July 16, 2015
"It's a No-Brainer!"
 by Jason Jepsen (part 2 of 3)

A Wise Guy told me, "An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until 
they know everything about nothing." I believe there is challenge in knowledge. Gathering or  assuming knowledge may narrow one's view, limiting resource optimization. It is difficult to  return to the beginner's mind - curious, impartial and unassuming - pregnant with possibility.  With a beginner's mind, one may be aware, entertaining and empathizing with phenomenal  perspectives - essentially compassionate action.


 

Another challenge is not knowing what one does not know. However, the prospect of not knowing all the doctrines and disruptions of energy is exciting! Infinite unripened revelations are holding bloom until auspicious causes and conditions manifest. Casting a vast net and probing "why not?" and "how?" will facilitate breakthroughs in knowledge and impact. Even without such inquiry, change is constant - wisdom evolves.
 

Read more here.

Solar Thermal Public Meeting 

 

The Oregon Department of Energy will hold a meeting this summer to obtain feedback from anyone interested in potential changes to the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) program based on HB 2171.


 

HB 2171 modifies the RETC program by increasing the incentive rate for solar pool, spa or hot tub systems and solar domestic water heating systems.

 

Solar Thermal Domestic Water and Pool Heating
Salem: Thursday, July 30, 10 a.m.
Oregon Department of Energy
625 Marion Street NE, Salem, OR 97301

Westerberg Room


 

More information here.


 

RETC PV Meetings 

 

The Oregon Department of Energy will hold several meetings this summer to obtain feedback from anyone interested in potential changes to the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) program. The first round of meetings are organized by sectors of the program. At the meetings, program staff will discuss possible changes to program rules and gather feedback on program operation. For more information, please visit the RETC website: http://www.oregon.gov/energy/CONS/Pages/Rulemaking-RETC.aspx

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Solar Photovoltaic, Eugene, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.
Solar Photovoltaic, Portland, Thursday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m.

 


 

OSEIA Supports Oregon Country Fair

OSEIA proudly supported the Oregon Country Fair with a solar cell phone charging station so all the hippies could be connected while they shopped for odd wares and attended wacky performances. Backwoods Solar contributed a Magnum inverter, Midnite Solar charge controller, Deka batteries and a host of other support equipment. SolarWorld provided the PV Modules. Advanced Energy Systems provided the PV Module mounting system and Newt Loken of Solar Assist was onsite to build and maintain the system.

A very special thank you to all who participated!!!

 
Solar Design Strategies That Can help You Compete 

So far this year is the busiest on record for solar installers in Oregon and many contractors are looking for opportunities to be more efficient with the increase in volume. In a recent article for the Energy Trust's Insider blog, Pamela Cargill, Principal of Chaolysti, discussed the importance of creating a quality system design for every project. She points out that "a poorly planned or incomplete system design can lead to expensive rework throughout the project and eat away at customer satisfaction" for example if sales staff design a system that doesn't meet code or installation requirements, redlines can drive up project cost and effect the project timeline. Finding the right tools, creating process improvements or providing employee training can be time consuming and expensive, but consider the value to your company of a good quality system design from the beginning. Read the full article to learn about the importance of system design and how to select the right tools for your growing company.

Unlicensed Contractors Cannot Bid Solar Installations 

Stan Jessup, Enforcement Manger for the Construction Contractors Board (CCB), recently authored a brief refresher on Oregon's contractor laws as they apply to solar installation and sales for Energy Trust's Insider blog for trade ally contractors. Did you know the requirement to hold a contractor's license does not apply only to the physical construction work itself? Contractors must be licensed with the Oregon CCB in order to advertise, submit bids or enter into contracts for construction work with homeowners in the state of Oregon. Licensed subcontractors who knowingly assist an unlicensed contractor to act in violation of state contractor laws can also face penalties. Read the full article for more information.

Energy Incentives Program Opportunity Announcement 

The Oregon Department of Energy will accept applications for Commercial Buildings projects from July 20, 2015 through Aug. 21, 2015. The state has approximately $2 million in tax credits available for theseprojects. For additional information, please visit ODOE online at:
http://www.oregon.gov/energy/BUSINESS/Incentives/Pages/EIP-Conservation.aspx

Victory for Protection of Ratepayer Funds in Oregon Legislature 

There are a few things in life that you can expect in June: school lets out, Father's Day, Flag Day, and the Oregon legislature tries to raid ratepayer funds. 2015 is no exception. The legislature again tried to raid ratepayer funds, and again failed due to industry support to stop the raid. 

The U.S Community Solar Market Outlook report is now available 

GTM Research's latest report , U.S. Community Solar Market Outlook 2015-2020, predicts that by 2020 community solar will be an annual half-gigawatt market in the United States.

According to the report, community solar is the next largest growth opportunity in the United States. The new report profiles the states and developers that will help drive the market from tipping point to mainstream.

Certified Energy Manager Training in Portland Oregon this Fall
Comprehensive Five-day Training Program for Energy Managers - October 19-23, 2015

The Association of Energy Engineers Columbia River Chapter (AEE CRC) today announced that they will host a comprehensive five-day Training Program for Energy Managers in Portland this fall. The nonprofit organization acts as a local training conduit for national certifications. The increasingly recognized and requested Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification exam will be proctored on the final day of the training. 

 

The special five-day seminar provides an in-depth, comprehensive learning and problem-solving forum for those who want a broader understanding of the latest energy cost reduction strategies. The program begins by examining the fundamentals within all key areas of energy management. Students then learn, system by system, how to diagnose and analyze energy savings opportunities.

 

More information here.

2015 EV ROADMAP

July 29-31, Portland, Oregon

 



2015 SolarWorld Installer Summit

August 25-27, Portland, Oregon


The Third Annual Installer Summit will take place from Aug. 25 to 27, 2015, at the Portland Downtown Marriott Waterfront, which features unbeatable views of the city and river.  This year, we are excited to celebrate our 40th anniversary of U.S. manufacturing with you.


The Installer Summit will focus on best practices for solar businesses. Seminars, expert-led panels, factory tours, and product debuts will combine to give you what you need to effectively sell our products in the field.

 

Register here.

SPI 2015

September 14-17, Anaheim, CA

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