March, 2013. Ken & Kathy received the Master Recycler Program Certifications from Environmental Services, Marion County Public Works. The class involves 30+ hours of instruction about local solid waste and recycling sites, including two days of field trips. Reduce, reuse & recycle. To learn more: https://www.co.marion.or.us/PW/ES/disposal/programs/masterrecycler?masterrecycler
November, 2010. Wind turbine completed with Mt. Jefferson in the background.
March, 2013. PV panels completed on shop.
March 1, 2014. Santiam Valley Ranch is honored as Sustainable Small Business of the Year.
March, 2013. PV panels completed on horse barn.
July, 2016: Home destroyed by fire. Solar panels were reapplied in 2018.
May, 2018: Reconstruction of home destroyed by fire in 2016
May, 2013. PV panels completed on home.
Beginning in 2009, the decision was made to reduce our dependence on fossil, nuclear and hydroelectric fuel and to pursue renewable energy.
In 2010, a 20 kW wind turbine system became operational.
A year later, after evaluating the impact of the wind turbine effort, we felt we needed to add two additional photovoltaic facilities, totaling 20.4 kW, on two farm buildings. We also entered into a contract with SolarCity to install a 4.8 kW photovoltaic system on our home. These projects were completed in 2013.
In 2014 we began working on adding a 6.6 kW photovoltaic facility on the other home on the farm. This effort was completed in May of 2016 but regrettably the home was burnt down on July 3rd, 2016. The home and photovoltaic facility are being rebuilt.
The combination of the wind turbine and four solar photovoltaic systems have achieved our goals. Our electricity bill been greatly reduced. Through the net-metering program with Portland General Electric (PGE), the excess energy generated by our systems is donated back to other customers.
Our future goal is to convert our fourth and last farm meter that operates the irrigation system. Options include photovoltaic and/or hydro systems. We will keep you posted!
Following articles about our systems are presented by Oregon Department of Energy and USDA, Rural Development. These articles are in pdf formats requiring Adobe Reader. If you need to install the latest version, Click Here.
Below describes the construction and repair/maintenance of the wind turbine.
Wind
Our Story: Santiam Valley Ranch Wind Turbine Project, 2009-2010
Our Story: Wind Turbine Repair, 2017
LED LIGHTING
Our Story: LED Lighting, 2018
VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE FOR IRRIGATION PUMP
IN 2021, we applied to Energy Trust of Oregon to install a variable frequency drive on the irrigation pump. Specifications were to replace the old 5 hp irrigation pump and install a 20 hp irrigation pump. An additional requirement was that the VFD is set to control an average discharge pressure of 75 psig (pounds per square inch guage) or less.
The purpose of the VFD is to control the speed and torque of electric motors by modulating the frequency of the power they receive, allowing for precise and efficient motor control. Benefits include energy savings, improved system performance and extended equipment lifespan by allowing pumps to adjust speed based on demand.
The overall cost to install the VFD was $8,848.04. and was completed in May of 2024. Energy Trust reimbursed $771 to help offset the cost.
Below describes the construction and repair/maintenance of the photovoltaic facilities.
sOLAR
Our Story: Santiam Valley Ranch Photovoltaic (PV) Project, 2011-2013
Photo of Carrie at Santiam Valley Ranch on the Cover: Oregon Department of Energy, February 26, 2016, "Oregon Department of Energy Announces $1.5 Million for Renewable Energy Projects Across the State"
Our Story: Santiam Valley Ranch Residence Photovoltaic (PV) Project, 2012-2013
Our Story: Santiam Valley Ranch Photovoltaic (PV) Project, 2014-2016
Our Story: Photovoltaic Repairs, 2017
Our Story: Photovoltaic Repairs, 2018
