Posts Tagged ‘solar power’


Oregonians power their homes through solar program

June 3rd, 2010 by chelsea

Rain or shine, Oregonians find incentives to go solar.

Last week the state rolled out a pilot program that guarantees home and business owners a long-term income to reimburse them for the cost, according to an article in the Oregonian. The five-year program mimics approaches to renewable energy and solar power programs in Europe. The program may even launch Oregon to the forefront of solar energy, the article said. Utility customers can claim 30 percent tax credit with the program.

“It’s a pretty neat thing to receive a premium check for energy that you produce yourself, rather than just say, ‘Oh, my bill went down by $20 a month,” said the PGE project manager in the article.

Oregon is powered by sustainability.

Photo via oregonlive.com

Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Portland | No Comments »

San Francisco company jazzes up solar power

August 11th, 2009 by chelsea

In San Francisco, they’re harnessing the sun’s energy with elegance, creating Mission-style clay roof tiles that convert sunlight into electricity.

Solé is the lightweight, recyclable tile developed by SRS energy that is revolutionizing the style of the green movement, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. The tiles can last up to 20 years and are much more durable than similar tiles, withstanding high pressure and intense sunlight.

Michael McCaffrey, the company’s chief financial officer, said the tiles aren’t fragile like clay – people can walk all over them. Even more impressive is only 700 square-foot squares of tiles can provide up to 75 percent of a home’s energy needs, capturing solar power even on cloudy days.

Ready to ditch your energy bill in favor of a brighter lifestyle? Check out Solé’s stylish efficiency at: http://www.srsenergy.com/Home.aspx

Share

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in San Francisco | 1 Comment »

Portland schools capture solar power to stay lit

August 6th, 2009 by chelsea

Kids in Portland will soon have more than their brains to power through the school day – they’ll have solar roofs to keep the lights on and the wheels turning.

This month, nine Portland Public Schools will lay the foundation for a brighter future, installing thin sheets of solar film panels atop the schools, according to an article in the Oregonian. By September, the 175,000 square feet of solar panels will meet nearly 18 percent of the schools’ energy needs.

“We think it’s the right thing to do,” said Portland School Board member David Wynde. “Being sensitive to our carbon footprint is what we should do to protect the earth going forward. And the economics make sense.”

In Portland, lights on has never been so good for the environment.

Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Portland | No Comments »