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| Solarize Portland is a new volume purchasing program being led by Portland area neighborhood associations. What's your solar potential?Use the Clean Energy Map to find out...
Find events Solarize Portland neighborhood Web sites Other solar program Web sites: BPS is working in partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Solar America Cities Special Projects to facilitate the neighborhood-based volume purchasing program Solarize Portland for solar electric panels in Portland neighborhoods. Solar Now! is a campaign brought to you by Solar Oregon, Oregon Department of Energy, Energy Trust of Oregon and the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Solar Now! connects Oregonians with the resources and assistance they need to choose solar energy.
Solarize Portland efforts around the City are installing solar at record rates! Thanks to volunteer-driven community efforts led by three area neighborhood coalition offices, Solarize Portland is bringing renewable solar energy and the benefits of weatherization to hundreds if not thousands of Portland homes. How it worksThe program helps neighbors decide: who to hire, what to budget, and where to start. Interested neighbors come together to choose a contractor, purchase and install solar as a community, and save significant costs as a result of bulk purchasing of solar electric panels. HistoryOriginally created by SE Uplift and a neighborhood leader in the Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association, the first iteration of the Solarize Portland project quickly expanded to become a partnership between several SE Portland neighborhoods and the SE Uplift Neighborhood Sustainability Program. The first Solarize Portland project (launched June 6, 2009 and closed September 15, 2009) focused on homes in Southeast Portland. However, the interest and excitement around using bulk purchasing to bring down the costs and logistical hurdles of going solar caught on city-wide. The City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has offered to support neighborhood organization to take Solarize Portland citywide.
FAQQ: Is Oregon sunny enough for solar?A: Yes.Even Portland and the rainy Willamette Valley receive as much sunshine annually as the average U.S. city. In fact, solar is Oregon’s most abundant renewable resource. Today, more than 17,000 Oregon households use solar energy systems to generate electricity or heat water.
Q: Is my home right for solar?A: Depends...Solar works best on south-facing roofs, though east- or west-oriented roofs may be suitable as well. There should be little or no shading from trees, buildings, chimneys or roof gables on or adjacent to your home. Remember, locations with no shading in the winter may be shaded by spring and summer foliage.
Q: How much does solar electricity (PV) cost?A: Depends...For a solar electric system, the cost depends on the size of the system and the ease of installation. Before incentives and tax credits, typical costs range from $6,500–$10,000 for each kilowatt (kW) of capacity. With bulk purchasing, costs are likely to be lower. Incentives and tax credits can cover up to 80% of the cost. Bulk purchasing can add an additional 10-15% savings. And low-interest rate financing is available with GreenStreet Lending through Umpqua Bank.
Q: Can I install my own system?A: Yes.However, to qualify for an Energy Trust incentive or an Oregon state tax credit, your system must be installed by an eligible contractor. |
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