Established on the summit of Mt. Hood in 1894, the Mazamas was founded on the principles of protecting and enjoying our beloved native environments. Continuing to live out these values over 100 years later, the Mazama community recently solarized its Mountaineering Center (MMC) in Southeast Portland, Oregon. Outfitted with 39.6 kW worth of Canadian Solar modules on top of the widely recognizable bright blue roof, the new solar PV system will offset 29.5 metric tons of CO2 annually.

The Mazamas will host a commissioning event on July 11, 2017 to celebrate its newfound energy independence. This casual gathering is free to attend and open to the community. State Rep. Rob Nosse of SE Portland will be in attendance and will deliver remarks on Mazamas’ leadership in the renewable energy movement.

The Mazamas’ path to solar began back in 2006, when the effects of climate change were becoming more evident with each passing day. Inspired to be a part of the solution, the Mazamas Conservation Committee assumed a new urgency and sought to reduce its carbon footprint. “Melting glaciers make climate change very apparent to the Mazamas so we are doing what we can through our tree planting program, energy efficiency upgrades, purchasing renewable power, and now solar electric,” noted Jeff Hawkins, the Mazama Solar Project Manager.

In partnership with the Oregon Clean Power Cooperative and Elemental Energy, a local solar PV design and installation firm, the Mazamas’ goal of “going solar” became a reality this spring.

“We’re very proud to be a part of Oregon Clean Power Coop’s first community solar project and to assist the Mazamas in reducing their environmental impact. Through the Community Solar model, we were able to cost-effectively empower the non-profit Mazamas organization,” noted John Grieser, owner of Elemental Energy. “Solar not only provides clean, reliable, and lower cost electricity for homes and businesses alike, but it’s critical to battling pollution at the source, helping to protect the places we love.”

The Mazama installation is the first of many community solar projects the Oregon Clean Power Cooperative has set for 2017, including a 38kW PV system on the First Unitarian Church in downtown Portland and a 30-kW PV system on the Public Works Building in Hood River, Oregon.