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Solar Energy Works in Oregon!
Oregon has abundant natural resources of energy. In fact, Oregon's renewable energy resources far exceed our entire electric energy use! In stark contrast to the 100% imported fossil fuel Oregonian's use, our renewable energy resources are 100% local. Solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy resource in Oregon. In fact, Oregon has the potential to generate more electricity from solar resources than Oregon currently uses. (Oregon's current yearly electric use: 48 million MWh, Oregon's solar electric potential is greater than 175 million MWh*) Solar energy is Oregon's second most abundant natural resource (only Oregon's forestry resources rival its solar resource). However, unlike the lumber industry, Oregon's solar potential is virtually untapped. Oregon could offset more than double the electric energy that Oregon uses on an annual basis using today's solar technology. If developed, Oregon's solar industry could create thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in sales revenue. | Oregon energy facts: *Solar resources in the Pacific Northwest are well-documented thanks to 25 years of monitoring conducted by the University of Oregon Solar Monitoring Laboratory. - Oregon residents have installed over 17,000 solar energy systems (includes solar hot water and solar electric systems)
- Two thirds of Oregon gets as much sun, or more, than Florida.
- Oregon has better solar resources than both Germany and Japan, two world leaders in installed solar electric capacity.
- Oregon imports 100% of the fossil fuel it uses for electricity generation - In contrast, Oregon's solar resources are safe, clean, significant, sustainable, and 100% local.
- ontrast, Oregon's solar resources are safe, clean, significant, sustainable, and 100% local.
| | |  | The Annual Production Chart shows a solar electric system in Redmond OR produces about 97% of the electricity of a system in Sacramento CA, which has one of the largest solar programs in the nation. Systems in Portland and Eugene produce about 80% of the electricity produced by a similar system in Redmond. Solar systems will work throughout the state, even in areas that receive considerable rainfall, as long as they are located in sites with good access to the sun. Check out OSEIA member Renewable Northwest Project's (RNP) website for additional information on Oregon's renewable energy potential. | | | | |
