Solar Powered Charging Station in Portland

EV Charging Station at Farrell & Associates is Live!

Oregon is a eco-friendly state. With electric vehicles (EVs) like the Nissan LEAF arriving this year, it will be getting even greener. One business is getting ready for customers with EVs and plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt and Plug-in Prius that are expected in 2012.

The company is Farrell & Associates Inc. They are a real estate and property management company. They hope to attract eco-friendly customers with their new solar array and plug-in car charging station.

Mark Farrell, Principal Broker and Owner of Farrell & Assoc., said that they are doing this to be good neighbors and because it matters to customers in this region. Their business area has several recent green renovations and they are looking to stand out. Solar panels and an EV charging station help them do just that.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) system is made up of 40 solar panels and is 9.8 kilowatts in total. The PV array will generate enough energy to power an EV such as the LEAF nearly 40,000 miles per year. These solar panels are more than enough to charge any cars that plug in here while still greatly reducing the electricity bill of the business.

Solterra Systems installed the solar panels and partnered with Charge Northwest for the plug-in vehicle charging station.

Farrell said that they would not have been able to take these steps without the state and federal incentives.

The charging station has both level 1 and Level 2 charging and is open to the public free of charge!

Name: FARRELL & ASSOC / STATION #1
Address: 4772 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203, USA

Photos courtesy of Solterra Systems and Farrell & Associates

Federal Solar Energy Plans Skip Oregon

Federal officials plan to accelerate large-scale solar energy developments across the Western United States. However, OPB News reports that those plans do not include Oregon.

Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, named 24 public lands areas in six states to be prioritized for utility-scale solar projects. The lucky states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. This list does not include the vast BLM lands in the sunny southeastern part of Oregon.

BLM officials said that Oregon was excluded because the lands have impediments such as inadequate transmission lines and a lack of nearby population centers.

Rachel Shimshak with Portland-based Renewable Northwest said the solar projects could still benefit Oregon, “Remember that in Oregon, we have a variety of solar manufacturers. So the kinds of jobs and manufacturing opportunity that Oregon has to serve projects in the Southwest is high.”

Federal officials are focusing the future of large-scale solar investment on "solar zones.” Oregon was passed over this time, but Oregon's solar advocates will continue to point out the benefits of solar investment in the state.

Via OPB News

Making Portland a Solar City

In a residential area of unincorporated Washington County, west of Portland Oregon, there is a house that is now solar powered.

The owner, Doug, said that the large south-facing roof screamed "SOLAR!!" when he and his wife moved in 10 years ago. The normal bills of life and the quick arrival of two children meant that the solar scream dream would have to wait.

That changed when Doug read about SolarCity in this blog. He researched it and signed up for a program that offered him solar energy for less than what he was paying for wind power and with no money down. "Solar was not something that we could afford. The panels alone would have cost about one-third of the house price. Electricity is cheap here so I could never make that work. However, this program made it a no-brainer for a place like my roof."

We asked Doug a few questions about his experience.

CelticSolar: What does your family think about this?
Doug: My family is all environmentally aware so they all think it’s pretty cool. My favorite moment so far is when my son said “Daddy, with the panels we could turn our house into a space station!”

CS: How big is the system?
D: It’s just under 8kW. The installers said it’s about 3x the size of what they normally do. There are 36 panels (Kyocera I believe) so it should be good for a watt or two.

CS: How does this align with your values?
D: I would like to leave a legacy of stewardship and responsibility to my children. I want to be an example to them. I felt it was the right thing to do. SolarCity allowed me to do this while still keeping the costs down. Why every house in LA or Arizona and why the whole Sunbelt isn’t covered in panels is a real failure of mankind. We have the technology, we know this stuff is helpful for a ton of reasons (emissions, reduced dependency on oil nations, better supply distribution) but we still don’t get it. It kills me.

