Oregon Leads the Nation in Solar

Oregon tree blossoms on solar panels

It almost goes without saying to someone like me that Oregon leads the nation in solar.  All over my hometown, I see solar panels installed on homes and businesses.  One of the best known solar power converter manufacturers, PV Powered, is frequently in the news and hosted Obama’s visit to Bend, Oregon in May 2008.

Solar development is taking place all over the state, however, not just in Central Oregon. In Hillsboro, Solar World has the largest solar cell manufacturing facility in North America.  Solaicx, a silicon manufacturer for solar energy applications, is located in Portland.  Finally, the state capital, Salem, is home to Sanyo Solar.  These corporations and projects would not be sited in Oregon if it was not for the state’s leadership with respect to solar innovation and investment.

In fact, Solar World just hosted a booth at the “Everything Green” Expo in Portland last week:

Rearview as Oregon leads the way in solar investment

One of the reasons for the recent solar growth in Oregon is the fact that the Oregon Lottery has been investing considerable funds in the industry.

Proceeds [from lotto ticket sales] are going to help fund the construction of solar projects that will provide clean, renewable power for more than 180,000 households.  Over the next five years, there will be 2,000 new jobs in Oregon in the solar power industry as a result of lotto proceeds.

Another impetus for solar development here is the Governor’s call for 25% of all energy to be provided by renewable energy resources by 2025.  Even better, Governor Kulungoski has challenged the state to see that 100% of its buildings are energized with green resources during that same time period.

Of course, it helps that the tax credits in Oregon are especially generous with respect to solar and other renewable energy development.  Explains Tom McCabe, Director of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department:

“During our last legislative session, we introduced a Business Energy Tax Credit to attract renewable energy manufacturers,” says McCabe. Renewable energy companies can save up to $20 million per year in tax credits by availing the benefits of this legislation. He is also optimistic about the targeted recruitment efforts which have already resulted in the adding up of about new 60 companies in this sector.

For residents and businesses, the cost of going solar can be reduced by up to 50% or more.

As a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, I can see why many people here are invested in a clean, green future.  Crystal blue lakes and streams, gorgeous snow-capped mountains and an active, outdoor lifestyle are all available to people who live here.  It makes sense for Oregon to lead the nation in solar development.  After all, we cannot take this paradise for granted.

Tags: oregon leads nation solar, oregon lottery funds, solar tax credits