The City of Portland has been awarded grant funds from the Oregon Community Foundation's Penstemon Fund in the amount of $100,000. These funds will enable the installation of a solar electric system on Portland Parks & Recreation's Southwest Community Center, providing an opportunity for a wider range of Portlanders to engage in the expansion of clean local energy production. 

Follow this project here or call Andria Jacob, 503-823-7616.

More information about regional successes of community-owned solar

This data is updated semiannually based on data from the Oregon Department of Energy. Thanks to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s GIS team for building the map. 

Andria Jacob

Senior Program Manager

Andria manages BPS’ portfolio of clean energy programs. Andria has over 13 years of experience in clean energy and sustainability program design, delivery and policy development. Andria was closely involved in the development of the nationally-recognized residential energy retrofit financing program, Clean Energy Works Oregon. She has overseen a range of successful energy and sustainability programs during her tenure at the City, including Solarize Portland, the BEST Business Center and the Multifamily Weatherization Program. She began her career in energy efficiency at E Source and worked for Ecos Consulting for several years prior to joining BPS. She holds an MA in environmental policy from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a BA in economics from Lehigh University. When she’s not at work, she can be found chasing around her active pre-schooler, in her garden or curled up with a novel.

Kyle Diesner

Policy Analyst

Kyle is a policy analyst at the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS). He has been with BPS since 2003 and works primarily on climate change planning, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Kyle is currently working with the Clean Energy team on efficiency and renewable energy programs and is also in charge of completing the annual inventory of carbon emissions for the City and Multnomah County. Kyle is the Co-chair of the BPS Diversity Committee and dedicates a portion of his time to the Bureau’s social equity initiatives. From 2006 to 2009 Kyle worked on the Sustainable City Government program, where he coordinated the Portland Clean Diesel Partnership. As a policy analyst Kyle continues to provide analytical support to a variety of BPS programs including recycling, composting and the Bureaus long range planning efforts. He has several years of experience in grant administration where he has overseen a total of $2.5 million worth of funding. Kyle has a BS in environmental science from Humboldt State University.  

Marlowe Kulley

Program Coordinator

Marlowe coordinates the development of a variety of policies and programs for BPS.  She helps oversee more than $23 million in grant funds supporting Clean Energy Works Oregon, a non-profit organization helping homeowners make energy upgrades by providing pre-approved contractors, expert advice and simple financing. She is also working on new financing and technical support services to help small businesses make energy improvements to their buildings. Marlowe earned an MA in sustainable development from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia and a BS in biology from Brown University.

Solar America Communities 

In 2007, the City of Portland received a Solar America Cities Award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Solar America Initiative: Solar Market Transformation for Solar City Strategy Partnerships” fund. A total of $2.5 million was awarded to the 13 cities.

The City’s two-year, $200,000 grant from 2007-2009 helped Portland to facilitate the widespread adoption of solar technology by citizens and businesses. The funds were used to educate the public about the viability of solar in rainy and cloudy climates, build demand for solar technology, and increase economic opportunity for solar manufacturers and installers.

In 2009, BPS received its second U.S. DOE grant award to increase the number of residents in Portland that use solar energy to power their homes over a two year period. Portland was one of 16 U.S. cities to receive a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Solar America Cities Special Projects. A total of $10 million was awarded to the 16 cities to address specific barriers to solar adoption in urban settings and support innovative approaches that can be widely replicated. 

The two year grant award for $400,000 facilitated the continued partnership with U.S. DOE and the City of Portland to execute the Neighborhood Solar Initiative — a complementary suite of neighborhood-focused activities and programs designed to lower the barriers to solar installations for residents. The initiative builds on the wealth of social capital and civic infrastructure in the City of Portland's nationally recognized neighborhood system and couples it with powerful new tools for financing solar energy systems emerging in Oregon.

Better Buildings Neighborhood Program 

In April 2010 the City of Portland was awarded a $20 million competitive grant from the US Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Under this award Clean Energy Works Oregon [link to 1.1 CEWO] will finance and  deliver 6,000 energy efficiency building retrofits and create 1,300 quality jobs over the next
three years.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant 

In October 2009 the City of Portland was awarded $5.6 million under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.  Under this award the City will execute fourteen energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, ranging from window and lighting replacements to technical assistance to financing home energy retrofits under the Clean Energy Works Portland pilot.

Oregon Department of Energy 

State Energy Program 

In June 2010 the Oregon Department of Energy awarded the City of Portland $2 million in State Energy Program funds to support the delivery of award to Clean Energy Works Oregon.

