News

Micro-Solar House II 2003

After the successful presentation of the OMSI MicroSolar House I, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and King Solar of Portland Oregon joined hands again to create the Solar Micro House II. The solar micro house projects highlight renewable energy alternatives that can be used at home now.

Greatly enhanced with the latest technology, Solar Micro House II shows how affordable and practical solar green-power devices can be when installed into homes. In addition to energy savings, these and other devices help reduce pollution to the atmosphere and protect our planet and natural resources.

Built to hobbit size proportions for kids to enjoy, Solar Micro House II is loaded with active solar electric (PV) modules, electric producing solar roofing, a passive solar 'daylighting' solar tube, a solar powered attic vent fan, solar powered halogen wall lights, an oscillating interior fan, a micro solar powered refrigerator, and a solar powered water pump powering a small fountain on the outside of the micro house.

The Micro-Solar House II is located at the Oregon BPA Visitor Center. The Micro-Solar House I has been moved to the Washington State side of the Columbia River BPA Visitor Center.

Tax credits

Solar Tax Credits are available in most US states ranging from $1500 to $3500 for domestic installations, and more for commercial installations. Most states have their own websites that provide detailed online information about available tax credits.

Check your local state Department of Energy for information on how to calculate your potential tax credit. Also your local utility company may be offering cash incentives or low interest loans for alternative energy equipment installations. Check the resources page for an expanding list of state and federal agencies and utility companies that are participating in tax or monetary incentives or grants for the installation of energy savings devices. Not all incentives are listed.

KingSolar.com, Photowatt, and Bonneville Power Administration team up at OMSI Energy Fair

Memorial day Weekend May 26 to 28, 2001

King Solar LLC (Portland OR) and Photowatt Inc, (Albuquerque, New Mexico) a major manufacturer of solar electric panels (photovoltaic), is helping sponsor the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Alternative Energy Exhibit at SunFest 2001 (OMSI). A state of the art Photowatt high-performance 100 watt solar panel is on display.

Since the Energy Fair, the exhibit has moved to the BPA Visitors Center at the Columbia River Dam. Visitors are able to get information about the energy savings and cost of installing Photowatt solar electric panels on their home or business. Also, visit OMSI and learn more about energy conservation and alternative energy sources, including solar and wind energy systems.

Portland General Electric's "SunFest 2001: Solar energy education" program offered hands-on, interactive displays, and presentations by students and teachers. Check out a solar race car and other toys, inspect a solar cooker, and investigate the newest in great energy-saving products. Sponsored by the Bonneville Power Administration and Emerald People's Utility District.