For a long time, society has adopted green energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. But what happens when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow? Nature can be unpredictable, which presents a problem. Humanity needs a consistent energy supply to go about their day. Are there other, more reliable options? What Are Sand Batteries? Sand batteries serve as thermal energy storage units. They use low-grade sand as a medium to store thermal energy generated by renewable energy sources like solar or wind. These energy sources heat the sand to high temperatures — at around 500 degrees Celsius or 932 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot sand can then hold the…
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Solar Oregon Annual Solar Wine Tour
What is better than solar energy and good wine? Join Solar Oregon for our 12th Annual Solar Wine Tour on Saturday, May 4!Come and learn about the mutually beneficial relationship between solar power and vineyards. There will be presentations from Solid carbon concrete and a review of solar proposals for the solar ready wineries we will be visiting.This year we will be visiting Remy Wines, A to Z Wineworks, and Longplay Wine. Thank you to this year’s host wineries! we will be visiting Remy Wines, A to Z Wineworks, and Longplay Wine. Thank you to this year’s host wineries! Schedule: 9:00 AM – First bus pick up in Portland at Nova Building parking…
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Decarbonize Your Life (Part 3)
Heat pump water heaters are one example of low-hanging efficiency fruit as they are 2-4x more efficient than other water heaters. This is the third article in a four-part series showing how, with modest steps and a middle-class income, a family has dramatically reduced emissions and is sequestering what remains through a small reforestation project. Their life is better for it. Decarbonize Your Life (part 1) Decarbonize Your Life (part 2) Many organizations have charted a path to a decarbonized world by 2050 and broken down required action into four areas or “pathways.” In past issues, we discussed the first two pathways–Decarbonizing Electricity and Electrifying Everything–and how individuals can take…
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And More Electrifying Stories
“Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” Bill Mollison
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The Oregon Solar + Storage Conference
The Oregon Solar + Storage Conference – OSSC – is taking place November 7-9, 2023. Earn NABCEP CEUs, visit engaging exhibits, and hear from industry leaders about solar policy, storage, business development, land use, large-scale development, and more. Join OSSIA for one of the most comprehensive solar + storage conferences in the nation! More details and registration information: www.orssia.org/osec.
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Solar Oregon’s GO ZERO Tour
Solar Oregon will present its fifth annual Go Zero! Tour, presented by Energy Trust of Oregon.
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More Electrifying Stories
Bill Mollison, of permaculture fame, made a rather profound observation: “Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” Applying his words to the problem of climate change, climate scientists and millions of concerned individuals agree that the solution is simple: stop burning fossil fuels and switch everything to electric power. A simple solution but a massive global undertaking to make it happen. It is happening and so we bring you a few items that caught our attention in the months since our Spring issue. JFK Airport To Go Solar The largest rooftop solar array in New York City and on any U.S. airport terminal will…
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Decarbonize Your Life (part 2)
Scientific consensus tells us that to stabilize the climate, we must achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 (27 short years) so that any remaining carbon emissions are balanced with carbon removal. Despite the enormity of this unprecedented challenge, there is a known and achievable way to get there.
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5 Benefits of Residential Solar
The amount of solar connected to the electric grid has grown exponentially in the past several years, and there are now nearly 4 million American households already generating their own power with solar energy.
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Solar Oregon Wine and Brew Tour
hat is better than sunshine, good wine, and quality beer?
