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.