The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) announced its formal selection of SunEdison to build a 1.184-megawatt (MW) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) power system. When fully installed in spring 2010, the solar panels will generate enough power to fulfill 12% of the energy demand of the building, and combined with OCC’s existing purchase of wind power, over 50% of total the center’s energy use will be derived from renewable energy sources.
According to OCC Executive Director Jeff Blosser, “After achieving LEED-EB Silver in 2008, adding solar panels to our roof was the obvious next step.” He adds, “This project saves energy costs, supports local jobs and reduces our carbon footprint. It is a win for the entire community.”
Metro Council President David Bragdon said, “The solar panel project on the roof of our LEED-Silver convention center is yet another landmark in Portland’s sustainable story.”
Selection of SunEdison was formally approved today by a vote of the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC) which operates the convention center and other regional venues on behalf of Metro, a regionally elected government representing the Portland tri-county area and encompassing 25 neighboring cities.
SunEdison, North America’s largest solar services company, estimates that construction of the OCC rooftop solar panel system would begin this month. The project is made possible by a solar power services agreement in which SunEdison will finance, construct, and operate the solar PV system, allowing OCC to avoid all upfront capital costs. OCC will purchase the solar electricity at fixed prices that are equal to or below current retail rates for the length of the contract. The solar PV systems will produce clean, renewable energy without generating noise, pollution, or greenhouse gases. The solar PV systems will also lessen the stress on the electric infrastructure by increasing locally generated electricity and reducing the need for additional transmission lines.
During the first complete year of operation, the system is estimated to produce more than 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean solar energy and more than 23 million kWh over 20 years, energy to power more than 2,179 homes for one year.
Over 20 years of production, the zero-emission system will offset more than an estimated 23 million pounds of carbon dioxide that would have been emitted during the production of electricity from fossil fuels.
Key to the construction of the PV system is the use of Sanyo HIT® Power 210 modules, known throughout the industry for its performance. Sanyo’s Salem, Oregon-based plant will supply the silicon ingots and wafers for the modules that will help support local jobs and economic growth in Oregon.
According to Charles Hanasaki, President of the Solar Division of Sanyo Energy (U.S.A) Corporation, “Sanyo PV panels are made of ultra high efficiency hybrid cells. This technology results in superior performance under cloudy conditions and during the hottest days of the year. By using Sanyo HIT® Power technology, the Oregon Convention Center will be able to generate the maximum amount of clean renewable electricity possible while using less space at the site.”
Added Carlos Domenech, President of SunEdison, “The Oregon Convention Center will shine as a bright example to convention centers and local communities by demonstrating how to make smart investment decisions with positive social impact. It is these types of initiatives that will help drive business for the convention center and support the local economy for years to come.”
About the Oregon Convention Center
The Oregon Convention Center is the largest convention center in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and is a leader in practicing sustainability in operations and business practices. It was designated LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Existing Building) in 2004 and in 2008, it was recertified LEED-EB Silver. Totaling one million square feet of space, it hosts an average of 650 events and over 700,000 visitors annually. The OCC is joined by the Portland Expo Center and Portland Center for the Performing Arts in a family of venues managed by the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC) on behalf of Metro. Visit www.oregoncc.org or www.mercvenues.org for more information.About SunEdison
SunEdison is North America's largest solar energy services provider. The company finances, installs and operates distributed power plants using proven photovoltaic technologies, delivering fully managed, predictably priced solar energy services for its commercial, government and utility customers. In 2008, SunEdison delivered more kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy than any other solar services provider in North America. For more information about SunEdison, please visit www.sunedison.com.
Contacts:
Jeff Blosser, Executive Director, Oregon Convention Center, 503-235-7583 or jeff@oregoncc.org
Rob Wyse, SunEdison, 212-920-1470 or rob@mediafirstpr.com