• Energy Trust of Oregon 
• Portland General Electric  
• Pacific Power 
• NW Natural 
• Solar Oregon 
• Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association 

A host of companies have entered the leasing game, led by SolarCity and SunRun — two California companies operating in several states.

The SunRun Model

The SunRun model works like this: Homeowners typically pay several thousand dollars upfront front (though there may be $0 down-payment options), and SunRun installs a solar system on their rooftop. Homeowners then pay a lease fee that varies with the size of the system and the initial down-payment. Homeowners may choose to put more money down up-front and lock in lower rate for the term of the lease, or pay less and spread the costs out over time.

The SolarCity Model

SolarCity’s offer works similarly to SunRun’s model with one key difference:  SolarCity is a full service provider, using it’s own in-house designers, engineers and installers to construct and maintain the systems they own, while SunRun contracts with  independent solar contractors to source, install and maintain their systems.

To Lease is Not To Own

SunRun and SolarCity’s models are fairly representative of the norm. However, it is important to understand that solar leasing programs are not rent-to-own schemes. If you want to own a system, buy it up-front, but if you want to lower your electricity bills with minimal initial investment, lease.

While leasing arrangements will save money immediately, they are not a path to long-term “free” solar electricity that many people seek when installing solar. After the lease term is up, homeowners may choose to renew the lease under a new contract or have the panels removed.

If ownership is preferred, then there are other financing paths, typically bank loans. While ownership can cost more up-front (or in debt) and means more responsibility for the system, it also leads to bigger savings down the road and more control over one’s personal energy future. Solar leasing is a matter of convenience.

Source information: http://solar.calfinder.com/

Incentives and tax credits are always subject to change. A good, central resource for up-to-date incentive information is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).

Note: The following information on incentives and tax credits is not tax advice. You should consult with a tax professional to understand how tax credits may effect you.

Federal Tax Credit

The federal government offers a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost to install your system, with no cap. To claim the credit, fill out  Residential Energy Credit Form 5695 when you complete your Federal income tax return. There is no other application material, though you should keep documentation of your project’s cost and proof of payment for your records. 

Tax credits, unlike tax deductions, reduce your tax liability directly: dollar for dollar. Provided you have sufficient tax liability to claim the credit, a $1,000 tax credit will be worth a full $1,000 to you in reduced taxes. If you typically pay your taxes through employer withholding throughout the year, a tax credit will likely result in a refund. If you normally owe taxes at the end of the year, the tax credit will directly reduce how much you would otherwise pay. 

If you have insufficient tax liability to claim your entire tax credit in one year, you may carry forward any remaining credit. More details about carry forward can be found on the Form 5695. Note that the Residential Energy Tax Credit is not a refundable tax credit.

State Tax Credits

Oregon Department of Energy offers a Residential Energy Tax Credit of $2.10 per watt of solar electric modules installed, up to $6,000 (and you claim a maximum of $1,500 per year). For solar water heating systems, they provide $0.15/kWh of estimated annual energy savings, up to $1,500.  

As with the federal tax credit, if you have insufficient tax liability to claim your tax credit in any given year, you may carry forward the remaining credit, though there are limits on how long you have to use the carry forward. More details at oregon.gov/energy.

Energy Trust of Oregon Incentives

Energy Trust offers cash rebates to customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, as well as NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas for gas back-up solar water heating systems. They provide incentives for solar electric and solar water heating systems that are installed by qualified contractors in their Trade Ally Network. Their solar electric incentives are subject to change base don demand, so check their website for the most up-to-date information. Energy Trust offers a  solar calculator that shows how their incentive works with the state and federal tax credit to bring down the cost of a solar electric installation. 

For solar water heating systems, they offer a flat incentive that ranges from $550 to $1,200 per system, depending on system type and location. Learn more on their solar water heating webpages.

Feed-in Tariff Pilot

In 2009, the Oregon legislature passed a law establishing a new solar incentive option in Oregon (feed-in tariff). Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power can apply to be part of the program as capacity is available. Customers who opt to use this incentive are not eligible for Energy Trust incentives or a state tax credit, though they can still claim the federal tax credit. 

A feed-in tariff is an incentive program in which the electric utility pays the owner of a solar electric system a fixed premium rate for every renewable kilowatt-hour generated over a period of time. Those payments allow the owner to recoup their investment over time. This model has been used successfully in Germany. 

For more information, visit the utility’s websites:

• Portland General Electric Solar Payment Option 
• Pacific Power Oregon Solar Incentive Program 

1. Find a Contractor: Find solar contractors in the Energy Trust of Oregon's searchable database of licensed contractors: http://energytrust.org/residential/find-a-contractor/solar/.  These contractors can assess if your home is right for solar and provide you with a bid. We recommend you receive competing bids from at least two contractors.