CS: This is installed in Oregon, is there enough sunshine in Oregon to make it worthwhile? (see the clouds in the photos)
D: While it was overcast and raining, during the test phase of the install it still generated 400W. Even a tiny amount like that is still energy that is not from burning coal or gas. Every little bit helps. And Oregon doesn’t have THAT bad of weather. Look at my garden. When I bought the house that was a deck, and I took it out because there is no shade at my house and it would get killer hot out there during the summer. I’ll be making some juice even during the winter. With an array the size of mine it won’t take much sun to make a positive outcome.

"Doing what’s right shouldn’t come with a label"

CS: Do you consider yourself an environmentalist, an eco-geek, or other?
D: I consider myself a realist. Doing what’s right shouldn’t come with a label.

CS: How will this change your electricity use?
D: We are already responsible energy users. We have all CFC for lighting and when they die I’ll probably put in LED lighting. Best of all, now we'll be able to play solar powered Rock Band!

Power Line Park: South-facing view from the property

CS: What did you think of the install crew?
D: The team was great. They worked three days, rain or shine, and kept me in the loop at all times. They put up with my nosing around, and they left the work area in good shape. They always practiced safety protocols, and that made me feel better since I knew they were safe (unlike some roof repairer we had last year).

CS: What would you say to someone else that is considering SolarCity?
D: If you have any doubts about working with them, I can only tell you my experience has been great. Professional, patient (I asked lots of stupid questions) and even kept after it when the rules in Oregon changed. I’m very happy.

The output will continue to be meager throughout the winter. In the spring and summer, however, this system will be able to power his entire house and feed the grid during peak sun hours. You can see the energy produced by Doug's PV system here. Φ

Electric Vehicle Class at Portland State

Portland State University, in Portland Oregon, is now offering a course on electric vehicle engineering.

Power electronics and electric motor technologies have had decreasing emphasis in Electrical Engineering curricula over the last thirty years. In large part, this is due to the growth in semiconductors, digital technologies, signal processing, and wireless communication. Power electronics and electric motors have employed fewer engineers than their digital counterparts and had less glamorous, less exciting reputations.

However, with the growing focus on green and sustainable technologies, these older techs are making a comeback. In many cases, exciting new combinations of modern controls and old technologies are creating solutions that were previously not possible.

Portland State University is now offering a class that brings these technologies together. It is from PSU's School of Engineering & Computer Science. It is a senior elective (410) or graduate level (510) class, so there is an expectation that you have an understanding of electrical engineering. It is not a walk-in introductory 101 class.

Part 1 of the class is scheduled for this Spring semester with Part 2 planned for the Fall semester. The class will be limited to only 20 students.

Over the two classes, students will learn about electric propulsion and drive control systems, with emphasis on brushless DC and induction machines. Other topics include switch mode power electronics, battery technologies, battery management, vehicle weight and driving performance (range, acceleration...). The extensive laboratory work for the class will use Matlab and Simulink and include experiments with the Power-pole board and the Arduino microcontroller.

You can see the course details and syllabus here.

via PSU and the OEVA

Better Living Show 2010

The Better Living Show is Coming to Portland

This free show offers Earth-friendly living ideas for your home, garden, & lifestyle. The show is March 26-28 at the Portland Expo Center. Green-tech, eco-chic, or smart conservation, you can find it there.

Special activities for kids in the Planet Kids Corner including "Mad Science".

Attractions include:

• Stage Kitchen
• Solar Pavilion
• Vege Village Vegan Foods
• Gardens Gone Wild
• Electric Vehicle Display

Find some ideas to make your life greener.

More info @ better living show.org

Solar Powered Water in Portland

Portland Water Bureau Goes Solar

The Portland Water Bureau is putting in a 267kW solar installation near the Portland Airport (PDX). This is the second installation for the Water Bureau and comes with a $2.2M price tag.

The location is challenging because this  solar power plant is located in a field with high groundwater. “The water table is right at the surface,” said EC Company Renewable Solutions Manager, Robin Rabiroff, “We had to take into account the drainage and settling of the site.”

