I was listening to Think Out Loud’s solar conversation this morning and couldn’t help but think about how rural Oregon has taken a major leap into the solar installation with both business and home owners. The USDA for rural development in Oregon has invested over $400K in solar projects alone between 2005-2008. (You can see more recent stimulus/recovery money investments on the Recovery.gov page.) Also, Oregon Rural Action recently held the Solar Fair with nearly 100 participants including home tours a Q&A from solar professionals and vendor product displays. Solarize Pendleton held a lottery to award 50 zero interest loans for solar installation in residential homes. If you are looking for tips/resources/information check out The Navigator.



Thoughts of the emerging solar industry in rural areas is on a lot of minds - see the rethinking jobs in rural Oregon article. Lake County not only thought about new jobs but has declared a strategic plan to be a net exporter of energy using a combination of wind/solar/geothermal. Oregon Field Guide has been following the solar trend in rural parts since 1999. As the solar industry develops I can’t help but wonder if rural Oregon and the greater “dry” parts of the state are a potential mecca for manufacturing. Could the rural economy of solar be more than jobs in installation or residential/business metering?

You can read and comment on all of Cassie Wieden's blog posts on the Rural Economy Project on Oregon Public Broadcasting's web site.

© 2009–2012 Rural Development Initiatives, Inc.
Contributor Login   |   Terms & Privacy Policy