Solar sponsorship for Pro Soccer!

News from SolarWorld this week, the largest solar manufacturer in the United States, may please both sports fans and solar power enthusiasts.  The company has entered into a deal which is the first of its kind for a solar company: sponsorship of a professional soccer team in the United States.

SolarWorld will be the primary jersey sponsor in 2010 of The Portland Timbers, based in Portland, Oregon.

The decision is not as random as it might initially seem.  SolarWorld has its U.S. headquarters and a 500-megawatt (MW) manufacturing plant in Hillsboro, Oregon, which is just outside of Portland.  In addition, the state of Oregon is a leader with respect to solar energy in America.

The German-based company will be the Timbers’ jersey sponsor for 2010.  In a press release, Timbers President Merritt Paulson stated:

“We pride ourselves on being a green organization – not just our colors – and partnering with a preeminent sustainable company like SolarWorld is a no-brainer.”

Portland Timbers Pro Soccer

The Portland Timbers, is now a member of the North American Soccer League, and will become a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in 2011.

The sponsorship of the Portland soccer team is not the first foray into soccer for SolarWorld.  It has a marketing agreement with a German Team, FC Cologne, and also provides solar power to an African community studio that will broadcast this year’s FIFA World Cup.  In fact, that project is part of SolarWorld’s Solar2World program that works to bring solar energy to developing countries.

SolarWorld is quite excited about its new soccer sponsorship, not surprisingly.  Boris Klebensberger, President and COO of the U.S. branch of the company, observed:

“Soccer is the most international sport.  As a renewable-energy company involved in every major solar market, it’s only fitting for us to help support the sport in and around our various sites, including near our U.S. headquarters in Hillsboro.”

Somehow, I am inspired to head to Portland to catch a few pro soccer games this season!