2. Sign Paperwork: Sign a contract with your installer, along with the paperwork for any state or local incentives. Your contractor should provide all of the forms and submit the applications on your behalf.  If you are installing solar electric (PV),  you will also need to sign a net-metering agreement with your utility.

3. Install: Your contractor installs your system, coordinating all required permits and inspections.

4. Claim your Tax Credits: Complete your application for a Residential Energy Tax Credit from Oregon Department of Energy. Your contractor will provide you a form and assist you. For extra forms, visit www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/Solar/Support.shtml. When you complete your Federal income tax return, claim your federal tax credit with Residential Energy Credit Form 5695. 

Lease Model

1. Find a Contractor: Find solar contractors in the Energy Trust of Oregon's searchable database of licensed contractors: http://energytrust.org/residential/find-a-contractor/solar/.  These contractors can assess if your home is right for solar and provide you with a bid for a leased system. We recommend you receive competing bids from at least two contractors.

2. Sign Paperwork: Sign a contract with your installer. Lease agreements have terms ranging from 15 to 30 years. Be sure you understand the details of the agreement, including insurance requirements, production guarantees, and end of term or early buyout options.

3. Install: Your contractor installs your system, coordinating all required permits and inspections.

Wind energy systems are a relatively new technology that Portlanders are deploying to generate clean, renewable electricity.   Advances in small-scale wind turbine technology in recent years make it possible to incorporate wind power into urban areas and building design, or add small systems to rooftops. While these technologies do promise environmental benefits, proper siting is important in order for the systems to effectively deliver energy production and to ensure that the installations and compatible with the surrounding structures. 

Wind Zoning Standards

Through code development process in 2009, the City of Portland created zoning standards that regulate the placement and scale of wind turbines. The Wind Turbine Code seeks to stimulate advancement of the technology and encourage entrepreneurial efforts in this industry, while ensuring safety and appropriate placement. Incentives are available for installation of certain models of wind turbines through the Energy Trust of Oregon Small Wind Program .  

Biofuels

For information on converting your fleet vehicles to Biofuel, visit http://www.biofuels4business.com/

Locate biofuel retail locations in Portland: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/

Renewable Fuel Standard

In 2006 the City of Portland became the first city in the country to adopt a citywide renewable fuel standard (RFS).  The standard requires all diesel and gasoline fuel sold within the city limits to contain a minimum blend of renewables.  Diesel fuel must contain a minimum blend of 5 percent biodiesel and gasoline at least 10 percent ethanol. The standard became effective July 1, 2007. 

With this effort, the City is helping create demand for thousands of gallons of renewable transportation fuels, in order to spur market development of large-scaleOregonbased biofuel production facilities to meet that demand.

This growing renewable fuels market will generate a need for oilseed crops like canola and mustard seed that can be grown as rotational crops by Oregon farmers. With efforts like this the City continues to implement innovative, result-oriented strategies that meet our goals for job growth, greenhouse gas emission reduction and local environmental health.

Biofuels offer promising benefits for Portland and Oregon as whole, including local and regional economic development opportunities, improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased dependence on volatile oil supplies.

Find more information about the RFS on these pages:

• RFS Information & Administrative Rules: http://www.biofuelsportland.com
• Original Biofuels Ordinance: http://efiles.portlandoregon.gov/webdrawer/rec/2777903/
• Amended Biofuels Ordinance: http://efiles.portlandoregon.gov/webdrawer/rec/2844151/
• BiofuelsCityCode: http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?a=146102&c=28608

Third-party Ownership Models

Third-party ownership models are being used more than ever as the Oregon solar industry matures. A third party ownership is a financial model where the solar photovoltaic or thermal system is owned by a separate business or investor than the building host or owner where it is installed. The arrangement allows the investor owner to utilize the tax credits and benefits available for the solar system (e.g. federal investment tax credit, Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System, Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit) and sells the power produced by the system to the host entity.

This model has become attractive to governments, schools, and nonprofits who often have roof space and interest in solar power, but lack sufficient funding and tax credits to purchase solar systems outright. Investors have capital available for investment and the ability and desire to use tax credits, but lack roof space. Third-party ownership arrangements allow these two parties to work together to achieve their own energy or financial objectives.

For more information on third-party ownership models go to: http://energytrust.org/business/incentives/info/3rd-party-faq.aspx

Incentives and Tax Credits

There are a variety of incentives available to Oregon businesses that install solar. Government incentives are typically, though not always, provided as tax credits. State and local incentives are more likely to be cash rebates paid upon construction of the project or over time. In addition to direct incentives, there are other, indirect benefits, such as property tax exemptions and net-metering.

