What’s better than a sunny day in Pendleton?

A sunny day that is making you money and clean energy.

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Benefits of going Solar

1. When you produce your own energy from your solar system, you are reducing the amount of electricity that you have to buy from your utility company. The more energy you produce, the more you save on your utility bill. With utility savings of over 30 percent annually, a lot of extra cash will be staying right here in Pendleton.

2. In the last decade, utility rates have continued to steadily climb, but no matter how much utility rates increase, your solar electricity rates will be predictable for the long run. After all, that sunshine is free. You can enjoy energy security and can count on the energy from your own panels.

3. The environmental benefits of solar are numerous. For one, you can reduce your environmental footprint or the amount of resources you use. By taking advantage of the sun, you are using a renewable resource to create your energy and reducing your dependence on fossil fuels. Once your panels are on your roof, you are producing clean energy that won’t emit carbon dioxide and other dangerous gases that directly harm humans and wildlife as well as our atmosphere.

4. Since your solar system will be helping you save money, it is an improvement to your home and will add significant value to your home.

5. By supporting solar you are supporting a growing industry that is creating new local jobs and economic opportunities. Solarize Pendleton will set the standard for other Oregon communities as it demonstrates how one city can work together to grow its economy.

Think about this – if 100 area citizens go solar, with an average annual utility savings of $350. That’s $35,000 a year that isn’t going out to utility companies– that’s a lot of money working locally!

Benefits of going solar with Solarize Pendleton

1. We will guide you through the process , along with others from your community, so that you don’t have to tackle the vast world of solar by yourself. You will be able to learn how solar can benefit your lifestyle, how that fancy system actually works, and how you can save the most money through incentives and tax credits through free education workshops.

2. We’re available to answer your questions and connect you to resources.

3. We’ve already done our research and found reliable contractors who can help you decide if solar is right for your home and what size system is best for your needs. See them here.

4. Through our City loan program, you can apply to take advantage of a 4 year interest fee loan while your are waiting to receive your tax credits and realizing your initial energy savings.

Zero Interest City Loan Program

The City of Pendleton is offering a limited amount of zero-interest loans of $9,000 each to help residents of Pendleton finance the installation of solar electric systems through the Solarize Pendleton program. These loans are intended to cover a large portion of the upfront cost that will be returned to homeowners through tax credits during the years following installation.

Loans will be available by February and will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. Before submitting your loan application, you must register for a free, no obligation solar site assessment with one of our pre-approved contractors.

The zero-interest loans will be repaid over a four-year period, with the first payment due May 25, 2012. The repayment structure is as follows:

Payback Schedule:

May 25, 2013        $4,500
May 25, 2014        $1,500
May 25, 2015        $1,500
May 25, 2016        $1,500

The repayment schedule and amounts are based on the estimated receipt of tax credits by a homeowner with the available tax liability for each year for each year following the installation. If the entire $9,000 is not needed, the final payment will be adjusted down.

Your loan check of $9,000 will be issued jointly to the homeowner and the contractor to go towards the cost of your solar installation.

The loan will be secured through a voluntary lien placed on the homeowner’s property for the duration of the loan. This is a non-transferable lien.

Complete the 2012 Solar Loan Application and return to Pendleton City Hall, 500 SW Dorion Ave to apply for a loan.

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Solarize Pendleton is a program spearheaded by the City of Pendleton in collaboration with Solar Oregon,  the Energy Trust of Oregon, and SolarNow! to help the residents of Pendleton, Oregon overcome the logistical and financial obstacles of going solar. Contact: Hilary.Lovelace@ci.pendleton.or.us, 541.966.0248.