WHEN:  Monday, April 19   -  6:00pm

WHERE:  Blue Mountain Community College – Science and Technologies Building Room 200

NOTE: This workshop has passed. To learn more about the solar tax credits and rebates available download the  handout from this workshop. Also, get more information about the City of Pendleton’s zero-interest loan program here or download the application.

Solarize Pendleton is making solar more affordable than ever for communities in Eastern Oregon. Join us for this workshop to learn how state and federal tax credits and the Energy Trust of Oregon rebate drastically reduce the price of your new solar system. We’ll walk through examples and answer any questions you may have.

Tax credits can help offset some of cost

By ERIC FLORIP

The East Oregonian

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The city of Pendleton’s solar program continues to move full steam ahead, with well over 100 residents signed up for free assessments of their homes. Lee Jorgensen, the city intern spearheading Solarize Pendleton, said a handful of fast-tracked participants could see solar panels installed on their homes as soon as next month.

“It’s been a great response so far,” Jorgensen said. “And it really came quick.”

Here’s how it works: The group-discount program allows residents to outfit their homes with solar panels, while saving from the normal sticker price through a pre-selected contractor. The city will also offer as many as 50 no-interest loans of up to $9,000 each to help decrease the up-front financial burden for some.

The city will use a lottery system to pick those loan recipients, Jorgensen said, noting applications soon will be distributed more widely. The deadline to apply for the loan is May 19. So far, about 15 people have thrown their names in, but that’s expected to grow, Jorgensen said.

“There’s been a lot of interest in the loan piece,” Jorgensen said. “People just don’t have the physical application in their hands yet.”

The city has hosted several public workshops on the program so far, with a few more possible in the near future, Jorgensen said. An average of about 30-50 people have turned out for each gathering so far, he said.

The sticker price of a typical home’s solar system might land above $10,000. But residents can earn much of that back through various state and federal tax credits, plus other financial incentives offered through the city-led program.

Of the 115 or so people signed up for assessments now, many have inquired simply to see if their homes are suitable for solar energy, Jorgensen said. Others who know they want to commit are further along in the process.

LiveLight Energy of Beaverton is installing the panels. Solarize Pendleton is a joint effort of the city, Solar Oregon and the Energy Trust of Oregon. 

WHEN:  Tuesday, April 27   -  6:00pm

WHERE:  Blue Mountain Community College – Science and Technologies Building Room 200

NOTE: This workshop has passed. To learn more about net metering download the presentation from this workshop or visit the Pacific Power website or the Energy Trust of Oregon website.

Net metering is a key part of getting the most out of your new solar system.  Net metering allows your electrical meter to ‘spin backwards’ when you are producing more energy than using, effectively using the power grid as storage for your produced energy. A representative from Pacific Power will talk about how net metering works, how your new solar system will affect your monthly billing and answer any other questions you have.

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 5 at 6:00pm

WHERE:  Blue Mountain Community College – Science and Technologies Building Room 200

Maximize your new solar system’s impact by making your home more efficient.  The Energy Trust of Oregon will discuss various weatherization measures which will help you save on your energy costs, from changing lightbulbs to changing insulation. This will be a great way to get a sense of both short and long term steps you can take to reduce your energy usage and maximize your new solar system.

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 12 at 6:00pm

WHERE:  Pendleton Convention Center – Happy Canyon Room

What is Solarize Pendleton?  How much does solar cost?  How does solar work?  Do I qualify?  Get all of these basic questions answered and more at this introduction to solar workshop. We will lay out the Solarize Pendleton process and tell you all the great benefits of this program.

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn how to gain energy independence, save money and join this great community solar effort.

WHEN:  Thursday, May 13 at 6:00pm

WHERE:  Blue Mountain Community College – Science and Technologies Building Room 200

What is Solarize Pendleton?  How much does solar cost?  How does solar work?  Do I qualify?  Get all of these basic questions answered and more at this introduction to solar workshop. We will lay out the Solarize Pendleton process and tell you all the great benefits of this program.

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn how to gain energy independence, save money and join this great community solar effort.

Pendleton residents need to register by May 19 for the lottery to be eligible for project loans without interest. Businesses and residents within 60 miles of Pendleton have until June 4 to participate in Solarize Pendleton’s group buy program 

PENDLETON, Ore., April 26, 2010 –More than 100 homeowners, businesses and other organizations within 60 miles of Pendleton have signed up for free solar site assessments through the city-sponsored Solarize Pendleton effort.  The program combines a group purchase with financial incentives to drop the sticker price of a solar system by an average of 80 percent. Interested Pendleton residents must apply before May 19 to be eligible to win one of the 50 zero-interest project loans.

