A big Thank You to Medford, OR's KTVL News Channel 10's Kevin Lollis, host of their "Green Wednesdays" series, for reporting on National Solar's installation of his residential ground mount system! One of the best parts? Hearing first-hand how solar PV inspires homeowners to implement other energy efficiency measures to maximize their solar benefit. It's proof positive that Oregon's residential solar incentives programs really do contribute to sustainability, conservation and more jobs. House by house we all make a difference.
Watch the video and check out Lollis' previous reports on how he's been living a 'greener' lifestyle at http://www.ktvl.com/video/?videoId=1137943744001&play=now.
National Solar install featured in Newberg Graphic
Read about Bob and Jan Thompson, of Newberg, OR, whose latest addition to their family farm isn't a tractor, but a 5.56 kW ground mounted solar system.
"Bob and Jan thompson's new solar panel system is causing quite the buzz on their rural Newberg road -- neighbors slow down to check the structure out as they drive past and some are planning to add solar panels of their own..." Click to read more in "Let the sun pay the bills" by Amanda Newman, Newberg Graphic (02/05/2011)
Also see the Newberg Graphic's Feb. 5 editorial: "Solar panels a good start"
"The Installation of alternative energy sources is a win-win for the environment and the economy..." click to read more.
"Bob and Jan thompson's new solar panel system is causing quite the buzz on their rural Newberg road -- neighbors slow down to check the structure out as they drive past and some are planning to add solar panels of their own..." Click to read more in "Let the sun pay the bills" by Amanda Newman, Newberg Graphic (02/05/2011)
Also see the Newberg Graphic's Feb. 5 editorial: "Solar panels a good start"
"The Installation of alternative energy sources is a win-win for the environment and the economy..." click to read more.
National Solar at Solar Power International 10 - L.A.
October 12 - 14, 2010, Los Angeles, CA
National Solar's President, Janelle Lancaster, and General Manager Tom Clarke, catching rays from the L.A. sun at the U.S.' largest business-to-business solar conference and expo before returning to the Pac NW. Presented by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), this year SPI 2010 had more than 20,000 attendees.
First users of Oregon solar pilot program up and running
09-02-10 See the Oregonian newspaper article, "First users of Oregon solar pilot program up and running" by Rich Read about Jeff and Sandra Ramp's project at link below
"First users of Oregon solar pilot program up and running"
Or copy and paste URL below into your browser's URL/address bar.
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/09/first_users_of_oregon_solar_pi.html
"First users of Oregon solar pilot program up and running"
Or copy and paste URL below into your browser's URL/address bar.
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/09/first_users_of_oregon_solar_pi.html
First PGE Solar Pilot Program customers interconnected
News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 1, 2010
Contact: Kim Berhorst
Email: Kimb@NationalSolarUsa.com
Thursday, August 26, Jeff and Sandy Ramp of Salem, OR, became the first “Solar Payment Option” customers to connect their new solar photovoltaic system, designed and installed by National Solar, Inc., to the utility grid through Portland General Electric. Oregon’s new volumetric solar incentive pilot program, established by 2009 legislation, is modeled after Feed-In Tariff programs widely used in Europe, but is not a “true FIT.” Oregon customers of Pacific Power can participate through the “Oregon Solar Incentive Program,” and Oregon customers of Idaho Power, through its “Oregon Solar Photovoltaic Pilot Program.”
Although the enrollment, application, installation, and final inspection processes were time consuming as last-minute implementation details such as meter location and wiring plus liability insurance requirements were resolved after the July 1 enrollment, for Ramp, an OSU engineering graduate and onion farmer, the reward was a long-realized dream when he finally turned his new solar system on.
Ramp wanted for many years to install a solar system for his home, which he built with multiple energy efficiency features, but prior to the new pilot program couldn’t justify the cost. Ramp built his home in 1982 and designed it for passive solar heat gain with a Trombe wall as heat storage for all south-facing windows. He designed a south-facing roof with hopes of installing a rooftop solar system, but opted against it because of the concrete tile roofing.
Instead, National Solar installed the 9.9 kW solar PV system on a nearby outbuilding with metal roofing. The array was tilt racked to maximize southern solar exposure. National Solar, Inc., a Pacific NW solar design, installation and integration contractor with offices in Seattle and Salem, sources locally whenever possible: Components include Schott 225 watt polycrystalline modules (“Buy America”-qualified solar panels), and two PVPowered inverters (made in Bend, OR).
Ramp’s system is categorized as a small-scale (less than 10 kW DC) residential system. Anticipated annual solar electric output is approximately 11,000 kWh. His annual gross payments from his electric utility, PGE, should average $600 per month. The payments are considered taxable income, and will depend upon individual system owners’ tax brackets.
For more information on pilot program details, please contact the respective utilities.