Incentives and tax credits are always subject to change. A good, central resource for up-to-date incentive information is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).

NOTE: The following information on incentives and tax credits is not tax advice. You should consult with a tax professional to understand how tax credits may effect you.

Energy Trust of Oregon Incentives

Cash incentives are available from Energy Trust of Oregon for qualifying solar systems, but the incentives vary with demand.  The Energy Trust website features a  solar calculator that shows how their incentive works with the state and federal tax credit to bring down the cost of a solar electric installation. For current incentive rates, visit: http://energytrust.org/business/renewable-energy/

Oregon Energy Incentives Program

Oregon Department of Energy restructured its incentive program for businesses in 2012. For solar electric projects, they offer competitive grants. For solar water heating systems, the provide tax credits, and qualification depends on the project costs. For more details, visit http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/BUSINESS/Incentives.

Federal Investment Tax Credit

The federal government offers an investment tax credit for 30% of the cost to install your system, with no cap.  

Feed-in Tariff Pilot

In 2009, the Oregon legislature passed a law establishing a new solar incentive option in Oregon(feed-in tariff).Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power can apply to be part of the program as capacity is available. Customers who opt to use this incentive are not eligible for Energy Trust incentives or a state incentive, though they can still claim the federal tax credit.

A feed-in tariff is an incentive program in which the electric utility pays the owner of a solar electric system a fixed premium rate for every renewable kilowatt-hour generated over a period of time. Those payments allow the owner to recoup their investment over time. This model has been used successfully in Germany.

For more information, visit the utility’s websites:

• Portland General Electric Solar Payment Option 
• Pacific Power Oregon Solar Incentive Program 

Recognizing that a major barrier to retrofitting existing buildings is the up-front cost of the improvements, CEWP was designed to provide a simple financing solution to energy efficiency improvements in 500 Portland homes.  Portland Mayor Sam Adams was particularly committed to creating new jobs and making sure that economic opportunity would flow toward historically underserved populations: low-income people, women and people of color.

The pilot launched in the summer of 2009. CEWP made its 500th loan in late February 2011, bringing the pilot to conclusion.

Funding the Clean Energy Works Portland Pilot

Using Recovery Act funds from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program and other City resources, BPS capitalized a revolving loan fund to offer pilot participants low-interest, long-term financing for home energy efficiency remodels.The pilot successfully attracted additional public and private investment, bringing the total loan portfolio to nearly $7 million.

In June 2010, Portland received a $20 million grant from the US Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program  to expand Clean Energy Works Portland to other parts of Oregon.

What Did the Pilot Test?

The pilot tested whether people would install comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades (like insulation, air sealing and high-efficiency heating systems) in their homes within a short timeframe if they were offered a comprehensive package of services and benefits, including:

• Easy access to long-term financing to cover the upfront costs (20-year loans at 5.99 percent).
• The services of an independent, building science advisor, called an Energy Advocate.
• The convenience of repaying the monthly loan obligation on the heating utility bill.

Results from the pilot so far suggest that this approach to selling energy efficiency is compelling to consumers. Not only did CEWP participants undertake deeper home retrofits than their counterparts in other local efficiency programs, but they made the decision to do so in a much shorter timeframe.

The pilot also tested a high-road approach to creating green jobs. High-road standards ensure that public investments create high-quality employment and equitable access for a diversity of businesses and workers.

Jobs and Equity Focus

Clean Energy Works Portland was designed in partnership with stakeholders to craft an agreement on high-road goals and strategies. Originally called the Community Workforce Agreement (CWA), it set forth a series of community goals and standards around job quality, diverse business participation and access to opportunity for workers from underserved and historically disadvantaged communities.

Community Partners

Clean Energy Works Portland was led by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The steering committee of CEWP included Craft3 (formerly Enterprise Cascadia), Multnomah County, Portland Development Commission, Energy Trust of Oregon, NW Natural, Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, Construction Apprenticeship & Workforce Solutions, Worksystems Inc., Portland Housing Bureau, Home Performance Contractors Guild and Green for All.

Mayor Adams appointed a Stakeholder Evaluation and Implementation Committee to oversee CEWP’s implementation of the CWA. Representatives from business, community-based organizations, organized labor, faith-based institutions and government worked together to define and establish high-road goals, standards and strategies. Green for All and the City of Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement helped facilitate and guide the conversation.

