PGE and ODOT Commemorate the Solar Highway Milestone

October 26 2011 - Aurora Oregon; Representatives from Portland General Electric, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Five Stars International and Contractors working on the Solar Highway 1.745 Megawatt project joined Advanced Energy Systems at the construction site today to mark the milestone surrounding the beginning of the Solar World module installation. With the final post driven in the six acre site, and over 50% of the Haticon Racking assembled it was time to start mounting the 250 watt solar panels. Assisting in unpacking the first module was the project brainchild, Allison Hamilton of ODOT. Other notables from ODOT were Lynn Aveberck, and Lynn Frank of Five Stars International. PGE representatives included Mark Osborne, Dawn Wilde, and Robert Ferraro.

When completed, the project will provide enough electricity to offset the use of both the North and Southbound rest areas at the project location, approximately 15 miles South of Portland Oregon on Interstate 5. As the primary Solar Contractor on the project, Advanced Energy Systems teamed up with SunStall Corporation for the racking installation, and Christensen Electric of Portland for the primary electrical installation.

Robert Ferraro of PGE

Allison Hamilton of ODOT unpacks the first module.

 

Lynn Averbeck (left) and Allison Hamilton of ODOT

Mark Osborn, Dawn Wilde and Robert Ferraro of PGE

Alex Soo (Aadland Evans Constructors) with Allison Hamilton and Lynn Averbeck (ODOT)

Allison Hamilton and Lynn Frank

Craig Strobeck (Advanced Energy Systems) and Helge of SunStall

Jeff Zimmerman of Christensen Electric

Oregon Solar Highway Construction in High Gear

As of October 20th, the Oregon Solar Highway project was in high gear. Favorable weather has allowed the post installation to move at a rapid pace. Racking assembly has begun as the preliminary electrical infrastructure is back filled. The image below shows the state of construction on October 18th, 2011.

1.75MW Oregon Solar Highway Project by Advanced Energy Systems.

Current electrical work is being performed by Christensen Electric of Portland, Oregon. Specialized pile driving equipment from Sunstall is being used to drive the Sigma posts and install the Haticon racking system which will support the installation of nearly 7,000 SolarWorld 250 watt modules. Installation of the PV Powered 260kW inverters is also in progress. Project commissioning is slated for January 2012.

The project is being built on land owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) with the project owner being Portland General Electric (PGE). General contract or is Adland Evans Constructors of Portland, with the complete design and solar scope being coordinated by Advanced Energy Systems, LLC., of Eugene.

For more information contact Advanced Energy Systems. 1-800-399-1596.

Advanced Energy Systems Teams Up with King Estate Winery, SolarCity, and Lane Electric for Huge Winery Project.

Press Release;

King Estate Winery and Advanced Energy Systems Team Up with SolarCity and Lane Electric Co-op, to Install the Largest Solar Power System at a Winery in Pacific Northwest.

Organic winery furthers commitment to environmental stewardship with installation of large-scale solar power system.

Eugene, Ore., October 12, 2011 - King Estate Winery, and Oregon producer of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir is teaming up with SolarCity, a national leader in solar power design financing, installation, monitoring and energy efficiency services, as well as Lane Electric Co-op, and Advanced Energy Systems, LLC. of Eugene to install the largest solar power system at a winery in the Pacific Northwest. Construction on the King Estate 973.84 kilowatt (kW) solar system is slated to begin this month.

This King Estate solar power system is a collaboration between several partners: Advanced Energy Systems, which developed the project; SolarCity, which provided financing and integration support; and Lane Electric as the utility partner. The system's 4,144 solar panels are expected to eliminate more than 38 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years. This amount is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 3,381 passenger cars or 1.9 million gallons of gasoline. The King Estate solar power system is large enough to offset the annual power usage of approximately 100 residential homes.

"Our philosophy is rooted in sustainable agriculture and environmentally-conscious business practices, as evidenced by our dedication to organic farming. Installing a large-scale solar power system is a natural progression for us," said Ed King, CEO & co-founder of King Estate. "

Lane Electric Co-op is also exploring the potential for incorporating additional solar, wave, geothermal, landfill gasification and other green resources into their resource portfolio. These resources will help solidify Lane Electric's future power supply needs and assist them in meeting the State of Oregon's Renewable Portfolio Standards.

