Smart Energy: September 2018

Smart Energy in Your Life

By Al Walker

A lot is happening this fall to teach you to save money by saving energy – Smart Energy!

Join the annual Smart Energy Green and Solar Tour on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meeting at Phoenix Charter School on Diamond Lake Blvd., this fun tour will consist of four stops featuring the latest in innovative green and solar technologies.

For only $10, tour participants will be provided lunch courtesy of Loggers Tap house Pizza as well as transportation to the four sites.

The newly constructed Hampton Inn will show off a combination of energy efficiency items and a solar array. The Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center recently installed a 43 kilowatt solar array and will explain what the savings mean for the animals there. Our residences on the tour consist of a home demonstrating the benefits of energy efficiency and using available incentives. Two recently renovated rentals will show how energy efficiency is beneficial from a landlord’s perspective.

To register – email – solartoursignup@gmail.com or call at 541-672-9819.

Another opportunity to learn about solar and energy efficiency is being offered by Douglas County Smart Energy. A series of five classes will be taught by expert volunteers from this organization covering solar, energy efficiency, electric cars and green building. Energy Trust of Oregon will be there to discuss incentives for solar and energy efficiency.

The classes are at UCC from Oct. 11 through Nov. 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register at UCC for “Smart Energy in Your Life” by calling Community Ed at 541-440-4668.

Al Walker is a retired solar contractor who has taught solar and energy efficiency design classes at UCC. Currently a member of Douglas County Smart Energy, he led the Green and Solar Tour for 8 years.

This column is a monthly feature of Douglas County Smart Energy, a project of the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition. For more information on energy efficiency and renewable energy, visit dcsmartenergy.org.