Alternative Energy Sources in Portland (Green: homes, design, rating)

[RxMarcus]

Since the city is considered one of America's Most Green, do a lot of people use alternative energy sources to partly power their homes? What kind of sources are readily available? It seems like solar panels might not be a good idea since there is a lack of sun many months of the year. But it Portland windy enough to use wind power at all? Just curious. Thanks.

[PNW-type-gal]

In the city of Portland, solar PV (photo voltaic) panels work best as a supplement for a grid-tied house. There will be times when you are generating your own and selling it back, but mostly not. Even with the incentives from the state and feds, it's still a very long-payback deal. Solar hot water works better, as water can be heated in even partially sunny conditions.

A lot of the focus in Portland is in passive solar design - making the best of natural resources. The local tour of green and solar homes is September 15th, and it's a lot of fun, seeing the various strategies.

Link to the city of Portland's website for the tour:
Build It Green