"The idea of renewable energy is not at all new for Lane Electric. This project is very exciting in that it dovetails perfectly with Lane Electric's mission and vision for renewable energy as we look to the future. It is good for our members, the co-op and the environment", notes Rick Crinklaw, general manager for Lane Electric.

Visitors to the Winery can check out the solar system for themselves, and sample King Estate's critically acclaimed wines, by visiting the tasting room 20 miles southwest of Eugene. OR. Location and directions are available at www.kingestate.com.

About Advanced Energy Systems
Advanced Energy Systems LLC, headquartered in Eugene, OR is distinguished as the leading Oregon-based solar energy facilities developer and contractor. Over the last decade, the company has installed several megawatts of solar power capacity throughout the state, including the unique 'Oregon Solar Highway'. With several dozen installations built for public and private entities, and many more for residential customers, Advanced Energy Systems delivers turn-key photovoltaic and solar thermal projects that enable clients to invest in clean energy garnering positive returns for themselves, their community, and the environment.
For more information visit Advanced Energy Systems at www.aesrenew.com

Oregon Solar Highway project moving forward

The 1.75 megawatt Oregon Solar Highway project that Advanced Energy Systems, LLC. has designed is continuing to progress. Currently, underground electrical work is in progress as a precursor to the installation of the posts, and solar module racking system. Advanced Energy Systems, working with Christensen Electric are on schedule for this, the largest solar highway project in the nation. Beginning the week of October 10, post and module mounting systems will begin construction on the North end of the site, with an anticipated duration of 6-8 weeks for racking completion. The solar highway project is located at Milepost 282, behind the Baldock rest area off of Interstate 5 in Oregon, and is recognized as the largest solar installation along an interstate in the Nation.

Soltecture Announces UL Listing for 2 Solar Modules

9/30/2011
Soltecture, a Germany-based thin-film PV module manufacturer, announced it has received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) product safety certification for its roof-integrated module (Linion R) and its framed module (Linion F).
Product certification by UL for these systems provides Soltecture with an opportunity for growth in the U.S.' solar energy market, the company says. Current module efficiency is at an average of 12%, with a goal of 14% efficiency within the next 10 month.
Advanced Energy Systems, LLC. of Eugene Oregon is proud to be an exclusive distributor and authorized installer for this innovative product.

Largest Solar Highway Breaks Ground

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez congratulated Oregon for its leadership in sustainable transportation as Portland General Electric and the Oregon Department of Transportation broke ground today on the nation’s largest solar highway project.The $10 million project, at the Baldock Safety Rest Area on Interstate 5 northbound near Wilsonville, will include an interpretive display where the public can view the 1.75-megawatt solar array and learn about solar power and Oregon’s solar highway installations. The project will generate up to 1.97 million kilowatthours per year of renewable energy — equivalent to nearly 9 percent of ODOT’s need in PGE’s service area.

“Between this project – the largest of its kind in the nation — and the solar interchange a few miles north of here, it’s clear the road to the future starts here in Oregon,” Mendez said. “Well done, Oregon, for leading the way in building the solar highway.”

The Baldock Solar Highway — an all-Oregon project — is being built on seven acres of ODOT-owned property behind the rest area. PGE will build and operate the project, which is expected to go online in January
2012. “With this project, we’re helping Oregonians understand how solar power benefits us all,” said Matt
Garrett, ODOT director. “But we’re accomplishing more than just installing a solar array: we’re supporting
local businesses, local workers and the state economy.” PGE has contracted with Advanced Energy Systems of Eugene, Oregon to install 6,994 panels produced by SolarWorld of Hillsboro, with inverters provided by
Advanced Energy (PV Powered) of Bend. All other consulting, construction, analysis and other materials also will be provided by Oregon companies. (Advanced Energy Systems designed and will install the system)
“These companies are helping diversify Oregon’s economy and build our state’s reputation as a solar
manufacturing hub,” said Jim Piro, PGE president and CEO.

Bank of America is providing financing for the project. The project also is supported by funds from the Energy Trust of Oregon, PGE’s Clean Wind program and the state’s Business Energy Tax Credit program.

