• Our Story: 2014 Santiam Valley Ranch Honored Sustainable Small Business of the Year (PDF)

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

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. 

• Oregon Department of Energy, Case Study, 2013 "Santiam Valley Ranch owner inspired by the possibility of energy independence"

• USDA, Rural Development, June 2013, "Solar, Wind Systems Eliminate Energy Costs for Family Aquaculture Business"

• Oregon Department of Energy, March 2016, "ODOE Programs Help Local Farm Harness Renewable Energy"