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The Northeast Coalition of Neighbors recently launched its second round of , a project that aims to simplify the solar installation process for local homeowners.

Solarize Portland was launched in June 2009 by the and the with the goal of making solar power more affordable and less complex for homeowners. To that end, neighborhood associations run workshops for neighborhood residents, purchase photovoltaic systems in bulk and contract with a single solar installer to keep costs down.

Since 2009, the program has since expanded to neighborhood groups throughout the city. In the last campaign, approximately 200 systems were installed, according to Gene Lee, project manager for Solarize Northeast. This time, he said the group is hoping to double that number.

Solar installers are vetted through a community committee and selected through a competitive process. For its second campaign, the coalition contracted with , which has offices on North Lombard Avenue.

鈥淥ne of the themes coming out of the first campaign is a strong dedication to local businesses, and (Mr. Sun Solar) sources most of its materials locally and hires locally,鈥� Lee said. 鈥淪ome of their employees are residents of Northeast Portland.鈥�

The next Solarize Northeast workshop聽is Jan. 21 at the Umpqua Bank at 1745 N.E. Alberta St.