OSSIA Can Pay Your Employees to Take Classes!
New Earn to Learn Program
As Oregon’s solar industry prepares for major shifts in 2026, the Oregon Solar Energy Education Fund (OSEEF) is excited to launch the Earn to Learn program!
Earn to Learn helps solar workers continue their professional growth while earning wages and certifications that prepare them for the future of the industry.
Who Can Participate
- Rackers and Material Handlers currently employed by an Oregon solar company
- LRT Apprentices enrolled in the Limited Renewable Technician program
Compensation & Incentives
Apprentices, Rackers and Material Handlers:
- Paid at their current wage rate for class hours required for their course
- Employers are reimbursed for those class hours
- Tuition is FREE for approved coursework
Tool Card Incentive:
Participants who complete approved coursework (and have not previously received a Platt card) are eligible for a $200 Platt tool card
How to Apply
- Complete the OSEEF Earn to Learn Application Form
- Contact Erin Zygaitis, Program Manager at OSSIA, to learn more:
- 📧 ErinZ@orssia.org
- 📞 541-337-3452
Pacificorp Wattsmart and Energy Trust of Oregon battery storage incentives now stack
Energy Trust and Pacific Power incentives can now be stacked for battery storage projects. This applies to both residential and business-scale projects. This change follows close coordination between Energy Trust and Pacific Power resulting in updates to Pacific Power’s Wattsmart Battery Program’s terms and conditions.
Wattsmart incentives are published on Pacific Power’s Wattsmart Battery Program web site and can now be quoted on customer’s bids. Please ensure customers have reviewed and understand the Wattsmart Battery Program terms and conditions and participation details, including how and when the rebate will be paid, as well as which battery systems are eligible for participation.
Customers who have previously received an Energy Trust battery storage incentive on a Wattsmart Battery Program eligible project, may now apply for Wattsmart incentives without any impact to the battery storage incentive provided by Energy Trust.
Trade allies should mark the PowerClerk checkbox “Project is eligible + customer plans to apply to Wattsmart program” for eligible projects.
For more information, please reach out to the Solar inbox at solar@energytrust.org.
OSSIA is Hiring – Training Coordinator
The Oregon Solar Energy Education Fund (OSEEF) is looking for a dynamic, detail-oriented solar industry professional to help train the next generation of Oregon’s solar workforce.
This role is all about education — you’ll develop curriculum, deliver engaging presentations, and lead hands-on solar installation trainings across the state.
What You’ll Do
- Teach the fundamentals of solar installation
- Develop and update training materials
- Conduct hands-on workshops and classroom sessions
- Support Oregon’s growing solar workforce
Who We’re Looking For
- Passion for renewable energy and workforce development
- Strong communication and teaching skills
- Experience in the solar industry or technical training
📅 Apply Now!
We’ll begin reviewing applications on November 24 — don’t wait to apply or share this opportunity with your network!
Court rules Trump Administration funding cut to clean energy projects unlawful
A federal judge ruled Monday that the Department of Energy acted illegally when it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants last October. The decision follows lawsuits filed after the administration issued orders to freeze spending on roughly 220 clean energy projects across 16 states.
Read more from PV Magazine
OSSIA 2025 Annual Report — State Wins to support Oregon Solar
Despite the rough year at the federal level, OSSIA can celebrate a number of state and local wins. Check out our annual report and celebrate the successes that your membership secured!
Read the 2025 OSSIA Annual Report
Oregon launches rebate program to help businesses pay for electric vehicle fleets
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently launched the Zero-Emissions Rebates for Oregon Fleets Program for these larger vehicles, which are often used by businesses.
The program provides a wide range of rebates for businesses and nonprofits buying or leasing a new electric medium or heavy-duty vehicle. Utility vans, walk-in delivery trucks, school buses and tractor trailers are all eligible.
Read More
BOLI releases 2026 Winter/Spring Prevailing Wage Rate Webinar Schedule
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) 2026 Winter/Spring Prevailing Wage Rate Webinar Schedule is now on BOLI’s website at the following link: oregon.gov/boli/employers/Pages/prevailing-wage-seminars.aspx
BOLI offers these Prevailing Wage Rate webinars at no cost to contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies. These classes provide general education in Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law. Each session presents an overview of the law, a discussion on how to identify and avoid potential problems, and ample opportunity to ask questions.
They offer the following types of PWR webinars:
- Contractor webinars tailored to contractors and subcontractors who have employees that perform manual labor on Public Works projects in Oregon (three hours).
- Public Agency webinars tailored to the public agencies that contract for Public Works projects in Oregon (three hours).
- Certified Payroll Report webinars tailored specifically to our PWR requirements for certified payroll reports for Public Works projects in Oregon (one hour).
- Overtime on PWR Projects webinars tailored specifically to our PWR overtime and weighted average overtime requirements for Public Works projects in Oregon (one hour).
PAE community investment fund RFP
Issued by: PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc. (PAE)
Submission Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026, 5pm PST
Primary Contact: Marc Brune, Senior Principal, marc.brune@pae-engineers.com
Program Overview
PAE is launching a community investment initiative to fund solar PV and optional battery energy storage (BESS) for one or more 501(c)(3) non-profits, ideally located in a community where PAE has an office. PAE will contribute up to $150,000 toward the project. Projects are suggested to propose a cost share. The target is a 50% cost share. The non-profit will own the system (including any associated renewable energy credits), and PAE will make a donation to the non-profit for the pledged amount, coinciding with the signed contract for the installation.
