Summer time is especially busy at Bend Park & Recreation District (BPRD) but this summer there is even more activity with the installation of new solar panels on the district’s administrative office building at Riverbend Park. The new solar panels and installation are made possible through grants from The Oregon Department of Energy, Pacific Power’s Blue Sky Renewable Energy and cash incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon resulting in no cost to Bend Park and Recreation District taxpayers. Installation is by Sunlight Solar Energy Inc., a Bend commercial and residential solar system installer.
“Bend Park and Recreation District has been a leader in local environmentally sustainable practices,” said Mark Ellington, BPRD Facilities and Construction Manager. “Adding solar panels to the existing building helps the district to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources used to produce grid-sourced electricity. We hope that other people will see the panels and consider them in their construction projects.” District staff estimates that over $3,000 in direct energy costs will be saved annually.
Built in 2009 and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified, the district office was constructed with the needed structural features necessary so that a solar system could be added later. “Building to LEED’s gold certification standard is commendable and definitely contributed to lower installation costs. Bend Park and Recreation is a testament to the benefits of building solar ready,” stated Paul Israel, Sunlight Solar Energy Inc.’s president.
Completion is expected by late summer. A ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as a “How To Go Solar” seminar provided by Sunlight Solar Energy Inc. is scheduled near completion. The public will be invited to attend and learn more about the benefits of solar power for homes, businesses and at your Bend Parks and Recreation District office.
About Sunlight Solar Energy Inc.
Sunlight Solar Energy Inc. is a 25 year old company specializing in the installation of residential and commercial solar panel systems headquartered in Bend, OR. The company is dedicated to educating their customers and empowering them to make intelligent buying decisions. We are currently offering special finance options for homeowners and builders interested in building solar ready. For existing residential structures we are currently offering zero money down option. For more information regarding Sunlight Solar Energy Inc. and more details regarding our solar incentives visit their website at www.sunlightsolar.com or call us at 541-322-1910.
About Bend Park & Recreation District
Bend Park & Recreation District owns and cares for more than 2,600 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland in Bend, Oregon including 81 parks/open spaces and 65 miles of trail. The district offers over 770 recreation programs throughout the area and at the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and the Bend Senior Center in addition to holding several community events including the July 4th Festival & Pet Parade. With more than 350 employees, Bend Park & Recreation District is a special tax district, separate from the City of Bend. It is governed by a five member, elected Board of Directors and managed by an executive director. Additional information can be found on the district’s website at www.bendparksandrec.org or by calling (541) 389-7275.
About Blue Sky
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has ranked Blue Sky fifth or better in the nation for the ninth consecutive year in the number of customers buying renewable power and for renewable power sales volume. The program is Green-e Energy certified, which means the renewable energy supported meets the rigorous national environmental and consumer-protection standards established by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. About 51,000 Pacific Power customers currently participate in the Blue Sky program across Oregon, Washington and California. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/bluesky.