Accomplishments

The CEWP pilot program has so far accomplished the following:

• Investment of more than $6 million (payments to contractors).
• 584 low-interest loans for whole-home energy remodels.
• 20 percent or greater reduction in energy consumption in most homes
• 1,400 metric tons of annual carbon emissions reductions.
• Employment for more than 400 workers, including 48 new hires in the construction trades.
• Average wages of nearly $20.34/hour.
• Provision of health insurance by nearly 80% of the participating contracting firms.
• 48 percent of the trade/technical hours worked by people of color (22 percent ofPortland’s residents are people of color; the Community Workforce Agreement (CWA) goal was 30 percent).
• A doubling of state and national rates of participation by women in construction.
• 23 percent of pilot dollars to minority-owned or women-owned small businesses (CWA goal was 20 percent).
• Positive customer experiences. 94 percent of participants surveyed said they would recommend the program to friends or family.

Better Buildings Grant and Statewide Expansion

In 2010 the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability was granted a $20 million award from the Department of Energy’s Better Building Neighborhood Program  to expand the CEWP pilot across Oregon.  To facilitate this expansion, BPS created the non-profit organization Clean Energy Works Oregon Inc to deliver energy efficiency services to homeowners throughout Oregon.  Learn more about CEWO here.

LED Street Light Conversion

In December 2012 Portland City Council authorized Portland’s Bureau of Transportation to convert all of Portland’s street lights to high efficiency LEDs (light emitting diodes). The conversion will save the City $32 million over the 25-year life of the new lights and will cut energy use for street lighting in half. There will also be significant maintenance savings due to the very long life of LED bulbs. This project alone will reduce carbon emissions from City operations by about 10 percent. The initial phase will focus on converting 46,000 residential street lights following the current lamp replacement cycle, and will take from three to five years to complete.  Street lights along business arterials, major intersections and ornamental lights will be replaced in a second phase after the residential street light conversion is complete.

East Portland Community Aquatics Center

In 2009, the City of Portland constructed the first aquatic center west of the Mississippi to receive LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  The new aquatics center at East Portland Community Center (EPCC), uses 74 percent less energy than national standards. An innovative heat exchanger recovers heat from exhausted air to heat the pool water, while ample natural lighting coupled with light monitors reduce the building’s energy consumption for lighting by 60 percent.

The facility also boasts solar photovoltaic panels that generate 15 percent of the community center’s energy needs, including a solar hot water heating used to preheat water for showers.  Read more here.

Water Bureau Meter Shop

In 2010, Portland’s Water Bureau renovated its Meter Shop, achieving LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.  During the renovation the building was upgraded with energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems, interior lighting sensors and strategically placed windows to provide natural daylight.  These building enhancements are expected to reduce energy and electrical use at this facility by 35 percent to 45 percent per year. 

The building's roof was also equipped with a12-kilowatt solar array, which will provide eight to ten percent of the building's normal electrical load.

Gymnasium Lighting Retrofits in Portland Parks Community Centers

Montavilla, Hillside andFultonCommunity Centersreceived new high performance T-5 fluorescent light fixtures in the fall of 2011 thanks to EECBG grant funding.  T-5s are a new generation of high-efficiency lights that often replace metal halide and magnetic ballasted T-12 fluorescent lights, providing higher quality light and lamps with a much longer life - up to ten years.  Parks Bureau electricity bills will be $1,700 lower as a result of this upgrade!

High Performance Lighting Retrofit at Four Public Parking Garages

Portland's system of public parking garages got a face lift in the fall of 2011 when new T-5 fluorescent lights were installed in four downtown parking structures: 4th and Yamhill, 3rd and Alder, 1st Avenueand O'Bryant Square.  T-5s are a superior light source yielding better color properties, higher light levels and a 50 percent reduction in energy use.  The electricity bill savings will reach nearly $50,000 each year.

Portland Building Direct Digital Controls on Heating/Cooling System

Built in 1983, the Portland Building's heating and cooling control system had an antiquated mixture of pneumatic and digital products that controlled the delivery of heat or cooling. Using a mix of city and federal EECBG funds, the city installed a new direct digital controls system that will produce annual savings of 550,000 kWh valued at $44,000 annually.

Water House

In 2011 Portland’s Water Bureau built a showcase home to demonstrate water and energy efficiency.  The home achieved certifications by WaterSense, Earth Advantage, and ENERGY STAR. 

Thanks to its design, choice of materials and appliances, and building location, this building has met the rigorous standards of ENERGY  STAR and Earth Advantage in the categories of Energy Efficiency, Healthier Indoor Air, Materials responsibility, Land conservation, and Water conservation. 

More information about the Water House is available at:  www.portlandwaterhouse.com.

LED Traffic and Pedestrian Signals

In December 2001,Portland completed a retrofit of all red, green, and flashing amber traffic signals in the City to light emitting diodes (LEDs). This long-lasting technology cuts the signal’s energy use by nearly 90 percent and extends the relamping cycles from two years to six years. 

