Oregon Solar Energy Conference 2016 A Big Success!

“Solar is back in Oregon!” That was the most common phrase uttered at the Oregon Solar Energy Conference (OSEC) held in Portland on May 4 and 5, 2016.

To be clear, solar never really went away in Oregon. But it definitely faced some rough going in the last few years. But when over 400 solar advocates, installers, developers and manufacturers come together, it’s hard not to notice that solar is starting to regain some momentum.

Attendees were able to attend workshops on technical issues, marketing and selling solar, improving business management and a full solar policy track (see above article). The OSEC trade show featured several vendors who were proud to demonstrate their products and services.

The conference was kicked off by a keynote from Rhone Resch, the president and CEO of SEIA, the national solar trade association. He noted that solar trade groups need to focus on advocacy, politics, grassroots, communications and research to comprehensively promote solar and build a stable market for solar. He congratulated OSEIA and the rest of the solar community in Oregon for building an industry over the last 35 years. He concluded by saying solar’s best days were ahead.

Even as solar gains more momentum, it was clear that we have a lot of work ahead of us. But OSEC provided tools to do that work and we’re looking forward to 2017 as a chance to report on our continued progress, celebrate victories and continue to plan for the future.