Solar energy systems spark growing interest in Oregon, spur grants

Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, OR), Apr 1, 2004 by The Daily Journal

Oregon is emerging as a bright spot for solar energy, according to Energy Trust of Oregon.

As proof of that claim, the nonprofit organization, which promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy for utilities such as Pacific Power, Portland General Electric and NW Natural, points to the more than 100 new solar energy systems installed during the past year in homes and businesses in the state.

Even more recently, Energy Trust announced it had awarded grants for seven solar demonstration projects expected to be installed and operational by the end of this year in Oregon schools and in buildings used by city governments and community groups.

The search for grant projects began in October 2003, when the organization sent out a call for proposals for demonstration projects. To be considered, projects had to focus on solar electrical systems and had to be located within the service territories of PGE and Pacific Power.

An initial field of 20 proposals was culled down to seven grant recipients. The winners will split a total of $250,000 in incentives.

Bend LaPine Middle School in Central Oregon and Montessori School of Beaverton, for example, will use their grant money to install roof- mounted solar systems. Another school, Mosier Community School, will use its grant to install ground-mounted tracking arrays.

The city of Portland's grant will help install two roof-mounted systems, while another five or six solar systems will be installed in the Portland metro area using grant money received by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation's Solar 4 R Schools program.

Other grant recipients are First Alternative Co-op and Solar CREEK group, which will install three solar systems in Corvallis, and Selma Community and Education Center, which will install a single roof- mounted system.

Energy Trust estimates the projects will generate more than 60,000 kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually.

Schools and public groups and agencies aren't the only ones benefiting from Energy Trust programs, however.

Following the program that helped business and home owners install 100 solar systems in Oregon last year, Energy Trust will this year make available more than $2.6 million in incentives for residences and businesses interested in installing solar electric and water heating systems. When coupled with Oregon tax credits, purchasers can save up to 50 percent off the systems they buy.

Energy Trust estimates that the solar systems installed in homes and businesses in Oregon during 2003 generated more than 500,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, saving 6,000 therms of natural gas that would have been consumed if more traditional systems had been used.

For more information about Energy Trust programs, contact the organization at solar@energytrust.org or call 866-368-7878.