Eric Nill, Principal of AES autographs the commemorative Solar Panel

A host of partner companies worked on getting the project off the ground.

Thomas Brex, Chief designer of AES, autographs the SolarWorld module.

Thomas Brex of AES shows the SolarWorld 250W panel, and Haticon Racking that will be installed in the 6 acres shown in the background.

BrucePac Custom Meat Designers new Solar Array

Completed in late May with final Electrical inspection in June 2011, this 83kW solar array was installed by Advanced Energy Systems for BrucePac Custom meat Designers in Woodburn, Oregon. Originally planned to be a 367kW, the array was downsized due to limits placed on the Oregon Business Tax Credit incentives.

This ground-mounted facility is part of BrucePac's commitment to renewable energy, and sustainability was constructed using "all Oregon" products including SunStorage racking, SolarWorld modules, and PV Powered inverter.

AES congratulates BrucePac on making this project a reality. For more information on this project, or a future project please contact Advanced Energy Systems, LLC.

Array Rear, with PV Powered Inverter.

SolarWorld Sun Modules

Professional wiring and Sunstorage Racking

Solar Rally Today in Oregon!

Solar advocates, integrators, suppliers and others from all over Oregon are gathering on the state capitol steps beginning at 11:30 AM today (June 1, 2011).

Faced with massive cuts in tax credit funding support, the Solar industry is in serious danger in the state of Oregon. Supporters of the solar industry will be speaking, and educating legislators on the status of Solar in Oregon. Anyone who is a supporter of the Solar industry should be at the capitol in Salem, Oregon today.

Oregon Solar Rally Deemed Successful

On May 10,2011 leading solar advocates, integrators, and solar associations met on the state capitol steps to promote solar energy in Oregon. The focus of the rally was to bring attention to the issues facing solar in Oregon, and garner support for legislative action relating to solar activities.

Leading Oregon solar integrators in attendance included Advanced Energy Systems, Solar City, Abound Solar, Sustainable Utility Networks (SUN), and National Solar. Oregon Electric Group was also in attendance, and provided a solar display. Speakers included rally organizer Ron (Mac) McDowell of Solar Oregon, Matthew Lind of Advanced Energy Systems (co-organizer), Mark Pengilly an industry lobbyist from Energize Oregon, Steve Leslie of Competitive Commercial Roofing, Rob Bennett of Solar City. Also in attendance was a large contingent from OREP (Oregonians for Renewable Energy Policy), Kevin Keene from SolarWorld of Hillsboro.

Glenn Montgomery, director of OSEIA (Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association) was a featured speaker, and urged all attendees to be involved with the legislature to promote the solar industry. The common theme throughout the rally was the promotion, and advancement of solar energy in Oregon, and renewable energy in general. Current Oregon budget woes have brought increased pressure on state incentives, and tax credits which are vital to the solar industry. Calling attention to the advancements made in past years, and the success of solar in Oregon, speakers and advocates energized the crowd, and demonstrated that Oregon has a viable solar industry, and that many solar jobs are at risk if legislative support is removed.

A diverse group on solar advocates rallies at the state capitol on May 10, 2011.

Kevin Keene of SolarWorld addresses the crowd.

A diverse group came together on behalf of solar energy.

Oregonians for Solar Power

Glenn Montgomery of OSEIA gives a keynote address.

AES Welcomes Central American Leaders

On Wednesday, May 5th a delegation on Salvadorian Leaders and Tri-National Commission Leaders will visit the Sustainable Centennial Building, home to Advanced Energy Systems and the host Good Company. As part of a 3 day delegation to Oregon, this visit will focus on the sustainability and the Solar array research facility located above the offices of AES and Good Company. As a leader in renewable energy generation, focusing on PV and Solar Thermal energy, AES is often cited as the leader in innovative design and installation.

Civic leaders, Government officials and representatives from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras will all tour the facility. This tour is part of the Partnership for Growth directive, initiated by President Barack Obama in May 2010.

Physicians Group Goes Solar in Medford Oregon

Hematology Oncology Associates in Medford, Oregon is going Solar. An installation of a 56kW solar array is currently under way on the medical center by Advanced Energy Systems, LLC.

