com
We also had a strong showing this year from Oregon’s solar
industry professionals who were not only able to participate in conveying
accurate and honest information to attendees about our current solar industry,
but also were able to learn from communities about what products and services
they would like to see the industry offer.
“I will develop new
business opportunities from changing solar market conditions, new financing
opportunities, and incentive adjustments. I met people/organizations with
immediate and long-term solar needs i can meet. I can also promote this event
and other SO events knowing people will learn about solar energy and help us
expand the market.” Mark Farrell North Coast, Sustainable Solutions
Lee Rahr, Operations Coordinator with Resource Consultants, enjoys dinner with Lake County Renewable Energy Steering Committee and discusses furthering Solarize Southern Oregon outreach in Lake County.
Most importantly Solar Now! University is about creating a larger, stronger solar community in Oregon. There are many innovative and creative projects happening across the state and SNU is the perfect opportunity to share these. The best way to grow our clean energy economy in Oregon is at the grassroots level and by bringing these players together to share best practices and lessons learned we are better equipped to make things happen.
“Not only was the information useful, but the contacts made were just as important to continue solar advocacy in the state. The wide range of experiences and backgrounds of those who attended really made an impression and gave me a much clearer idea where my organization fits in, as well as what may be missing.” Bridget Callahan Oregon Rural Action
For more information on Solar Now! University >>click here
For information about this year’s speakers and to view presentations >>click here
Special thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible!
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