SEAO was founded in 1979, and is Oregon's only chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. SEAO has been a leader in the creation and passage of landmark utility restructuring, global warming, conservation planning, energy-efficiency and solar access legislation, policies and programs. These have kept Oregon in the forefront of renewable energy activity nationwide, and have helped make Oregon fifth in the nation in terms of solar systems purchased.
Education is the key to a sustainable shift to solar energy.
Participants in SEAO programs see and touch actual systems, and discuss them with the people who design, build and live with them. They learn to harness the state's substantial solar resource to increase their comfort and decrease their energy bills while also reducing global warming, pollution and other environmental and social problems related to nonrenewable resources. Because most people learn best by actually seeing and touching solar energy systems, SEAO offers hands-on tours of solar homes. SEAO also helps publicize tours sponsored by other Oregon organizations. Every year, SEAO members teach classes and make presentations at schools, universities and community events.