Solar Energy — Blog — Energy Info

Grounded Podcast: Oregon Energy Timeline Conversations: Mr. Sun

Grounded’s first installment of Oregon Energy Timeline Conversations sits down with John Patterson and talks about Oregon’s solar history and more!

Energy in Oregon, Podcasts, Renewable EnergyGuest UserMay 27, 2022Mr. Sun, Solar Energy, Grounded Podcast, John Patterson, Renewable Energy

Oregon Department of Energy to Hold Virtual Community Meetings on Solar + Storage Rebate Program

The Oregon Department of Energy will hold two virtual community meetings this winter on the agency’s Solar + Storage Rebate Program.

Get Involved, ODOE Incentives, Public MeetingErica EuenJanuary 14, 2022Incentives, Public Meeting, Get Involved, Solar Energy

Baldock Solar Highway Project Turns 10

Ten years after breaking ground, the Baldock Solar Highway is still delivering renewable energy to Oregonians and weary travelers.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Renewable Energy, Success StoriesGuest UserOctober 1, 2021Baldock Solar Highway, PGE, ODOT, Made in Oregon, Solar Energy

Oregon State University Research Shows Bright Future for Agrivoltaics

In our 2020 Biennial Energy Report, we highlighted some of the cool stories happening around energy in Oregon. One of our stories was about Oregon State University’s research in combining agriculture and solar photovoltaics (agrivoltaics) for the mutual benefit of the environment and farms. Read on.

Energy in Oregon, Renewable Energy, Success StoriesJennifer KalezFebruary 3, 2021Biennial Energy Report, Agrivoltaics, Agriculture, Solar, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy

ODOE Report Highlights Solar + Storage Rebate Program Progress

Since its launch in January, the program has already issued 174 rebates for completed residential solar projects, including 11 that also installed storage. An additional 144 rebates are reserved for projects in the works, including 33 proposed projects for low-income service providers.

Energy in Oregon, ODOE Incentives, Renewable Energy, Success StoriesErica EuenSeptember 18, 2020Solar Plus, Incentives, Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, Rebate, Renewable Energy, Success Stories, Solar, Solar Energy, Reports & Publications, Oregon Legislature, OSSRP

Additional $375,000 in Solar + Storage Rebate Dollars Available April 15

On April 15, 2020 ODOE will release another $375,000 in rebate funds for non-income restricted residential customers. Approved ODOE contractors may start reserving those funds beginning at 8 a.m.

ODOE Incentives, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezApril 13, 2020Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, Solar, Solar Energy, Incentives, Rebate, OSSRP

Will Oregon’s Solar Boom Lead to a Solar Recycling Boom?

The Oregon Department of Energy’s Solar Dashboard shows just 15 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in 1999 – the first year for which we have data. At the time, those solar electric panels – all on residential rooftops – were quite the novelty, and something to stop and stare at.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Renewable Energy, Safety & ResilienceGuest UserMarch 18, 2020Solar, Solar Energy, Utility-Scale Solar, Community Solar, Renewable Energy, recycling

Oregon Department of Energy to Hold Public Hearing on Rules for New Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program

This fall, the ODOE team has been working on developing Administrative Rules for a new solar and solar plus storage rebate program in anticipation of a January 2020 launch. ODOE is accepting public comments on the rules and will hold a public hearing on December 3, 2019.

Get Involved, ODOE Incentives, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezNovember 5, 2019Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, Public Meeting, Public Hearing, Get Involved, Incentives, Rebate, Solar Energy

Oregon Department of Energy to Host Free Utility-Scale Solar + Battery Storage Workshop October 29

Utility operations, maintenance, and engineering staff are encouraged to attend to learn how northwest utilities are enhancing local energy resilience and supporting grid operations through the use of battery storage systems coupled with solar installations.

