Sun Helps Power Habitat For Humanity House in North Portland

Habitat for Humanity project receives solar arrays from Portland General Electric

In 2006, a Portland-area Habitat for Humanity house received solar panel arrays funded by a partnership of PGE, Energy Trust of Oregon and The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF).

“I think all of the partners involved were excited by the opportunity to be part of this effort, both to support the community and demonstrate the value and benefits of renewable energy,” said Bruce Barney, PGE project manager for customer energy resources. “PGE customers lead the nation in enrollment in renewable power programs, and this is one way we can reinforce the importance of their commitment to protecting the environment and building a sustainable energy future for our region.”

The solar arrays are each rated to produce 1.1 kilowatts (kW) of electricity and will each offset about 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

The Habitat for Humanity house is the first Habitat dwelling in Portland to have a solar array installed. The family moving into the house has two children and the solar electric system on the house generates about one-third of the family’s yearly electricity usage.

PGE’s contribution came from funds provided by the company’s renewable power customers. In addition to reducing their own environmental impact, Clean Wind^SM customers support renewable power demonstration projects and development of renewable power resources. PGE ranks first in the nation among utilities for sales of renewable power to residential customers and second in total renewable sales volume.