To enable the Water Bureau to track energy production of the site, the four commercial inverters, made by Bend Oregon company PV Powered, are outfitted with performance monitoring systems from DECK Monitoring of Eugene, Oregon. The monitoring website has been linked to the Bureau’s website for easy access by ratepayers.

“We’ve been using PV Powered commercial inverters for more than a year on various projects,” said EC’s Rabiroff “Their product quality is top notch, ... Plus, we like dealing with an Oregon-based company.”

“We also like teaming up with local companies to deliver leading-edge renewable energy solutions in Oregon,” said Erick Petersen, VP of Sales and Marketing at PV Powered. “For our part, PV Powered ensures that our customers get maximum energy harvest...”

Among the other commercial projects that EC Company has installed with PV Powered commercial inverters is the 107kW rooftop plant that was recently put in at the Portland Community College.

Related Link

Home Energy Makeover

Follow these four simple steps to cut your energy costs and make your home more comfortable in every season:

1. Schedule a 3-4 hour assessment with a specially trained Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor. Testing with state-of-the-art equipment pinpoints where your home is wasting energy.


2. Receive a customized action plan that prioritizes cost-effective, energy-saving improvements needed in your home. You'll see what you pay now and what you could pay when your home runs at peak performance.


3. Choose the improvements that fit your budget and use Energy Trust incentives and state and federal tax credits to help offset the cost.


4. Enjoy lower energy costs, greater year-round comfort, better indoor air quality and enjoy the payback.

Saving energy saves more than money.

via The Energy Trust of Oregon

Oregon Wave Project

Oregon is moving ahead with plans for the nation’s first commercial wave energy station.

On Friday morning, Ocean Power Technologies of New Jersey announced a deal with Oregon Iron Works to build a 10-buoy prototype system 2.5 miles off the coast of Reedsport, OR.

“We’re thrilled to be under way,” said Mark Draper, Ocean Power’s chief executive, in a telephone interview before the announcement. “We hope this is just the beginning of a new phase in capturing a major source of renewable energy.”

The first buoy will weigh about 200 tons and stand as tall as a three-story building, it is expected to deploy next year; with the remaining nine going in the water over the next two years. The full system price tag is $60 million and expected capacity is 1.5 megawatts, about half the peak of a single giant wind turbine. Wave energy, however, will be 24x7 consistent rather than intermittent like wind.

The project is being paid for by Ocean Power, Oregon tax breaks, federal funds, and PNGC Power coop, which has agreed to purchase the energy for its customers in Douglass County, Ore. It will create about 150 local jobs. If this prototype goes well, Ocean Power Tech expects to deploy a 200 buoy system nearby.

Wave-power is still a nascent technology, success is far from guaranteed. Two years ago a 40-ton wave-power buoy from Finavera Co sank off the Oregon coast after only two months of use. In California, state regulators last rejected a wave power project (also Finavera’s), saying that the technology was “pre-commercial” and that the “contract price is not reasonable.” The wave project that is furthest along, off the coast of Portugal, ran into financial difficulties earlier this year.

This Oregon project has also seen resistance from local fishermen. Nick Furman, executive director of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, said his group is “not particularly excited about Ocean Power Technologies’s plans. But we’re keeping an open mind.” He added that while his members have accepted the presence of the initial buoys, they are very concerned about plans for the larger array, which “is too big a project in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Mr. Draper of Ocean Power said his company has worked hard to make sure the buoys will withstand powerful storms and is trying to make sure no one’s livelihood is harmed.

If this project is successful, it could be the start of a cleaner powered future. If a method is found to harness oceanic energy, studies have shown that it alone could power the world's current demand twice over.

Listen on OPB Radio

Via NY Times & EcoGeek

Oregon Wave Energy Back Story

RePower Oregon Podcast

What is happening with renewable energy in Oregon? Find out with an interview with Jake Weigler of Healthy Climate Partnership on Portland's KPOJ.

