For Portland Rescue Mission, a nonprofit that provides shelter and services to break the cycle of homelessness, addiction and despair, installing a solar electric system seemed like a far off dream. With the help of Twende Solar, $38,300 in cash incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon, volunteers and donated materials, its dream became a reality.

Over 130 volunteers were recruited to install the 100.6-kilowatt solar electric system on the roof of Shepherd’s Door, Portland Rescue Mission’s addiction recovery community for women and their young children.

The system generates 40 percent of the building’s energy, saving Portland Rescue Mission an estimated $12,000 a year. “Over the 25-year expected life of the system, we’ll save at least $300,000,” said Mike Deckon, director of marketing, Portland Rescue Mission. “That’s money we can put into additional services feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and helping those overcoming addiction change their lives.”