July Events

Thinking about going solar? Join us for our free workshop to learn the foundational solar and storage information you need to confidently take those first steps for your home or small business.

Missed Last Month's Webinars?

Green Energy Series Webinar

The Green Energy Series is on summer break and will resume in August!

New Solar Oregon Staff

Solar Oregon welcomes Laura Buska and Daegan Palermo to the team!

With these new arrivals, we are also saying a heartfelt goodbye to Aby Jaegal and Nicole Maticic. Solar Oregon is incredibly grateful for their dedication and hard work, and for the momentum they have built during their years with the organization. We wish them great success in all their next endeavors!

Volunteer for a Committee

Interested in solar energy? Want to use your time to support a good cause? Join us on a Solar Oregon committee! Descriptions and meeting times are below. Connect with Laura at laura@solaroregon.org to sign up!

Event Committees

• Go Zero Tour Committee - Help drive awareness and support for this annual event featuring a tour of homes on their way to net zero. The 2026 tour is scheduled for October 3rd. This committee currently meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 10 - 10:30 am. Click here to learn more about the Go Zero Tour.

• Annual Event Committee - (You like to party right?) Celebrate Solar Energy and the organizations annual successes with event planning, fundraising (silent auction) and event assistance. The event is being planned tentatively for the evening of November 5th, 2026. This committee is scheduling its kickoff and future meeting schedule now! Click here to learn more about the Annual Event.

• Solar Wine Tour Committee - Help grow the Solar Oregon's Wine Tour Event! Contribute to improved member experience, increased ticket sales and spreading the word. The next event is scheduled for 2027. This committee has its kickoff meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd from noon to 1 pm. Following meetings will be scheduled at kickoff. If you want to be on the committee but cannot attend the kickoff, connect with Laura to share your availability for future meetings. Meetings will run 30 minutes to an hour and occur monthly with a few additional meetings closer-to event day. Click here to learn more about the Solar Wine Tour.

• Green Energy Series - Monthly one-hour webinars exploring solar, energy storage, and energy-efficient equipment and design. If you are passionate about green energy, contribute ideas for topics and speakers, and assist in event planning and promotion. This committee currently meets on the second Friday of each month from 2 - 2:30 pm. Events are traditionally scheduled for the first Saturday of the month from 10-11 am. Committee members do not have to be present for events. View the last GES webinar event here.

Organizational Committees

• Equity Committee - Help Solar Oregon support equal opportunity and access to solar energy, green jobs and the clean energy economy it creates. This committee is planning its kickoff and future meeting schedule now. Be involved in this committee from the ground up!

• Policy Committee - For over four decades Solar Oregon has advocated for policies that help lead our state toward an affordable and democratic clean energy future. Working collaboratively, we support many of the legislative and regulatory lobbying agendas of our partner organizations. Join the policy committee and assist Solar Oregon and its partners in its current policy efforts. This committee meets every six weeks on Tuesday from 5:15-6:15 pm. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled. Email Laura@solaroregon.org to be included in the next meetings invitation.

• Fundraising Committee - Help Solar Oregon grow and serve more Oregonians! Increase grant applications, unrestricted funds; donations and memberships, business sponsorships and ticket sales for annual events. This committee currently meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 4 - 5 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for July 28th.

Email laura@solaroregon.org to sign up for a committee!

Energy Empowerment: Home Energy Solutions & Community Connections Event

July 14th from 4 pm to 7:30 pm

Ready to take action on clean energy at home, but not sure where to start? Join WRISE PDX and the City of Portland for an evening of hands-on learning, community connection, and real resources you can use today.

​The Energy Empowerment Event is WRISE PDX's annual community gathering during PNW Climate Week, bringing together everyday Portlanders, clean energy experts, and local organizations to make the clean energy transition practical, accessible, and actionable.

What to expect:

​🤝 Community Fair & Networking — 4:00–7:30 PM Connect with local clean energy organizations, solution providers, and community partners throughout the evening.

​🔋 Breakout Sessions — 5:00–7:00 PM Choose from expert-led sessions on:

​Energy Efficiency — practical upgrades and programs for renters and homeowners

​Solar + Storage — what rooftop solar and battery storage look like for Oregon households

​Community Solar — learn how to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on your home

​Electric Vehicles — residential EV resources and how to get started

​🚗 EV Ride & Drive — 5:00–7:30 PM Get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and experience the future of transportation firsthand. Sponsored by: Dick Hannah Dealerships, Harbinger, and Randge Zero Emissions.

​Featured organizations include: Portland General Electric, Energy Trust of Oregon, Community Energy Project, Opconnect, Electrify PDX, Oregon Solar + Storage Industries Association (OSSIA), Electrify Now, Oregon Electric Vehicle Association (OEVA).

​Who is this for? Curious Portlanders, homeowners, renters, students, climate advocates, and anyone who wants to increase household resilience, and make informed clean energy choices.

Solar Fact of the Month: Solar power has been used to power spacecraft since the 1950s.

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