Topics: Cap and Trade (SB80), Coal plant regulation in Oregon (SB603), Oregon Solar Industry (HB1212), feed-in tariffs, Greener Buildings (SB79).

Podcast Link

Solar Oregon's Meeting

Help us celebrate 30 years of supporting the solar community!

What: Solar Oregon's Annual Meeting

When: November 7, 2009 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Where: Lucky Labrador Brew Pub - 915 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

You are cordially invited to join us for the 2009 Solar Oregon Annual Business Meeting, future vision review and 30 year celebration. The program includes;

• Updates on Feed-In Tariff Rules - Presenter Kacia Brockman, Energy Trust of Oregon
  
• Lessons Learned in Commercial Solarl Hot Water - Presenter Mitch Dec, Glumac
  
• 30 year celebration cake!
  
• Volunteer Recognition
  
• Solar Oregon Vision
  
• Current Solar Oregon business

Solar Waffle Works

A new solar-powered food cart in northeast Portland serves up more than waffles.

Located at N.E. Alberta St. and 23rd Ave. and set to open later this month, the small blue trailer housing "Solar Waffle Works" is a nonprofit project that helps high school graduates gain independent living skills and vocational training.

The young adults involved are part of the PPS Community Transition Program, which helps recent graduates transition to life after high school.

Corinne Thomas-Kersting, CTP administrator, says Solar Waffle Works benefits students by making them active partners in the creation and management of a socially responsible start-up.

"This project gets them out of the classroom and into the real world," says Thomas-Kersting. "That hands-on experience is incredibly valuable."

Students designed the cart from start-to-finish: they helped create the business plan, the logo, the marketing concepts and the menu, assisted with preparing the cart for service and will work in Solar Waffle Works preparing and serving food as well assisting with accounting and advertising.

The cart is the result of a partnership between PPS and SolTrekker, a Northeast-based nonprofit dedicated to renewable energy education. A solar panel array on the cart's roof supplies much of its power.

"It's about a lot more than CTP students learning how to flip waffles," says Allison Hintzmann, a CTP transition specialist who envisioned and co-created Solar Waffle Works with students and SolTrekker. "This fosters entrepreneurship while also teaching skills that will make them more employable."

In addition to job training, Solar Waffle Works emphasizes the importance of conserving resources and reducing environmental impact.

SolTrekker provided the trailer and added plumbing and solar components. The nonprofit contributed labor, funds and materials and received partial funding from PPS and the Spirit Mountain Community Fund.

Ty Adams, founder and board chair at SolTrekker, says his organization didn't need any convincing to participate.

"This is a project that's not just unique to Portland, but one that is unique nationwide," says Adam. "It's definitely the tastiest project we've ever been a part of."

Visiting Solar Waffle Works

For its grand opening, Solar Waffle Works will feature live music and free samples on Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its location on N.E. Alberta St. and 23rd Ave. Hours of business will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Weekday revenue supports the Community Transition Program.

via Portland Public School News

Solar Oregon Photo Contest

Each year Solar Oregon holds a photo contest. Below are the three runners up and the winning photo.

Christopher Morgan

Sam Doak

Gregory Flick

photo by Michele Renee, Contest Winner

Link: Solar Oregon

Solar for Free

If you could get solar energy, rather than the standard grid mix, at exactly the same price, would you do it? Seems like a simple choice.

For most people, the biggest hurdle for getting solar panels on their home is the cost. If you are in Oregon and own a home, and would like to have solar panels on your roof to generate electricity, the deal you have been waiting for is here. Solar electricity at the same price you are already paying.

SolarCity is now offering residential "Solar Leases" in Oregon. A solar lease is an agreement to purchase the power that the solar panels produce; the solar panels are put on your home and you agree to buy the electricity they generate for a fixed period of time.

You don't own the panels, but you don't have to pay for them. And if something goes wrong (like an inverter going out), you don't have to pay for that either. SolarCity owns and maintains all the equipment.

