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June 2012
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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 and Solar Supporters!
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| Solar Ambassadors |
Solar Energized Aloha, OR
Vern and Betty recently added 14 Suntech panels to their roof, and in May those panels generated 67% more energy than Vern and Betty consumed! PGE has credited those extra kWh to their account - setting them aside for a rainy day, so to speak.
Other resource-saving features of Verb and Betty's home: passive solar features, solar tubes, water-conserving toilets, and R-38 floor and ceiling insulation.
>>Click here to read more about Vern and Betty's Solar Energized home!
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| Volunteer for Solar Oregon! |
 Contact Volunteer Coordinator Emily Krafft to find out about upcoming opportunities at emily@solaroregon.org
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Stay up to date on solar news and events by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!
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Recent trends in Oregon's
solar market
By Solar Oregon Board Member Kacia Brockman
Solar installations have been popping up all over Oregon. We now have more than 50 megawatts of solar electric generating capacity operating throughout the state. This cap
 | | Aerial photo of Baldock rest area installation |
acity is comprised of more than 5,400 installations, mostly on rooftops of homes and businesses - a great example of many individual actions adding up to a significant result.
The rate of installations has been accelerating. Over 90% of this capacity has been installed in the last 5 years. There are many factors that led to this growth.
>>Click here to read more |
Governor's Draft Ten Year Energy Action Plan Released
 After meeting regularly for six months and submitting almost 200 recommendations, Governor Kitzhaber's Ten Year Energy Action Plan citizen task force has released the initial draft of the plan.
The public comment period on the plan is now open, and extends through July 31st, 2012. Margi Hoffman, the Governor's Energy Advisor, will be speaking about the Draft Action Plan and soliciting feedback in Klamath Falls, Bend, and Gresham, on July 18th, 19th, and 20th, respectively. (See "Upcoming Events" below for details.)
Solar Oregon encourages every Oregonian to read the draft action plan and submit your comments. This draft plan is a starting point; the Governor and his task force expect us to weigh in and take part in this process. We are a diverse state with diverse needs. Make sure YOUR voice is heard!
>> Click here to access a copy of the Draft Ten Year Energy Action Plan, and for information on how to submit your comments
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It's Almost Time for SolWest 2012!
For many of us, July is synonymous with one thing: the SolWest Fair! Each year, during the last weekend of July, the Eastern Oregon Renewable Energies Non-profit (EORenew) puts on the most comprehensive energy and self-reliant living fair in the Northwest. The three-day event features family-friendly activities, networking opportunities, and 50 workshops, all free with fair entry.
Solar Oregon will be there. Will you?
>> Click here for more info about the SolWest Fair
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Solar Water Heating: the next step in your green routine
By Kendal Hansen, Energy Trust of Oregon
You may have already heard about, or participated in, one of many community driven projects to install solar energy systems on local rooftops. What you may not have heard is that solar energy can not only create electricity but can heat your water, too. Solar water heaters preheat the water that goes into your existing water heater, saving you energy and money by reducing the amount of gas or electricity your water heater uses. Heating water is one of the biggest energy uses in your home and with solar water heating, the more you use, the more you save. A solar water heating system takes only a fraction of the roof space needed for a solar electric system and can save as much energy as a 2 kilowatt solar electric system.
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Meet Solar Oregon's new
Communications Coordinator!
Michelle Udem is a journalist specializing in environm ental and urban development topics. Born andraised in Los Angeles, California, Michelle moved to Portland earlier this year to pursue her passion for news journalism and environmental work.
>>Click here to read more about Michelle
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 Meet Solar Oregon's new Policy Analyst!
Ben Hoyne has lived, worked, and studied throughout the US, Latin America, and Europe. He brings a passion for renewable energy and at Solar Oregon he will be using his policy background to help further solar policy in the state.
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Electric Vehicle Celebration Day
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photo by Patrick Connor
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The Oregon Electric Vehicles Association (OEVA) is hosting its annual EV Celebration Day on Saturday, July 14th, in downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square. It all starts at 9am and runs through 5pm.
As in years past, there will be a wide selection of plug-in vehicles and related vendors showing their goods and services. This year the number and variety of EVs is expanding to include not only some new EV conversions but some interesting new production EVs and plug-in hybrids including Tesla Roadsters, Fisker Karma, and the Th!nk City cars.
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Back by popular demand, it's time for our annual rooftop solar drinks party at SolTerra! Our most popular solar drinks event of the year, join us on SolTerra Systems' gorgeous rooftop deck for solar networking fun!
Our speaker this month is Lieutenant Colonel Ken Safe from t he Department of Defense. He'll talk to us about the DOD's efforts to transform Oregon's Army National Guard training sites and armories into Net Zero facilities.
Tuesday, July 17th
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
SolTerra Systems
79 SE Taylor
Food and Drinks will be provided.
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 Upcoming Events |
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