BEND, OR-- Governor Kate Brown spoke at an event hosted by the City Club of Bend last week about the threat of wildfire and the urgency of climate change policy. The forum held at the Riverhouse was full of city club members, elected officials and business leaders. Brown told the audience that crafting a climate change policy in the wake of a bill that failed last year is one her top priorities during the upcoming short session of the legislature.
In attendence were the owners of E2 Solar of Bend who hosted the governor at their "Net Zero" building on NE High Desert Lane. Kelli and Mike Hewitt were excited to show Governor Brown new technologies like their Sonnen EcoLinx Energy System which integrates clean energy with intelligent automation. The Hewitts E2 Solar building generates 45,000 Kilowatt hours, enough to power their entire facility plus two additional homes.
Kelli Hewitt says now is an excellent time to take advantage of a first of its kind energy rebate that is part of a statewide program offered to all Oregon homeowners. "This is the first time the rebate hasn't been utility based, this is statewide," said Hewitt
The Energy Trust of Oregon significantly increased its incentive rates in January 2018 to customers of Pacific Power and Portland General Electric. But now there are incentives for those who are not customers of those utilities. Beginning in January, the Oregon Storage & Solar Rebate Program became available for the installation of grid connected solar energy systems (with extra incentives for systems that include battery storage)
The program will be available to all homeowners regardless of the electric utility that serves them. Homeowners are eligible for rebates up to $5,000 for solar and an additional $2,500 for paired energy storage installed together. Low-income service providers – such as nonprofits, municipalities, or other organizations serving low-income Oregonians are eligible for rebates up to $30,000 for solar plus $15,000 for paired storage.
Hewitt says the funds for the program are limited and are provided on a first come, first served basis. The program is being administered by the Oregon Department of Energy.
Bend's reputation for more than 250 days of sunshine makes it an ideal area for solar use in the state.
For more informaiton about E2 Solar visit their website or the state's website for details about the rebate application.