SolarCity was founded in California and is (not surprisingly) the state's biggest solar installer. They expanded into Oregon over a year ago but had only been servicing commercial customers until now. During this time they have installed systems on Walmart, Whole Foods, & Intel to name a few.

With this track record and clientèle, they appear legitimate.

If you sell your home, you can transfer the agreement to the new owners, or prepaid it and make it a selling point for the house. SolarCity is flexible. At the end of the lease, you can have them take it all away, or (optionally) buy the equipment. Or, here is one of the cool parts, even have them replace it with the latest and greatest in PV technology.

There are, of course, considerations, such as trees, that must be looked at to determine if solar is right for your home. You can contact them for a free sight assessment.

If you are concerned about signing a lease, think about it this way: in our modern world, going without electricity is not a practical option, so you are, in a manner, already in a lifetime lease agreement with your utility company. Why not lease solar instead?

SolarCity Residential

Skystream Over Portland

Southwest Windpower designed the Skystream line to be residential wind turbine. However, they are discovering that these little turbines can find uses in far many more places than just the neighborhood backyard.

The latest use is in downtown Portland Oregon. Four wind turbines, rise 45-feet above a 22-story building. The turbines do not generate much of the building's energy needs (about as much as it takes to run the elevator) but the turbines are just the icings on the cake for this building that is designed so efficiently, it is expected to receive not one, but two Platinum LEED certifications — for new construction and commercial interiors.

Listen to the Story on NPR's All Things Considered

New Geothermal in Oregon

U.S. Geothermal Inc. has started development at Neal Hot Springs in eastern Oregon. The first well in the program is currently at of 300 feet. The total planned depth is approximately 2,800 feet where it is expected to hit a large aperture fracture of hot geothermal fluid.

Three wells, ranging in depth from 2,300 to 3,800 feet are planned for this site. Construction of the drill pads began in August. One drill pad is complete and a second pad is currently under construction. Trinity Drilling initiated drilling on September 18.

Permits for four exploration wells were received from the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries on September 11, 2009 allowing for expansion based on results. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a Record of Decision for an Environmental Assessment which allows surface access and construction to a well site that is located on federal lands that overlay private geothermal rights.

In addition to these deep, large diameter production wells, a temperature gradient well program consisting of up to 9 small-diameter wells each approximately 500 feet in depth was started. This program will acquire field data to better understand the geothermal potential at Neal Hot Springs, U.S. Geothermal said.

The new plant is designed to deliver 22 megawatts and is scheduled to come online in late 2011.

via renewableenergyworld.com

Sun, Wind & Gears

Sun, Wind & Gears is a meandering 35 mile bike ride through beautiful landscape of Silicon Forest. The ride cruises the the rural countryside surrounding Hillsboro, visits a wetlands preserve, and returns to SolarWorld Headquarters where the fun continues with food, drink, live music and tours of the facility. A longer 55 mile route starting in Portland is also available.

The ride is Sunday October 4th and is for a worthy cause. This event supports a local nonprofit that works to stimulate long-term, positive change in the developing world.

http://sunwindgears.org/

Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Launch

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Pioneer Courthouse Square | Portland, OR

11am – 3pm | Speakers starting at 11:30am

It's time for a mode of transportation that redefines efficient; that sips, instead of guzzles; that burns rubber, not oil. Be there for the debut of a new kind of transportation. Join us as we launch the Arcimoto Electric Vehicle.

Pioneer Courthouse Square Direction and parking information.

Questions about the event? Email info@arcimoto.com.

As you can see in the images below, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski recently paid them a visit and drove one of the prototypes.

Green Energy Education

The recent rise in unemployment has many people looking for a new job and in some cases, a new career. The growing green energy area is attracting many people entering the job market.

The Obama administration wants to create 5 million "green collar" jobs in the next decade. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has tied Oregon's economic future to the renewable energy industries, saying renewable energy is the "entrance to a new economy."