The roof top solar electric installation for Hematology Oncology is a nice finishing touch to a very aesthetically pleasing building. The ballasted solar electric system has been installed in such a way as to minimize attachment penetrations to the roofing membrane. Doctors can view data for the "green" solar energy production through the web-based monitoring system. Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit, the federal Investment Tax Credit, and utility incentive all helped to make this installation possible.

When completed, the array will consist of  228 SolarWorld 245W solar modules mounted on the roof with a Unirac system. The array is anticipated to be fully complete by the end of May, 2011.

SolarWorld modules on HOA in Medford using a Unirac system.

Medford Solar Canopy Completed

50kW of SolarWorld PV is now producing energy for the Medford BLM. Installed with a SunStation structure by Advanced Energy Systems, LLC, this project is complete with 204 245W modules, and a PV Powered inverter.
The Medford Interagency Office is home to the Medford Bureau of Land Management and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest offices. This solar electric carport measures 94' long, 40' wide, and 18' tall. Providing shade and some shelter from the rain, it has quickly become a favorite parking location for BLM and Forest Service employees. A newspaper article in the local Medford Mail Tribune has helped to educate the public about this federally-owned solar installation.
 

For more information on this installation, and other solar opportunities, please click here to contact AES.

Construction begins on Ground-Mount Solar Array in Woodburn Oregon

Advanced Energy Systems of Oregon is proud to commence construction of an 83kW PV ground mount array at the BrucePac Meat Product Designers site in Woodburn, Oregon. The ground-mount array will cover an estimated 6500 square feet, and will produce an estimated 92,000 kWh/yr using made in Oregon components such as SolarWorld modules and PV Powered inverters.

Originally designed in 2010 as a 367 kW system, the project was not selected by the Oregon Department of
Energy as a Tier 2 project for receipt of tax credits. The project was then downsized to meet the criteria for a Tier 1 PV project, which then gained approval for the preliminary tax credit.

The initial phase of construction has begun, where the anchor posts are being driven into the ground. Once the posts are set the racking will be installed, and the SolarWorld modules will be installed.

Stay tuned, as photos and project updates are posted here. Thanks to BrucePac for making an investment in renewable energy!

Advanced Energy Systems is Oregon's most experienced local commercial solar contractor. For more information about a commercial solar project with Advanced Energy Systems, please contact us at 541-683-2345, or on either of our websites. Aesrenew.com or SolarInOregon.com.

Is it over?

Today, April 11th 2011 we prepared applications for the last round of the (Tier 1) Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) program. A Tier 1 project is a qualifying renewable energy project at or below a cost of $500,000. For us, as we do mostly Solar Electric, it means projects no larger than the 100kW range.

We wonder as a company, what the future brings. If you haven't followed the BETC saga, let's just say that BETC has undergone changes in policy, and is under legislative pressure as budget deficits are causing belt tightening across the state of Oregon. As it stands now, BETC and the benefits it brings will cease to exist June 30th, 2012. When the 2009 Oregon Legislature enacted legislation and funded BETC with $300 million for the biennium July 1 2009 to June 30 2011, the full impact of the state budget deficits were not evident. Large scale project approvals depleted the funding faster than anyone anticipated, and so today, we applied for a share of the remainder, $5 million in Tier 1 credits. We, along with other renewable companies have competed for the remaining (very limited) allocation of funds.

Unless legislative action allocates funding in the next biennium, and extends the program sunset past June 30, 2012, BETC will no longer exist. Those of us in the (Solar) industry refuse to believe that BETC will die. We have employees that still have painful memories of the RV industry collapse in 2007-2008. They adapted, and we put them to work at living family wage jobs. Our company is a home grown Oregon company. Our people take great pride in their jobs, the installations they do, and the fact that we source and support Oregon companies and products.

Some say BETC is too expensive, and in some ways it may be, however many detractors of renewable energy subsidies willingly support the current subsidies for Oil, Coal and other mainstream energy sources. Compared to those industries, Solar subsidies are a drop in the bucket. We hear the mantra "job creation" and in our applications for BETC funding we report on our job estimates, and what jobs our projects will create. Should we care at least as much about "job retention?" By killing BETC we would trash an industry that has a strong employment base, and is as Oregon as they come. We worry about keeping the jobs we have developed. The Electrical apprentices, the new Journeymen Electricians we assisted. What is the value of them staying employed?

