Residents in Hood River County Can Go Solar, Together
HRCS – Press Release
9/6/22
Primary contact:
Lindsay McClure, Mid Columbia Economic Development District – (541) 490-4225, lindsay@mcedd.org
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Residents in Hood River County Can Go Solar, Together
Solarize Hood River County launches Sept 6, providing access to clean & resilient renewable energy
HOOD RIVER COUNTY, Oregon – Sept 6, 2022– Home and business owners in Hood River County, Oregon will have a unique opportunity between September 6 and October 31 to gain the benefits of solar energy and battery storage through a campaign called Solarize Hood River County. This county-wide offer will provide a series of free educational workshops on solar and solar plus battery storage systems, and Hood River County residents who choose to “go solar” during the campaign period will qualify for a discount. Participants will be connected with pre-qualified contractors who have a demonstrated record of high-quality workmanship.
Solarize Hood River County is being led by a coalition of organizations including The Next Door, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), Solar Oregon, the Hood River County Energy Council, and Energy Trust of Oregon.
“This campaign is about providing long-term savings on electricity costs for local home and business owners,” says Solar Oregon Program Manager Zach Snyder. “There are many great solar incentives available for Hood River County residents, and as a nonprofit with an educational mission we’re really trying to get the word out. Also, we’re hoping that folks will consider how they might benefit from a home battery, which can help to keep the lights on during a power outage.”
In 2018, four local government bodies including Hood River County signed onto the Hood River County Energy Plan. This plan identifies both solar and battery storage as resources that are important for building a thriving local economy.
Solarize Hood River County will officially kick off on September 6, and the first one-hour virtual workshop will take place at 6 PM on Thursday, September 8. Topics will include how solar and battery storage work, available incentives, what makes a home right for solar, and the solar installation process. At the end of the workshop, experienced solar professionals will spend time answering audience questions. Hood River County residents interested in participating can register for an educational event or simply sign up to get a quote. Find more information about the campaign and how to get involved on the Solarize Hood River County website: http://bit.ly/hrcsolarize
More about the Solarize Hood River County coalition:
The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) has worked at the forefront of community health across the Mid-Columbia River Gorge for over 50 years. As a non-profit founded on a vision of community health, The Next Door offers social and mental health services for families and youth. We also elevate small businesses by providing financial and educational opportunities. The Next Door is pleased to support Solarize Hood River with community outreach. Learn more by visiting our website or by calling Equity and Outreach Training Services Program Manager Eve Elderwell at (808) 769-806.
Mid Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is a local government whose mission is to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry. MCEDD provides staff support for the Hood River County Energy Council and other regional clean energy initiatives. Learn more at mcedd.org or by calling Energy & Project Manager Lindsay McClure at (541) 490-4225.
Hood River County Energy Council is a community-led advisory body supporting implementation of the Hood River County Energy Plan in collaboration with the four local governing bodies that adopted the plan. Our Energy Plan is a blueprint to improve community resilience, increase energy independence, and increase economic benefits related to energy use in Hood River County while reducing emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Learn more by visiting our website or by calling Energy & Project Manager Lindsay McClure at (541) 490-4225.
Solar Oregon is an educational and advocacy nonprofit that has worked to increase the adoption of solar energy and related consumer technologies in Oregon for the past 42 years. Its core programs include educational workshops, tours, and Solarize campaigns. Learn more about Solar Oregon at www.solaroregon.org or call Program Manager Zach Snyder at (719) 244-0450.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers and communities benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista save $4.6 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
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