Oregon's community colleges have responded with courses to prepare for careers in green-tech & sustainable energy. You can find courses on solar installation, solar manufacturing, wave energy, sustainable forestry, public policy, and more.

If you are looking for solar classes, Oregon's colleges could be the affordable answer.

Central Oregon Community College in Bend has programs to train students in weatherization and solar photovoltaics. "The aim in the training is to match growth and need in local industry and take workers, in the short term, to match industry," said Kathy Walsh, vice president for instruction at COCC.

Portland Community College has developed industry partnerships with SolarWorld, Intel, SpectraWatt, Enxco, XsunX and Solaicx. PCC has added an associate's degree in renewable energy systems and a program for maintenance & manufacturing technicians in solar voltaic technology.

"Classes are almost full every term and prospective students keep calling the microelectronics technology department showing an interest in the field," said Dorina Cornea-Hasegan, the department chairwoman. The school is prepared for a flood of students enrolling in the renewable energy systems course this fall.

The renewable energy technology program at Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles has seen growth of wind farms on the rolling hills of the Columbia River Gorge. The school expects 500 to 600 technicians will be needed by 2011 to tend to the electronic and mechanical systems on the 400-foot-tall structures.

It is never to late to reinvent yourself.

Via OregonLive.com

World's Largest Solar Highway in Oregon

Oregon was the first state in the US to install solar panels along the highway. It started early in 2008 when Allison Hamilton, an Oregon Department of Transportation project director, watched an episode of the PBS show NOVA that showed solar panels next to the German autobahn.

"Why not do that here?" she thought and in December of 2008, the I-5/205 interchange photovoltaic system powered on.

With business and utility partners, the project has been a big success. ODOT is getting renewable energy at no additional cost, Portland General Electric has added solar to their wind dominated renewable portfolio and in return for paying for most of the upfront costs, U.S. Bank gets the tax credits for 5 years.

With a successful project in the bag, ODOT is looking to "replicate this in spades, and we'll get lower cost per kilowatt," Hamilton said. Oregon now looks to build a 3 megawatt array, the largest solar highway project in the world, bigger than the 2.8 megawatt project recently announced in Germany. Ken Worcester, the city’s parks director, said the solar highway offers an opportunity to tap into the state’s economic stimulus funding. The business and utility partnerships are still being formed for this new project.

The array will be installed near I-205 in West Linn at the site of an old rest-stop area that was closed in 1995. Rows of 17,000 solar panels would stretch 2,000 feet across a terraced hillside of state-owned land. This area is currently being used for heavy-duty equipment storage, gravel piles, wood debris and work sheds. The area is visible from across the Willamette River from the town of Oregon City. I would prefer to look at a solar array than a gravel pile.

Many citizens of West Linn were concerned about a path that was planned to accompany the solar array. “I’m not in opposition to solar at all,” said Bill Weber, who lives on Riverknoll Way. “I am totally in opposition to the trail.” Other residents expressed concern that a path would invite crime into their backyard. The proposed trail would connect to a network of trails. By crossing Salamo Road, walkers could reach another trail through a savanna of rare white oak trees and then connect to another trail in North Willamette Park, completing a giant loop.

Michelle Wittenbrink, a member of the city’s Sustainability Advisory Board, said she hopes the prospective trail won’t become a roadblock to the solar highway. The city has until December to apply for funding for the path.

“This is really a unique opportunity, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Jeff Treece, Marylhurst president. “It improves livability for all of us.”

While this project planning is underway, Oregon is not sitting still. They have begun site evaluations at the Baldock rest area off southbound I-5 in Wilsonville for a 3rd ODOT solar array.


Links:
West Linn City Council supports ODOT solar highway

West Linn Solar Highway FAQ

Solar Highway Benefits West Linn

Oregon Solar Highway

Oregon City Solar

The Oregon Way Solar Highway support slides

Portland, Green and Weird

Portland Oregon is an eco-friendly place. As Gregory Hancock of Grid Insight put it, "Portland is a progressive city of readers, bicyclists, roller derby fans, skeptics, car-haters, weirdos, hipster alt-conformists, ex-loggers, beer snobs, extreme endurance athletes, eco-nuts, and, perhaps most importantly, a lot of extremely talented engineers."