In an extraordinary step toward renewable energy, city leaders have created the group-discount program to help more people switch to solar electric power and potentially make Pendleton one of the most-solar rural U.S. communities. Solarize Pendleton enables participants to readily take advantage of group discount pricing as well as state and federal incentives and tax credits. With incentives, the program lowers the price of a high-quality residential solar system to around $1,230.

Solarize Pendleton project leaders have offered the extra incentive of 50 zero-interest loans. They say although those loans are limited in number, there is no limit to the number of residents within 60 miles of Pendleton who can take advantage of the program. According to solar analysts, homeowners cut their utility bills by about a third by using solar photovoltaic systems and further protect themselves from utility rate increases.

Free workshops on financial and other benefits of solar systems will take place through June 4, the last day to register for the program. Winners of the zero-interest loans will be drawn in a lottery on May 21. A no-obligation registration form is required for participation. Details and forms are available at solarizependleton.com or by contacting Lee Jorgensen at the City of Pendleton (541.966.0248 or lee.jorgensen@ci.pendleton.or.us).

Solar site assessments and installation will be done by LiveLight Energy of Beaverton, Ore., using SolorWorld Sunkits^®.  SolarWorld, with U.S. headquarters and manufacturing in Hillsboro, Ore., is the largest U.S. manufacturer of solar technology. Oregon vendors will supply other system components. LiveLight Energy is working with local subcontractors Gordon’s Electric and Palmer Roofing, hiring additional skilled local technicians and offering paid opportunities to mentor and train other Pendleton residents in solar installation.

If 100 citizens take advantage of this program, Pendleton, Oregon will be the largest solar rural community in the United States!

Solarize Pendleton is a local idea put forth by leaders of our community. This continues a Pendleton legacy of ideas and pioneering innovation that has been our tradition for more than 100 years.

Solarize Pendleton, our own local program, lowers the sticker price of a complete high quality residential solar system by an average of 80 percent.It’s a great program for a community that hates waste. It’s a needed and necessary step for Pendleton residents to take to ensure long-term costs savings and to continue to build a bright economic future for our community.

With all the state and federal tax incentives and Energy Trust of Oregon rebate funding support the City of Pendleton has been granted from SolarWorld and the Energy Trust, the final cost of a high quality solar system is estimated to be under $1,250.

However, access to this discount program is limited. Funds from Energy Trust are used on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no cost to sign up for Solarize Pendleton.  However, you must be signed upfor a free home energy assessment to be one of the 50 Pendleton residents who will receive zero (0%) percent financing on their solar system. Lottery drawing to be held May 21. Other financing will also be available through local banks.

Utility savings of over 30 percent annually puts dollars back into the Pendleton community because services like police, fire, schools and charities will save money and have more resources to support our citizens. Yes, solar energy is great and the cost-savings are even greater.

Finally, Solarize Pendleton allows citizens the independence and ability to track their local utilities using a reliable system that allows them to CONTROL their energy usage. These costs are continuously on the rise. Solarize Pendleton is an important first step to put these important cost-controls in place.

WHEN:  Friday, May 21, 1:00-4pm

WHERE:  Pendleton Vert Club Room

The City of Pendleton and The United Way of Umatilla and Morrow Counties Present A Free Community Workshop underwritten by LiveLight Energy and partners.

Community sustainability is just as important as sustainable solar systems. That’s why LiveLight Energy and its partners are offering this FREE workshop as part of Solarize Pendleton.

Suitability – For Your Business, For Your Nonprofit.

Acquiring funds for supporting a nonprofit, or to maintain your business in these times is not for the passive or the faint-of-heart. This hands-on workshop will teach you successful tools and point you to local resources for your nonprofit or business.  Tactics to apply to leverage your resources (making $1 work like $3) will be outlined.

For volunteers to senior managers, participants in this workshop will leave energized and with specific tools for their business or nonprofit organization.

RSVPs are required and seating is limited.  Reserve your space by contacting Lee Jorgensen at the City of Pendleton, by phone at 541.966.0248 weekdays, or by email at lee.jorgensen@ci.pendleton.or.us.

We want to invite you to join us this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, June 29-30, during Solarize Pendleton’s two evenings of information, Q & A, and signing sessions at the BMCC Student Union from 4 to 8pm.

This will be great opportunity to talk one-on-one with LiveLight Energy, City of Pendleton, and The Bank of the West staff about your solar proposal and financing options. Learn about the FIT program, get all of your questions answered, sign your solar contract, and meet other solar-minded folks from the Pendleton area while enjoying free refreshments and snacks.  Remember, the FIT program is distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis so get on board early by learning more during these sessions.

Contact Lee Jorgensen, 541-966-0248 or lee.jorgensen@ci.pendleton.or.us for more information or with questions.

We look forward to seeing you there.