Using an innovative lease-option purchase, the City ofPortland was able to complete the entire project -- more than 13,000 signal lamps -- in just three months and without any capital outlay. In fact, because of incentives offered by the local electric utilities, the City saw a positive cash flow of more than $700,000 in the very first year!

This project saves nearly 5 million kWh per year, enough energy to power more than 400 homes. That's cut the City’s energy costs by $335,000 per year. And, with the maintenance savings added in, the total savings are about $400,000 per year. The net payback after utility rebates are factored in, is just slightly over two years.  Read more in the LED Traffic Light case study.

The original phase was such a success the City has continued to invest in the LED technologies. In 2009, using a combination of EECBG and city funds, the  Traffic Management section of our Bureau of Transportation  installed  over 10,000 of the newest generation of LED traffic signals and about 3,700 pedestrian crosswalk signals.  The combined project saved an additional  681,000 kWh per year  - an amount of electricity equivalent to the annual usage of 60 Portland homes – and the bill savings total more than $ 61,000  per year.  

Peninsula Park  Energy and Historic Retrofit  

 Over 100 years ago, in 1910-12, Portland built the city's first community center at Peninsula Park. The center is popular for its outdoor swimming pool and classic rose gardens.  One original design feature that makes the center so pleasant and unique are large spans of windows - some as large as 12' x 18' - that provide wonderful daylighting.  However in the winter time the large spans of glass loose a huge amount of heat and making the public spaces very cold.  In 2011, Portland Parks and Recreation used federal grant funds to repair rotted wood, replace broken panes, replace hardware and add energy efficient storm windows to preserve the historic value of the windows, improve indoor comfort and help cut winter time heating bills. Peninsula Park's historic windows are "good to go" for many more years - maybe into the next century!

Renewable Energy Projects

Columbia Wastewater Treatment Micro Hydro & Fuel Cell

In July 1999, the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) unveiled a methane-powered fuel cell at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Traditionally, sewage treatment plants flare off methane gas, a natural by-product of the sewage treatment process.  The fuel cell converted this “biogas” into clean, renewable electricity that helped provide uninterrupted power to one of the treatment plant's buildings. 

The 200-kW fuel cell was one of only a handful of fuel cells in the U.S. that operated on a renewable fuel. It produced about 1.4 million kilowatt-hours a year, enough to power nearly 120 homes and save the City about $58,000 a year.

In June of 2003 BES installed four microturbines that use the methane as a free fuel to generate electricity and heat that are used in the treatment plant’s operations. The microtrubines are a clean-burning technology with low emissions that cost $309,000 to install. Together they generate 120 kW and generate enough electricity to entirely power about 75 homes, saving an estimated $61,000 a year in electricity costs.

Vernon Water Storage Tank Micro Hydro

In 2012 The Portland Water Bureau installed a micro-hydro generation facility at its Vernon storage tank in NE Portland. The 15 kilowatt project generates approximately 150,000 kWh of electricity annually using the water pressure differential between the Vernon tank site and Mt.Tabor reservoirs.  Energy incentives from the US Department of Energy (ARRA), Energy Trust of Oregon and State of Oregon Business Energy Tax Credits are offset approximately half of the capital cost.

East Portland Community Center Photovoltaic Solar Electric System

A great example of collaboration between City of Portland bureaus and community partners, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation’s East Portland Community Center (EPCC) began generating electricity on its new aquatic center in 2009. Thanks to an innovative public/private financial arrangement referred to as a third-party ownership model, an 87-kilowatt (KW) solar electric system was added to the aquatics facility. In addition to the solar electric system, a solar water heating system to preheat water for the swim area’s showers was also installed.

The 87 KW electric system is expected to generate 96,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean renewable electricity every year. Over the next 20 years, the resulting carbon dioxide reduction is equivalent to more than 2,000,000 miles not driven. This 240-square-foot system will save the City about 580 therms of natural gas each year. The solar hot water system is expected to conserve an additional 580 therms of natural gas each year.

EPCC was designed by SERA Architects and Commercial Solar Ventures acted as Developer for the City of Portland Parks and Recreation. The project was made possible by an incentive of $150,500 for the solar electric system and $3,534 for the solar water heating system from Energy Trust of Oregon and a $100,000 grant from Portland General Electric. The total cost for the solar electric and solar water heating systems was $844,860.

The solar electric system was engineered, designed and installed by E C Company . The solar water heating system was designed and installed by Gen-Con Inc .  Other partners included the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), and US Bank.

