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November 2011
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| THIS NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: | |
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Thanks to our new and renewing Professional Members!
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| Solar Ambassadors |
Yea Solar house
Eugene, OR
In 1983, John Hakes purchased a 25-year-old house in the South Hills of suburban Eugene. Every year since then he has tried to improve it environmentally a little bit. He began by weatherizing and insulating it, and then installed double-paned windows.
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| Volunteer for Solar Oregon! | |
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Solar Stars
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The Grand Ballroom
 The Grand Ballroom is located on the top floor of the historic Odd Fellows building, built in 1900. Current owners Carole Smith and Eric Kittleson have implemented numerous energy efficiency measures, and this year added a 10kW pv system to the top of their 110-year-old building! >>Click here to read more about the Grand Ballroom |
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Is Net Zero Your Goal?
Are you working to make your home or business a net-zero energy user? (A net-zero building is one that produces as much energy as it consumes.) Or have you already achieved net zero energy use? If so, you may want to apply to be on Solar Oregon's annual Goal Net Zero Tour.
Why should you apply?
Showcasing your hard work helps to build awareness of green building practices and renewable energy's role in living sustainably, and gives others the confidence to begin their own net-zero projects. Or perhaps you have professional skills or products you wish to demonstrate. Whether you are a home or business owner, or a builder or architect, there are lots of great reasons to showcase your efforts to make a building a net-zero energy user.
>>Click here to read more about the Goal Net Zero Tour, and to apply for inclusion in Solar Oregon's 2012 Goal Net Zero Tour.
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Please help us welcome our three newest Board members!
Solar Oregon is proud to welcome Erin Greeson, Robert Cross, and David Petersen to the Board of Directors! Check out their bios to see all the great skills and experience they're bringing on board!
>>Click here to read more about Erin, Robert, and David
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A guide to solar leasing in Oregon
Kacia Brockman, Senior Solar Program Manager at Energy Trust of Oregon and Solar Oregon Board Treasurer, gave a great presentation on residential solar ownership options--including leases and power purchase agreements--at Solar Oregon's 32nd Annual Meeting and Celebration on November 5th. If you missed it, never fear! We have uploaded the information contained in Kacia's presentation onto our website, so you can access it any time! >>Click here to view our new Leasing Solar web page |
Has it been 32 years already?
Some of my friends jokingly call Solar Oregon "the little non-profit environmental engine that could." And boy, could we. This month we hosted our first fundraising dinner, celebrated our 32nd year as an organization, held our annual meeting, showed off our electric cars, and then added three new people to our board of directors. Whew ... no wonder we're tired!
>>Click here to read more
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Oregon's Solar Pilot Program: Snapshot of October 2011 Capacity Allocation
By Mark Pengilly, Co-Founder, Oregonians for Renewable Energy Policy On Oct. 3, the investor-owned utilities began accepting applications for installations under the solar pilot program with several changes from previous capacity allocations. The PUC reduced the volumetric incentive rate (VIR) by 20% from the April 2011 allotment (down to 37.4¢/kWh) and applicants were awarded capacity through a lottery process, rather than first-come, first-served. Additionally, applicants who received allocations of capacity through the lottery were required to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit. The result of these changes was a dramatic decrease in demand for the program. Whereas earlier allocations of capacity were snapped up in minutes, this time capacity was left on the table. >>Click here to read more |
Sol ar Oregon Participates in the Muslim Educational Trust's School Energy Fair
On November 1st, The Muslim Educational Trust, a K-12 school in Tigard, held its 3rd annual School Energy Fair. The event is an opportunity for staff, students, and the community at large to engage in contemporary challenges in the areas of energy conservation, renewable resources, and efficient usage.
>>Click here to read more
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Goal Net Zero Interest Group meetings
will resume in January, 2012!
Many thanks to all the wonderful presenters who made 2011's Goal Net Zero Interest Group meetings so successful!
Goal Net Zero (GNZ) Interest Group discussions are a great follow-up for anyone who has attended a past Goal Net Zero tour, or just wants to learn more about net-zero concepts, design, and building science.
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Solar Drinks to return in February, 2012!
Solar Drinks is an opportunity for folks in the greater Portland area to meet other community members who support renewable energy. Join us for a relaxed social and networking event where you can speak with Solar Oregon staff, solar industry members, and your neighbors about any topic under the sun!
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 Upcoming Events |
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