ODOE to co-sponsor two “Basics of Going Solar” workshops in Portland in March

CONTACT:
Rachel Wray, 503-689-0294
Cliff Voliva, 503-378-3637

SALEM — The Oregon Department of Energy will co-sponsor workshops this month for homeowners interested in installing solar photovoltaic systems. ODOE’s support is the agency’s latest effort to leverage federal funding for projects and programs that improve Oregonians’ access to solar-related resources.

The free workshops – scheduled for March 22 and 29 in Portland and hosted by Solar Oregon – will discuss solar technologies available to homeowners, site assessment, and options for leasing, purchasing, and financing solar energy systems. Details on ODOE’s Residential Energy Tax Credit program, or RETC, will also be featured. Through RETC, ODOE offers tax credits to homeowners who install solar photovoltaic systems, solar water heaters and space heating, and many other energy-related projects.

ODOE’s support is made possible by federal funding secured through Northwest Solar Communities, a partnership aimed at reducing the cost of solar photovoltaic systems in Oregon and Washington. Under the grant, ODOE implements education and outreach activities and programs that reduce soft costs associated with solar installations.

“Solar energy continues to be a critical part of Oregon’s electricity mix,” said Michael Kaplan, ODOE director. “Through this partnership, ODOE is working to reach Oregon homeowners with information and incentives that help them choose the right resource for their site, and to provide solar companies and technicians with tools that help them do their jobs more efficiently.”

Earlier this year, ODOE launched PowerClerk, a new online tax credit application for residential solar photovoltaic systems. The online application makes it simpler and faster for ODOE-certified tax credit technicians to apply for a Residential Energy Tax Credit on behalf of customers who purchase a qualifying system. In February, ODOE received the Apogee Award from the Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association in recognition of PowerClerk’s usefulness to the state’s solar community. Technicians who use the system report that it has reduced paperwork by up to two hours per installation.

Basics of Going Solar Workshops March 22, 2015 – 3:00-4:30 p.m. Belmont Branch of the Multnomah County Library 1038 SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., Portland

March 29, 2015 – 2:00-3:30 PM Northwest Library 2300 NW Thurman St., Portland

About the Oregon Department of Energy: The Oregon Department of Energy reduces the long-term costs of energy for Oregonians. It provides tax credits, grants, loans, technical assistance and energy information for homeowners, businesses, manufacturers, farms, ranches, schools and governments.