Energy in Oregon, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezOctober 25, 2019Solar Energy, Battery Storage, Energy Storage, Workshop, Get Involved, Utility-Scale Solar

Report: Solar Panel Cleaning Solicitations

We’ve received some reports about a solar panel cleaning company that’s soliciting Oregonians with a letter that implies the Oregon Department of Energy endorsed their services. We do not lend our name, recommendation, or endorsement to specific businesses, services, or products.

Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezJuly 1, 2019Solar Energy

Solar Data Project Shows How Sun-Powered Electricity Has Spread Across Oregon

Visualizing this rise in renewable solar electricity generated statewide is now easier than ever thanks to a new Oregon Solar Dashboard launched by the Oregon Department of Energy.

Energy in Oregon, Energy Facilities, Press Releases, Renewable EnergyErica EuenApril 3, 2019Solar Energy, Solar, Renewable Energy, Sustainability

March 2019 Newsletter

ODOE’s March newsletter talks about the latest round of Renewable Energy Development Grants, a new Oregon Solar Dashboard, a new Grounded podcast episode, a quick update on the legislative session., and more.

Grounded Podcast: Ashland Captures the Sun

On our latest episode of Grounded, we’re talking solar energy and virtual net metering in Ashland, Oregon. Stu Green, the City of Ashland’s Climate and Energy Analyst, talks about the city’s bold strategy for expanding access to renewable solar electricity to more Oregonians.

Climate Change, Energy in Oregon, Podcasts, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezJanuary 3, 2019Grounded, Podcast, Solar Energy, Virtual Net Metering, Renewable Energy

Energy Facility Siting Council To Meet December 14 In The Dalles

Two energy facilities planned for northeastern Oregon will be the focus of discussion at the next Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council meeting on Friday, December 14 in The Dalles. The public meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Discovery Center, 5000 Discovery Drive.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Press Releases, Public Meeting, Renewable EnergyGuest UserDecember 6, 2018Wheatridge, Carty, Wind Energy, Wind Farms, Natural Gas, Solar Energy, Utility-Scale Solar, EFSC, Energy Facility Siting Council, Boardman, The Dalles

ODOE’s Siting Division Reviewing A Record 15 Projects

Utility-scale solar electric facilities are the hot new thing in Oregon, and many existing wind farms are taking steps to “repower” older turbines by using longer blades. Those are two reasons why the Facility Siting Division at the Oregon Department of Energy now has a record 15 projects under review!

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Public Meeting, Renewable Energy, Safety & ResilienceGuest UserNovember 30, 2018Wind Energy, Wind Farms, Solar, Solar Energy, Utility-Scale Solar, Transmission Line, Natural Gas, LNG, BioDiesel, EFSC, Energy Facility Siting Council

Grounded Podcast: Gresham Powers Through the FOG

On our latest episode of Grounded, Alan Johnston, Senior Engineer for the City of Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant, talks about the plant’s operations (everybody poops!), and how they’ve implemented energy projects onsite that end up producing more electricity than the plant can even use. From renewable solar power to energy and heat from fats, oils, and grease, Gresham is walking the talk when it comes to sustainability.

Energy in Oregon, Podcasts, Renewable Energy, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezAugust 23, 2018Grounded, Podcast, Saving Energy, Work Tips, Wastewater Treatment, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy

Zelenka Brings Impressive Background To Energy Department

Energy – in Oregon and beyond – has a big impact on our environment. The space where they interact is where Alan Zelenka likes to work. He’s spent half of his life in the energy business, all the while being a staunch protector of Oregon’s natural resources. Zelenka is the new Assistant Director for Planning and Innovation at the Oregon Department of Energy.

Climate Change, Energy Facilities, Energy in OregonCliffJuly 3, 2018Climate Trust, Energy Efficiency, Energy Policy, Energy Storage, Environment, Public Policy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Wind Energy

Energy Facility Siting Council To Meet June 29 In Salem

Rulemaking projects related to carbon dioxide emissions and solar photovoltaic facilities will be the main topics of discussion at the next Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council meeting on Friday, June 29 in Salem.