Dishman Community Center

In October 2011, Portland Parks and Recreation completed construction of the city's seventh solar electric system - a 51 kilowatt photovoltaic system at Dishman Community Center, located on 77 NE Knott.  Designed and installed by EC Company, the system includes Solar World modules made in Hillsboro and a PV Powered inverter made in Bend.  This net metered system will produce about 48,000 kWh annually - enough electricity to power about five Portland homes.  One hundred percent of the power will be used at the Dishman Community Center, saving the Parks Bureau and local taxpayers $3,800 annually.  The system was built as a solar demonstration with technical support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Cities program and funding support from their Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant.

Water Bureau Solar

The Portland Water Bureau has installed two large solar electric systems, a 267-kilowatt system at the Columbia Groundwater Pump Station and a 12-kilowatt system on the roof of the Meter Shop. The bureau also utilizes solar energy at monitoring stations in remote locations in the Bull Run Watershed. Using solar technology at monitoring stations saves money and eliminates the need to use and store liquefied propane gas (LPG) in the Bull Run Watershed.

SmartMeters

One of the most visible uses of solar power is in the downtown central business district and in the Lloyd District. The City has now replaced the majority of its single-space meters with multi-space, solar-powered SmartMeters.  SmartMeters work well even on our rainy, gray days and its two-way communication will alert the City of a technical problem immediately. Since the installation of the SmartMeters, the City has increased parking revenues by $1.5 million. More information is available at the Bureau of Transportation  website.

Sunderland Wind Turbine

The Sunderland Recycling Facility features a 10 kW wind turbine that generates enough power to serve the Sunderland office building, with excess power going to the grid.

City Uses Biofuels

The City of Portland has used high blends (from 20 to 99 percent) of regionally produced biodiesel in our diesel powered vehicles and equipment since 2007.  The City’s feet also contains flex fuel vehicles that can run on gasoline blends containing 85 percent ethanol.

Renewable Energy Policies

• Global Warming Reduction Strategy (1993)
• Local Action Plan on Global Warming  (2001)
• Garbage Hauler Biodiesel Policy (2007)
• 1.5% for Solar (2008)
• Climate Action Plan(2009)
• Renewable Fuels Standard (2006)

Renewable Energy Reports

• Peak Oil Task Force Final Report  (2007)
• Climate Action Plan 2009: One Year Progress Report (2010)
• Solarize Guidebook  (2011)
• Solarize Guidebook  (2012)

Energy Policies

• Energy Policy (1990)
• City Energy Challenge (1991)
• Global Warming Reduction Strategy (1993)
• Sustainable City Principles (1994)
• Local Action Plan on Global Warming (2001)
• Green Building Policy (2001, 2005)
• Peak Oil Resolution (2006, 2007)
• Climate Action Plan (2009)
• Environmental Sustainability Goals (2009)
• Idle Reduction Policy (2009)

Energy Reports

• 1990 Energy Policy: Impacts and Achievements (2000)
• LED Traffic Signals Equal Energy Savings (2001)
• City Energy Challenge: 1991 – 2001 A Decade of Success (2001)
• Peak Oil Task Force Final Report  (2007)
• Climate Action Plan 2009: Year One Progress Report (2010)
• Climate Action Plan 2009: Year Two Progress Report (2011)

Additional sustainability policies and citywide sustainability goals. 

Bucks for Buildings Update (as of May 17, 2013)

• Bucks for Buildings rebates were provided through a one-time federal grant and at this time there are no plans to re-open the rebate at a future time.

Bucks for Buildings Project Design Overview

Commercial building owners and tenants in Portland received rebates up to 50 percent off the cost of qualifying energy efficiency upgrades.  Non-profit organizations were eligible for rebates up to 75 percent off the cost of qualifying upgrades.

The City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability created this rebate program with funding through a grant from the US Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program. This program grew out of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is helping over 40 competitively selected state and local governments develop sustainable programs to upgrade the energy efficiency of more than 100,000 buildings.

The City reserved the right to use its discretion to ensure that funding is equitably distributed to reach underserved neighborhoods and businesses. The City also reserved the right to limit the number of rebates given to each contractor to ensure a diverse range of contractors have access to this funding opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

• Available to owners and tenants of existing, privately-owned commercial buildings located within Portland city limits and  50,000 square feet or less in total size. Excluded buildings undergoing major renovations.
• Eligible improvements included insulation, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, lighting controls and foodservice equipment that meet or exceed Energy Trust of Oregon or Energy Star® efficiency standards.  Excludes self-installed equipment.
• Rebates were available from $1,000 to $30,000 per project.
• The Bucks for Buildings rebate and applicable incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon could not exceed 100 percent of project cost.

