01.08.2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

48º | Rain | 88% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:50 a.m. | Sunset 4:44 p.m.

☀️ Here comes the sun (power)

Decode the code: Residential solar panels

One of those big shiny roof installations is looking pretty good right now. | Video via Giphy

This is the time of year when many of us look longingly to the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sun. That big ball of fire likes to play coy during winter, but it can be a bit too friendly once summer sets in. One way or another, the PNW’s fickle relationship with our solar system’s star can result in high electricity bills — so maybe it’s time to consider other options. Enter: solar power.

Maybe you’ve thought about installing solar panels but didn’t know where to start. The answer? Understanding the city of Portland’s residential requirements, which we’re here to help with.

What is solar power + how does it help?

Solar power captures the sun’s radiation to help reduce the cost of electricity, contribute to a resilient electrical grid, and generate backup power.

Taking advantage of solar technology comes with upfront fees for installation and equipment — including photovoltaics or various types of panels — but saves money over time, especially with the associated 22%-30% federal tax credit, Energy Trust of Oregon incentives, and state rebates.

Local regulations

Solar panels are allowed across the entire city of Portland, but some properties — such as those in historic districts — require additional reviews based on the project’s location. Check out PortlandMaps to look up an address and learn more about its zoning. You’ll also need to check whether your property can connect to the city’s power grid.

Use the city’s portal to learn more about which permit pathway is best for you, then apply for a solar permit on Development Hub PDX. Pro tip: Watch this walkthrough.

How to get started

Events

Monday, Jan. 8

Laugh Basement Stand-Up Comedy Showcase | Monday, Jan. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | The Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., Portland | $10 | Local jokesmith and four-time Portland’s Funniest Person Contest finalist Bryan Bixby headlines this laughter-inducing lineup of comedians.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

Portland Jewish Film Festival | Tuesday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | PSU’s Lincoln Hall, 1620 SW Park Ave., Portland | $10-$55 | Learn about the “complexity, history, and joy of Jewish life” through the lens of five new full-length films and two shorts; each screening will be followed by discussions with scholars and creatives.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

Puddles Pity Party | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 8 p.m. | Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., Ste. 110, Portland | $35 | This 7-ft-tall singing clown known for collaborations with Postmodern Jukebox and sold-out global shows blends “melancholia with the absurd” for a singular performance that might move you to tears.

Thursday, Jan. 11

Stoller Wine Dinner at Met Tavern | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Metropolitan Tavern, 1021 NE Grand Ave., Ste. 600, Portland | $100 | Dine on a six-course menu prepared by executive chef Joey Hart, paired with wine selected by Stoller Family Estate winemaker Melissa Burr.

Friday, Jan. 12

FAN EXPO Portland | Friday, Jan. 12-Sunday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland | $12-$119 | Dress up as your favorite character, shop for fan merch, attend exclusive Q+A sessions, meet celebrities, authors, and artists, and revel in the ultimate people-watching spectacle.
Portland’s Folk Festival | Friday, Jan. 12-Sunday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside St., Portland | $35-$90 | This annual showcase of folk, Americana, and roots music will shine a spotlight on local and regional artists like Glitterfox, The Parnells, and Brad Parsons.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Active

Kickstart your health goals with the YMCA’s “Pay the Day” deal

Whether you’re seeking to improve your physical fitness, mental health, or spiritual well-being, you can trust the Y to help you reach your goals. | Photo provided by the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette

Ready to start your wellness journey at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, where you can connect with your community and develop healthy habits to strengthen your spirit, mind, and body?

Today is the best day to get started. Why? In January, your join fee = the day you join. So, the sooner you join, the more you save (up to $67). Explore the Y’s programs and start building your membership below.

Become a member

News Notes

Community

Washington County investigators asked residents to look for pieces of debris in the area of Southwest Barnes Road and Highway 217 in the Cedar Hills neighborhood after a mid-cabin segment of an Alaska Airlines aircraft blew off mid-flight over the weekend. Please contact your local police to make a report. (KOIN)

Biz

City leaders have approved Zenith Energy’s request to build three new pipelines for renewable fuels at terminals along the Willamette River in Northwest Portland. The pipelines will not cross any neighborhoods and are part of the Texas company’s plans to end crude oil storage by the fall of 2027. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Edu

Parkrose recently became Oregon’s first school district to join Whirlpool’s nationwide initiative to install washers and dryers in schools in underserved communities. Students (and their families) at Prescott, Sacramento, and Russell elementary schools will have access to the facilities starting next month. (OPB)

Real Estate

Portland Opera plans to sell its headquarters building — the Hampton Opera Center — in Southeast Portland and find a new home. Selling the 44,835-sqft facility and nearly 2-acre property “will free Portland Opera from the debt of a $2.4 million lien” but won’t impact its current performance season, leaders said. (Portland Business Journal)

Arts

A new nonprofit art gallery that quietly opened in the fall on Southwest Harvey Milk Street hearkens back to 1990s Portland. Portland Arts Collective’s current exhibit, “Women’s Work,” showcases paintings and sculptures by local artists with mid-to-mature careers and is on display through Friday, Jan. 12. (Portland Tribune)

Plan Ahead

Cider lovers who aren’t observing Dry January, check out a new tasting and sipping event happening Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Leftbank Annex. Artisans by Cider Summit will feature 18+ cider producers and 40 different beverages to try, as well as food samples from local purveyors like Portland Creamery.

Watch

Morchella chef de cuisine Rain Grey appeared on an episode of the Food Network series, “Chopped” to, in part, “represent the trans community” in an industry they described as having a “macho and brash” reputation. See a rerun of the episode tonight at 11 p.m. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Trending

Looking for your new favorite water bottle? The Owala Travel Tumbler combines the best of Stanley’s viral tumbler with Owala’s smart design. We’re liking color “Bunny Hop.”*

Culture

💍 Going to the ~~chapel~~ park, gonna get married

Getting married? Reserve a Portland park, garden, or picnic area for your wedding

Four people sit on wooden folding chairs arrayed in front of a gazebo surrounded by blooming rose bushes on a sunny day.

Reserving spots like this one in Portland’s International Rose Test Garden isn’t a walk in the park because they’re often in high demand. | Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation

If you or someone you know plans to say “I do” this year, now’s a good time to nail down one of the most important details in the wedding planning process: the location.

On Monday, Jan. 8, Portland Parks and Recreation will start approving reservations for 2024 wedding ceremonies and receptions at more than 200 parks, gardens, and picnic areas.

People who hope to get hitched at places like Leach Botanical Garden or Hoyt Arboretum will line up outside the Customer Service Center on the first floor of the Portland Building (1120 SW Fifth Ave.) in the early morning hours. When the clock strikes 8 a.m., they’ll be ushered inside to enjoy light refreshments and submit their requests. In-person reservations will take priority until noon; at 1 p.m., parks staff will start processing phone, mail, and online requests.

Looking for a different kind of venue? Check out these stunning spots in the Portland area.

The Buy

The Buy 1.08.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Sustainably sourced coffee. Or maybe some organic matcha. Or a low-caffeine chai blend, or a hot toddy spice mix — whatever your favorite warm beverage, it’s waiting for you in Six & Main’s locally sourced coffee and tea collection.

Share PDXtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_20}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambrie

From the editor

In 2023, I read 24 books totaling 11,328 pages, many of which included some semblance of romance. If you also love a good love story, then check out the new online bookstore, Grand Gesture Books. Owner and Powell’s City of Books employee Katherine Morgan plans to open a brick-and-mortar space, which will be Portland’s third Black-owned bookstore and its first romance bookshop. Swoon.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY