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.

Sunlight Solar Energy specializes in grid-tied solar electric systems for homes and businesses.  It prides itself on being a “turn-key” solar installer. What this means is that you will not need to worry about a thing… except paying your bill.  Sunlight Solar will pull all required permits and also help you maximize your energy tax incentives by filling out appropriate paperwork.  As it promises on its website:

“Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality grid-tied solar electric installation for their home or business. As one of the leading photovoltaic design and installation contractors in the US, we are proud to be a SunPower Premier Dealer and to offer SunPower components to our customers.”

Have you wondered whether you should make the leap and go for solar panel installation?  If you live in Oregon or Connecticut (my two favorite states), Sunlight Solar Energy can help you through the entire process.  A thorough list of Q&A is included on its website to help you make your decision.

While the following video does not show a Sunlight Solar installation, it is indicative of what is involved with a solar panel installation:

Sunlight Solar opened its first offices in Redmond, Oregon in 1997 and later relocated to Bend.  Since that time, it has grown from 1 to 34 employees and was voted Best Green Business in Bend for 2008.  In 2004, Sunlight Solar Energy opened a second office in Milford, CT in an effort to capitalize on the incentives offered by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for solar energy.

“Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc. is fully licensed, bonded and insured in Oregon and Connecticut. Sunlight Solar Oregon is a Trade Ally through the Energy Trust Of Oregon and we have Tax Credit Certified Technicians on staff to help you with your state tax paperwork. Sunlight Solar Connecticut is an eligible installer through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF).”

Sunlight Solar is a premier dealer for SunPower Corp. Intelligent engineering.  When you go with Sunlight Solar, you can install roof-mounted solar panels, or a ground-mounted array.  They also sell and install solar inverters.  Perhaps the most impressive aspect of working with Sunlight Solar Energy is the fact that they are 100% committed to environmental stewardship.   All of the vehicles used by the company are bio-diesel or hybrid-fueled.  They use recycled paper products, organic clothing, and sustainable building materials at the Bend office.  In addition, Sunlight Solar Energy employees either walk or bicycle to work as often as possible.

Sunlight Solar is definitely a company that walks the walk when it comes to renewable energy and saving the environment.  If you are thinking about solar panel installation, this would be the way to go!