Despite being in a rainy corner of the country, Portland ranks among the highest in solar power production.

Want a 10'x20' storage unit for your old junk? In Portland, you can soon get a LEED certified, solar powered storage unit.

Sustainlane has labeled Portland the #1 Sustainable City for multiple years running. Popular Science agreed and named Portland the 2008 greenest city in the US. Among Portland's secrets are growth boundaries that restrain sprawl and smart planning to create walkable, bike friendly communities. It has light rail and street cars to get around in and a Solar powered trees illuminating one of the many stops. If walking, biking, or the train cannot get you there, the city has the highest per capita hybrid ownership of any place in the US. Here in Portland, AAA roadside service will even assist you on a bike.

Portlanders seem happy to be a little different. Breaking from the status quo, whether for organized zombie walks or city wide pillow fights is a way of life in stump town. A marching band with stilt-walkers, unicycles, fire eaters, puppets, flag twirlers, burlesque dancers, clown antics, and acrobatics or a donut shop with voodoo doll pastries pierced by pretzels and oozing raspberry filling are just a couple of the eclectic things you can find.

Finding ways to live life a little better is another detour from the ordinary. In Portland, you can attend a solar power convention in a convention center powered by solar. A Southeast neighborhood worked together create a solar thermal heater that heats all the homes on the block. It is part of the eco-block concept of sustainable urban planning. A gray water recycling bill is in the legislature and the city is adopting a community energy plan in Portland's North Pearl District.

You can drink a beer that is solar brewed (and it is good microbrew, I'll add). There is even a solar powered public toilet or the solar loo as it is referred to locally. The green creds continue at a gym where your spin class or treadmill miles generate electricity. The largest solar manufacturing plant in North America is in the Portland suburb of Hillsboro. You can see solar projects all over the city here.

You can even find a Portland company that recycles wind turbines (double green score). The city has dozens of electric vehicle charging stations in place and has plans to install over 500 of them around the city and another 500 around the state as they court Think, Nissan, Mitsubishi, BYD, & Better Place to the Portland market.

Free Geek is a Portland based non-profit that keeps technology equipment out of the landfill. Free Cycle was not a Portland start-up, but quick to latch on to good ideas, Portland soon became the most active free cycle city. Speaking of used items, Powell's "City of Books" is a musty must see with a 100kW PV system on the warehouse roof powering much of the building.

You can even find a K-8 school that emphasizes environmentalism.

Portland has plans to get CO2 emissions down to 1990 levels by the end of 2010. One milestone along that path was recently met. The city now has in excess of 5 megawatts of renewable energy scattered throughout the city.

This was not done by a new wind farm or giant solar power plant. Instead this is the collective capacity of 370 customers that have PV or small scale wind turbines. It’s enough to power more than 450 homes and offset 3,325 tons of carbon annually.

Solar installations have jumped in recent years and surplus energy is exported to the electrical grid, adding clean, renewable energy into the mix for everyone on the grid.

Let's hope that other cities can learn to be a little more weird and not be afraid to try something new.

Links:

Beyond Growth: Sustainability And Economic Development

Is Portland green enough for BYD?

Veggie Portland

5 Great Green Ways US Cities Are Leading by Example

Powell's Books 100kW Solar (2)

Intel's 100kW PV

Solar I-5 (2)

Biking in Portland Video

Solar Growing in Portland

Sherwood Police go EV

Energy Efficient Oregon

Green Beer is not Just for St Patrick's Day

Portland to be Plug-in Car Capital

Portland Reducing CO2

Mayor Adam's Goal to Make Portland Sustainable

Portland Green Loans

Project Get Ready Portland

Plugged in Portland