Abundant solar energy from the skies above!

The sun is shining again today in beautiful Bend, Oregon.  Fall is an unpredictable time of year here – from 4 inches of snow on October 4, to a 75 degree day on October 14.  But you can count on one thing here in the High Desert: abundant solar energy!

The local Chamber of Commerce claims that there are 300 days of sunshine each year.  There are times that I doubt that statistic!  Yet, even if they are off by 20 or 30 days…. you’ll still see a number of solar panel installations around town.  From local businesses to residential developments, many people here are harnessing free solar energy for their power needs.  Even a new elementary school has employed solar panels on its roof.

There are local businesses here in Bend that focus entirely on helping people convert to renewable energy, including the Bend Green Team and 3E Strategies.  One of the nation’s leading solar inverter manufacturers, PV Powered, continues to grow despite the recession.  It has big plans to become the largest employer in Central Oregon!  Even utility-scale solar power is on the horizon here, with several projects in development.

While Bend (and Oregon overall) is a leader with respect to solar energy, the industry has a whole has been growing both nation- and world-wide.  Component prices have dropped by 50% recently, and there are generous tax incentives and rebates offered at all levels of government.  Its a great time to go solar!

Harness the abundant solar energy that reaches earth each day!

To put into perspective the amount of abundant solar energy available to us, consider that the amount of solar energy reaching the earth in a a single year is double that which could be generated by all other types of non-renewables (gas, coal, oil, etc.) combined (source: Wikipedia).

A common myth that many people believe is that it always has to be sunny for solar energy to be effective.  Not true.  Germany is a leader with respect to solar power worldwide; it certainly is not one of the sunniest locations!  However,sSolar panels do need exposure to UV light to absorb the energy, which will be converted to usable electricity.  South-facing roofs and adequate space to avoid shading are necessary.

As new laws are passed and additional incentives created to convert to solar power, people will probably wonder one day… what took so long?

In our next post, we’ll review some of the reasons Germany and other European nations are leading the way with respect to solar power.  And, we’ll discuss how to increase the use of abundant solar energy in our own hometowns.

Solar inverter

Privately-held PV Powered, a solar inverter manufacturer in Bend, Oregon, is set for new growth.  The company can thank not only generous government tax credits for clean energy, but also a multimillion-dollar investment recently.  Its CEO, Gregg Patterson is predicting that PV Powered could double or triple in size in a mere 2 years.

As a resident of Central Oregon, I witnessed, first hand, the buzz that resulted from then-candidate Obama’s stop at PV Powered in spring 2008.  Obama toured the facilities and made a stirring speech about renewable energy that many believe catapulted him forward in the hotly-contested Democratic race.

So what is going on now at PV Powered?  First, and perhaps most importantly, they’re hiring!  Recently, the company added a few additional employees to its workforce of about 55.  Now, they plan to hire approximately 10 more to meet additional demand for its solar inverter product.

Second, there is reason for optimism about the new growth of PV Powered.  Some analysts are predicting 5-fold increases in the solar market by 2011.  Because the products of PV Powered are so highly respected, it can ride the coat-tails of renewable energy expansion fairly well.

New growth in the pv-powered industry

Here in Central Oregon, in particular, news about solar industry growth is especially welcome.  Unemployment rates vary regionally from 16-20%.  PV Powered is predicting that, one day, it could be the area’s largest employer.

The success of this company is due in considerable part to its products.  Right now, it is working on a 260-kW inverter that is able to process solar energy for 50 homes.  It also has developed embedded software that converts DC to AC, which can then be fed into the electrical grid.

PV Powered also is experiencing growth due to a deal with Kyocera, the extension of the federal solar investment tax credit last year, the stimulus bill, and the aforementioned multimillion dollar investment, by Evans Renewable Holdings II, LLC.  Stated one of Evans Renewable Holdings’s principals, Mark Fleischauer:

“Over the last 18 months, we’ve invested multimillions (in PV Powered) and now have committed more so they can fully reap the benefits of the stimulus package.  We like their technology, we think they’ve got the best product on the market, have a tremendous management team and think they are very focused now on what they need to do to capitalize on the marketplace.”

Now is a great time to invest in solar!  Regardless of whether you live in Oregon, or use PV Powered’s solar inverters, did you realize that by installing solar panels on your home, you’ll have a 7-12% return, which is better than putting your cash into a CD?

With that kind of success, no wonder PV Powered is set for new growth!