All other inquiries, please contact Kim Berhorst at kimb@nationalsolarusa.com
Contact: Kim Berhorst
Email: Kimb@NationalSolarUsa.com
NATIONAL SOLAR CONNECTS FIRST PGE “SOLAR PAYMENT OPTION” CUSTOMER TO THE GRID
Oregon’s New Feed-In Tariff-Style Pilot Program Provides New Incentives for SolarThursday, August 26, Jeff and Sandy Ramp of Salem, OR, became the first “Solar Payment Option” customers to connect their new solar photovoltaic system, designed and installed by National Solar, Inc., to the utility grid through Portland General Electric. Oregon’s new volumetric solar incentive pilot program, established by 2009 legislation, is modeled after Feed-In Tariff programs widely used in Europe, but is not a “true FIT.” Oregon customers of Pacific Power can participate through the “Oregon Solar Incentive Program,” and Oregon customers of Idaho Power, through its “Oregon Solar Photovoltaic Pilot Program.”
Although the enrollment, application, installation, and final inspection processes were time consuming as last-minute implementation details such as meter location and wiring plus liability insurance requirements were resolved after the July 1 enrollment, for Ramp, an OSU engineering graduate and onion farmer, the reward was a long-realized dream when he finally turned his new solar system on.
Ramp wanted for many years to install a solar system for his home, which he built with multiple energy efficiency features, but prior to the new pilot program couldn’t justify the cost. Ramp built his home in 1982 and designed it for passive solar heat gain with a Trombe wall as heat storage for all south-facing windows. He designed a south-facing roof with hopes of installing a rooftop solar system, but opted against it because of the concrete tile roofing.
Instead, National Solar installed the 9.9 kW solar PV system on a nearby outbuilding with metal roofing. The array was tilt racked to maximize southern solar exposure. National Solar, Inc., a Pacific NW solar design, installation and integration contractor with offices in Seattle and Salem, sources locally whenever possible: Components include Schott 225 watt polycrystalline modules (“Buy America”-qualified solar panels), and two PVPowered inverters (made in Bend, OR).
Ramp’s system is categorized as a small-scale (less than 10 kW DC) residential system. Anticipated annual solar electric output is approximately 11,000 kWh. His annual gross payments from his electric utility, PGE, should average $600 per month. The payments are considered taxable income, and will depend upon individual system owners’ tax brackets.
###
For more information on pilot program details, please contact the respective utilities.
All other inquiries, please contact Kim Berhorst at kimb@nationalsolarusa.com
Schott 2kW Solar System in Salem
 |
| Mr. Robert and Betty Bass celebrate with National Solar and ProStat Sevices post installation August 2, 2010 |
Oregon Feed-In Tariff Pilot Program to Launch July 1, 2010
May 28, 2010
Friday, the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC) announced details of a pilot program that will allow Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power to get paid for generating power from their own solar systems.
Set to launch July 1, the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Pilot Program gives eligible customers who install new solar systems the option to apply to receive a check for the power they produce at a premium rate guaranteed for 15 years. Eligible FIT participants can take a federal tax credit as an additional incentive, but they don't get a state tax credit or up-front cash rebates from the Energy Trust of Oregon.
The goal is to provide an alternative to the ongoing program providing up-front incentives plus state tax credits. Determining which program is best depends on a variety of considerations, including each individual home or business owner's finances, and the size and location of the solar system.
For an overview, see the May 28 Oregonian article "Solar program to pay Oregonians premium rates for power they generate," by Richard Read, at http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/solar_program_to_pay_oregonian.html
Enrollment in the FIT pilot program is limited. For more information, please email National Solar at info@nationalsolarusa.com.
(NOTE: If the link doesn't work, copy and paste the web address into your browser)
Friday, the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC) announced details of a pilot program that will allow Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power to get paid for generating power from their own solar systems.
Set to launch July 1, the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Pilot Program gives eligible customers who install new solar systems the option to apply to receive a check for the power they produce at a premium rate guaranteed for 15 years. Eligible FIT participants can take a federal tax credit as an additional incentive, but they don't get a state tax credit or up-front cash rebates from the Energy Trust of Oregon.
The goal is to provide an alternative to the ongoing program providing up-front incentives plus state tax credits. Determining which program is best depends on a variety of considerations, including each individual home or business owner's finances, and the size and location of the solar system.
For an overview, see the May 28 Oregonian article "Solar program to pay Oregonians premium rates for power they generate," by Richard Read, at http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/solar_program_to_pay_oregonian.html
Enrollment in the FIT pilot program is limited. For more information, please email National Solar at info@nationalsolarusa.com.
(NOTE: If the link doesn't work, copy and paste the web address into your browser)
Statesman Journal Article Update
On April 12, the Statesman Journal published the story "Neighborhoods Often Slow to Accept Solar Panels on homes," by Beth Casper. The story got lots of reader feedback, and it raised awareness on the important subject of Homeowner Associations and CCRs.
The Statesman Journal printed a followup article April 18, "Behind the Story: Creekside solar panels." In the article, Environmental Reporter Beth Casper shares some of her experience in researching the article.
To read the "Behind the Story" article, follow the link below.
www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100418/GREEN/4180316.
To read "Neighborhoods Often slow to Accept Solar Panels" follow the next link below.
www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201004120312/GREEN/4120312.
The Statesman Journal printed a followup article April 18, "Behind the Story: Creekside solar panels." In the article, Environmental Reporter Beth Casper shares some of her experience in researching the article.
To read the "Behind the Story" article, follow the link below.
www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100418/GREEN/4180316.
To read "Neighborhoods Often slow to Accept Solar Panels" follow the next link below.
www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201004120312/GREEN/4120312.
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