BETC needs to stay. It could use some changes, and certain common sense policies would be good for BETC. Absent a BETC program, the commercial Solar Industry will disappear. A reasonable, consistent and sustainable BETC program is obtainable.

When a business applies for a BETC final certificate, it means that they have spent money on a local Oregon project, employed contractors, and designers, and laborers. They also spent money into the community as a by-product of completing that project. Let's not take that away, let's spur on the recovery and retain a viable BETC program in Oregon. On behalf of our 30 employees we hope it's not over.

Medford BLM gets a Solar Canopy

A 50kW solar system is being installed in Medford Oregon by Advanced Energy Systems of Eugene Oregon. This project, funded by ARRA dollars will significantly reduce the cost of electricity for the host BLM.

The solar array was installed on a custom designed canopy, which resembles a free-standing carport. The "SunStation" was designed and installed by AES, along with the 208 SolarWorld 245w modules. This project features all Oregon content, from the SunStation steel, to the SolarWorld modules, and the labor and materials. As Oregon's leading solar PV and thermal commercial contractor, AES won the bid to construct the solar array.

Check out some early installation photos in this slideshow. Final project completion is targeted for April 22, 2011.

There was an article about this project in the Medford Mail Tribune on April 6, 2011. To see the article, Click Here

Contact Advanced Energy Systems about any Solar project needs at www.aesrenew.com or www.solarinoregon.com.

Largest Solar Hot Water Project in the NW Nears Completion

At 117 thermal collectors, this system in downtown Portland Oregon will produce an annual energy savings of over 187,000kWh. In it's 35 year life cycle it will generate savings of;

6,480,950 kWh

6,320 Therms

2,920 Tons of CO2

119,320 Trees

523,400 Gallons of Gasoline

Installed by Advanced Energy Systems (AES) of Eugene Oregon, this facility for solar hot water is on the 9th floor of the Resource Access Center, a low income housing project by the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP).

For more information on this or any other solar projects, contact Advanced Energy Systems.

AES and the Housing Authority of Portland installs largest Solar Thermal to date.

The Housing Authority of Portland in building the Resource Access Center for low income housing in Downtown Portland Oregon. As part of the construction, Advanced Energy Systems is finishing up the largest solar thermal array ever installed in Oregon. This array features a 117 collector (2832 sq ft.) drainback solar water heating system, as manufactured by Heliodyne. Each collector is a 4'x6' unit installed on the mechanical penthouse structure above the roof  with bronze anodized racking.  System includes a 5000 gallon Trendsetter  insulated solar storage tank, 8 internal heat exchangers, solar pump, balancing valves, pressure relief valve, gauges, solar loop piping, high temperature insulation, 5000 gallons distilled water and all materials for a complete solar water heating system.  

Salem Oregon Grocer invests in Solar Facility

Salem Oregon; Local family owned grocery company Roth's Fresh Markets has completed the installation of a 100kW Solar facility atop their warehouse in SE Salem. As part of the  Oregon Feed In Tariff pilot program, this is one of the first larger scale installations completed. The Roth family is committed to promoting renewable energy. Advanced Energy Systems of Oregon designed, and installed the system. Advanced Energy Systems is one of Oregon's leading commercial solar integrators. They can be reached at (800) 399-1596.

Morasch Meats goes Green with Solar!

Advanced Energy Systems recently completed a 205kW Solar Array at the Morasch Meats company, located in Portland Oregon. Nearly a year in planning, the array was completed in late December of 2010. This project included solar on 3 buildings, and featured SolarWorld modules. For more information on this installation call Advanced Energy Systems of Eugene Oregon at (800) 399-1596.

 

 A video of the project is available here.

AES Finalizes 43kW PV Installation in Hillsboro, OR.

Advanced Energy Systems of Oregon is putting the finishing touches on an array in Hillsboro, Oregon. This particular project was designed to be integrated with existing parking lot walkways at a large corporation.

Construction of the racking, and module installation took place in October 2010, with final electrical configuration, including a monitoring kiosk finishing up in November. The project featured local products such as SolarWorld modules.