solar panels Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Surge In Homes Powered By The Sun, But Do Your Homework So You Don’t Get Burned

By Tom Banse June 18, 2022

Residential solar electric installations are booming in the Pacific Northwest, along with potentially deceptive marketing of such.

Solar power installations on home rooftops are surging in Oregon and Washington state. Alongside, you may have noticed an uptick in ads pitching rooftop solar, or even gotten an in-person solicitation. Some of the sales pitches contain dubious or potentially misleading claims. And now, consumer watchdogs are urging homeowners to do their homework before signing any contract.Read More

Cattle Grazing Gives Way To Big Solar Farm Leases In Central Washington

By Tom Banse March 6, 2019

The new Avangrid Renewables solar farm in Klickitat County, Washington, will rise across the Columbia River from the smaller Wy'East Solar Project, shown here in Sherman County, Oregon. CREDIT: AVANGRID RENEWABLES

A Portland-based energy developer has signed property leases for a big solar farm in Klickitat County near the Columbia River. When completed, the solar project will be the largest in Washington.Read More

Home On The (Solar) Range: Energy Developers Clamor For Washington’s Grazing Land

By Tom Banse June 11, 2018

File photo. Developers are showing interest in converting public grazing lands in central Washington into large solar farms.

Renewable energy developers are showing interest in converting public grazing lands in sunny central Washington into large solar farms. The state Department of Natural Resources says around 15 companies have expressed interest in long-term leases of public rangeland properties, primarily in Klickitat County but also in Yakima, Grant, Douglas and Kittitas counties.Read More

Oregon Solar Panel Maker Ramps Up Production As Tariffs Kick In

By Cassandra Profita January 24, 2018

SolarWorld Americas Inc. is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon. CREDIT: CASSANDRA PROFITA

SolarWorld, based out of Hillsboro, Oregon, is hiring back workers and planning to ramp up its production now that President Donald Trump has approved a 30 percent tariff on imported panels. Read More