• Improvements had to be made by a contractor that is a Trade Ally of Energy Trust of Oregon and that has registered with Bucks for Buildings.

How it Worked

1. Assess. Determine what energy efficiency upgrades are needed at your building.  Sign up for a free energy assessment  from the City of Portland (optional) or have a Trade Ally contractor  help you determine what upgrades you need.
2. Select a Contractor. Select a contractor to perform your energy efficiency upgrades and have them register with the Bucks for Buildings rebate program before your project begins (contractor must be a Trade Ally of the Energy of Oregon to qualify).
3. Sign.  Once you agree on a project scope with your contractor, sign your contractor’s Bid and a Utility Release Form, which allows the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to evaluate the effectiveness of this program.  Your bid should specify the total project cost, the Bucks for Buildings rebate amount and the amount of applicable Energy Trust of Oregon incentives.  Your contractor may require a down-payment for a portion of the bid not covered by the Bucks for Buildings rebate.
4. Reserve. Your contractor will submit your Signed Bid to confirm your place in line and reserve the Bucks for Building rebate for your project (subject to funds availability). 
5. Upgrade. Your contractor will install the energy efficiency improvements. When the project is complete you will be responsible for paying the balance of the project cost not covered by the Bucks for Building rebate.
6. Rebate. Your contractor will submit your Final Paid Invoice to the Bucks for Building program and we will pay the rebate directly to them.

How it Works

Carefully selected contractors who specialize in energy efficiency conduct a free home energy assessment to identify energy waste.  Based on the results, multiple improvements can be bundled into a one-time home energy upgrade project to improve the energy efficiency of your home.  Possible upgrades include high efficiency windows, insulation, and advanced heating and cooling systems.  No-money-down financing is available to get your project completed with no upfront costs. Once the work is complete, Clean Energy Works Oregon inspects the upgrades to ensure everything performs as promised.  The result is a home that's transformed into a more comfortable and energy efficient living space for you and your family.

Join thousands of Oregonians who have already transformed their homes:

1. APPLY at www.cewo.org. Or, call toll-free at 1-855-870-0049.
2. ASSESS means no guesswork with a FREE Home Energy Assessment (worth $500) that pinpoints your home’s energy waste.
3. FINANCE with no upfront costs and optional no-money-down financing through our local lending partners.
4. TRANSFORM your home to a comfortable, energy-efficient retreat.

Learn more about the history of Clean Energy Works Oregon and the pilot project Clean Energy Works Portland that got it all started.

Solarize Portland is a solar panel volume-purchasing program being led by Portland area neighborhood associations.

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.

Missed the deadline for Solarize Portland?

If you have missed the deadline for your neighborhood project, you can still install solar at competitive prices. Oregon has some of the best tax credits and cash incentives in the country.  To learn more about installing solar on your home outside of a Solarize Neighborhood Project, please visit Energy Trust of Oregon's Website to find qualified solar contractors.

How it works

The 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.
When communities run their own volume purchasing programs they reduce costs associated with a traditional solar installation. By choosing only one or two contractors, and conducting their own sales and marketing campaign, the project can hand deliver the contractors warm leads in a small geographic area in a constricted period of time. Job grouping, a constricted time period, and community led sales can contribute to a saving of an additional 15-20 percent. This, coupled with Oregon’s already attractive tax credits and cash incentives, can bring the cost of solar electricity down by 90 percent.

History

Originally 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, Energy Trust of Oregon and Solar Oregon offers strategic and technical assistance to neighborhood organizations that are interested in operating a Solarize project.

If you do not see Solarize Portland in your community and would like to coordinate one yourself, send an e-mail to Andria Jacob at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to learn how you can get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: 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.

Q: Can I install solar panels on my home if I live in one of Portland's Historic or Conservation Districts?

A: Yes. Please visit this page for all the details.

What's your solar potential?

Find events

• Solar workshops

Solarize Portland neighborhood websites

• Solarize Northwest (on Facebook)
• Solarize North
• Solarize Northeast
• Solarize Southeast
• Solarize Southwest

Other solar program websites:
	BPS is working in partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Sunshot Initiative 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.
	Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources.
	Solar Oregon is a non-profit organization that provides public education and community outreach to encourage Oregonians to choose solar energy.
	DSIRE Financial Incentives Visit the DSIRE website for an all inclusive list of Oregon financial incentives.
	The Oregon Department of Energy ensures that Oregonians have an adequate supply of reliable and affordable energy and is safe from nuclear contamination, by helping Oregonians save energy, develop clean energy resources, promote renewable energy, and clean up nuclear waste.