City of Pendleton launches low-cost group buy solar program

(29/03/2010)

According to solar analysts, homeowners can save at least one-third of their heating and other energy bills by using solar photovoltaic systems. The City of Pendleton in Oregon has launched a low-cost group buy solar program so that homeowners may take advantage of the savings and multiple benefits of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The program is open to Pendleton businesses and residents in the surrounding area.

Pendleton's Residential Solar Program is based on a community scale group purchasing model used in Portland, Ore. that uses state and federal incentives and tax credits, lowering the sticker price of a residential solar system by an average of 80 percent while providing homeowners with a high quality and complete solar power system. Free workshops explain the program and outline solar energy cost-savings.

Leaders within the City of Pendleton are currently researching zero-interest loans and other funding programs so that the maximum number of Pendleton's estimated 17,500 residents can take advantage of the program.

Central to the success of Solarize Pendleton is LiveLight Energy of Beaverton. LiveLight Energy is offering free solar site assessments to determine exact costs and the best solar instillation process for residents' homes.

LiveLight Energy President Keith Knowles says that company staff will be available throughout Solarize Pendleton, which begins this month and runs though October, to explain how residents can take advantage of other energy efficiency measures. Knowles has also committed his company to donate a percentage of the project allocation so that a Pendleton community nonprofit will receive a complete solar system. Details on how nonprofits may apply for this program will be available mid-April.

Solarize Pendleton project leaders say there is no limit to the number of Pendleton homeowners and businesses who can take advantage of this low-cost program. The program is slated to end in October of 2010.

Related categories:  Solar power and photovoltaics