Solar Oregon, formerly the Solar Energy Association of Oregon (SEAO) was founded in 1979, and is the Oregon chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES).  Over the past 25 years, Solar Oregon has organized more than 20 local and statewide solar conferences, has been the host chapter for three ASES National Solar Conferences, and provided numerous educational opportunities for both consumers and professionals.  

Every year, Solar Oregon has presented Solar Home Tours featuring homes throughout western Oregon, which has played an important role in motivating Oregon’s citizens to use solar energy.  Solar Oregon also provides a variety of educational materials for Oregon teachers.

WHY IS THE “SOLAR MESSAGE” IMPORTANT?

Solar energy is everywhere. It is the most abundant energy source by a substantial margin compared to any other energy source in Oregon.  It falls generously on thousands of square miles of building roofs, walls and windows throughout Oregon from coast to desert. Statewide our electricity can be clean and generated quietly without disturbing Oregon’s diverse habitat and water resources.  Solar is a sustaining investment for the future of all Oregon communities – human and otherwise.

So why aren’t more Oregonians “buying” solar?  Solar energy and the associated benefits are not well-know by many people, so the resource is under-valued and therefore under-utilized in Oregon. The missing ingredient is comprehensive public education about the accessibility of solar energy to everyone through creative financing & solar incentives, advanced technology, and energy efficiency.  With appropriate education thousands of individuals can make the informed decision to invest in solar energy.  These individuals – homeowners, businesses, builders and more - must be reached with the solar message in order for solar energy to shift our economy, environment, and individual lifestyles towards a more sustainable, healthy future.  

We are promoting the solar message by providing:

• Educational Workshops are presented throughout the year. We offer informational workshops on 'Basics of Going Solar', as well as more advanced workshops on Solar Electric systems, Solar Thermal, Net Zero design, and Passive Solar design.
  
• Public Outreach through solar workshops, conferences, and various community events around Oregon.  Our solar models are available for demonstrations, fairs and school events to show that solar works in Oregon.

• Solar Home Tours are one of the best ways to see solar in action. You'll have an opportunity to see real projects, talk with the homeowners, and see what's possible.  Thousands of people attend these tours each year in over 17 communities  around Oregon.
  

• Educational Website, www.solaroregon.org will teach you about many of the solar technologies and the tremendous tax credits that are available. You can also link to lists of solar professionals and track industry news.