The City of Happy Valley, OR, a fast-growing suburb of Portland, was recently awarded a grant from Northwest Solar Communities to increase solar photovoltaic installations among homeowners.
With grant funds, the City launched the HV Solar Home Program (HV Solar), an educational campaign with special solar installation opportunities. HV Solar is hinged on partnerships with local solar installers.
Four local installers have opted to partner with the HV Solar campaign: Neil Kelly, Prestige Power Systems, SolarCity, and Sunlight Solar Energy. Participating local installers offer special cost savings to Happy Valley residents. Special savings include bulk pricing for individually purchased solar arrays, 20-year power purchase agreements with no inflation, and menu-style reduced pricing. Program partners receive extensive promotion within the HV Solar Home Program, including representation in educational material.
HV Solar is engaging citizens about solar energy solutions through a variety of resources: City Newsletter articles, digital posts on the City’s website, mailing solar education material, hosting two solar educational presentations by Solar Oregon, and providing a Happy Valley Solar Home Tour. This winter, the City will promote solar energy solutions to developers of new residential construction.
In further support of the Program, the Happy Valley City Council has voted to waive City permit and plan review fees for solar installations through March, 2016. Additional information about HV Solar and upcoming workshops is available on happyvalleyor.gov, or you can email program manager Jaimie Lorenzini directly at jaimiel@happyvalleyor.gov.