Oregon Continues to Lead in Solar Power

Beautiful fall colors in Eugene, Oregon

Over the past year, we’ve published a number of articles about Oregon’s leadership in solar power.  From headlines like “Oregon Leads the Nation in Solar,” to Solar World Investing in Oregon,” there is much good news about the future of this renewable energy resource in the Beaver State.

Recently, Uni-Chem, a South Korean company that manufactures solar cells, announced its intention to locate some of its operations in Eugene, Oregon.  As reported:

Uni-chem Co. signed a memorandum of understanding in August to buy Hynix’s memory chip plant and the accompanying land in Eugene, Oregon, for $50 million, Uni-chem Chairman Lee Ho-chan told The Associated Press.

In addition to Uni-Chem, the Pacific Northwest has attracted numerous solar companies, perhaps in part due to the green lifestyle of residents here, and the fact that there are many incentives for both utilities and customers.

Oregon continues to lead in solar power

Here are fast facts as to why we’re seeing more investment in Oregon solar power:

• generous local, state and federal incentives to encourage solar panel installation
• requirements that utilities obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable resources, such as solar
• producers following the market – as more solar industry is based in Oregon, you’ll see more companies set up operations here
• A skilled workforce, suppliers network, and plenty of university-based researchers
• Generous subsidies for solar factories in Oregon!
• Proximity to the massive California solar market
• Reasonably priced vacant semi-conductor plants
• Inexpensive, reliable electrical power

Installing solar panels in Oregon

Roger Little, the CEO of Spire Solar (working with Uni-Chem to establish solar production in the United States) stated:

“As we look around the U.S. and ask the question, who has the best incentives for starting solar factories, Oregon always comes out at the top.  If you can maintain the benefit that ou provide to these companies, then you’ll continue to grow in the solar field.  I think its a huge opportunity.”

Projections for solar power are… shall we say… sunny!   In fact, some experts estimate that solar module manufacturing will rise 45% annually from 2008 to 2012.  By then, we’ll have 3,880 megawatts of solar energy installed.

Let’s do some math.  A single megawatt of solar power can power 150-200 homes.  That means that three-quarters of a million people can be living on clean, green electricity in the near future.  In Oregon alone.

Shyam Mehta, a GTM Research analyst, ranks Oregon #1 for solar manufacturing companies in the United States.  He projects that, by 2012, Oregon will account for 59% of the nation’s production of silicon wafers.

I love living in Oregon – fresh air, gorgeous scenery… and my neighbor down the street just installed solar panels on his rooftop!  Its exciting to watch the development of the solar panel industry here.  I’m looking forward to more great solar news to come from this corner of the world.

Tags: eugene oregon, gtm research, oregon solar power, shyam mehta, solar cells, solar panel installation, spire solar, uni-chem