Solar Energy Works to Reduce Carbon Footprint…Even in Oregon
by Chuck Klang

Thanks to tax credits and Energy Trust of Oregon rebates, a solar-powered home is becoming more affordable.

On August 27th, researchers at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center announced that the Arctic sea ice cover had reached a record new low and the extent will further diminish in the remaining weeks of the Arctic “summer.” This portends further profound changes in the earth’s weather and, in the long run, rising sea levels. The lows now being seen had not been predicted to happen until the latter part of the twenty-first century. This is one of the consequences of human-caused global warming, which results primarily from CO2 emitted during fossil fuel consumption.

In October of 2011, I installed seven solar panels on my roof and since March of this year I have been monitoring the performance of the system. About 25% of the installation costs were covered by Energy Trust of Oregon and substantial state and federal taxes credits accrued to me. Based on the analysis of the installers, the payback period for my costs is about 10 years or so. During the summer months I produce more power than I consume and the excess is credited to me in the following months. (I pay a monthly connection charge of about $10.50.) While the savings were of interest to me, my primary motivation was to reduce my carbon footprint.

To find out more information on solar power and energy efficiency options, contact Energy Trust of Oregon.

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