Mar 6 2008
REC Solar, a rapidly growing provider of residential and commercial solar electric systems, today announced it is opening sales offices in Portland, Oregon. The San Luis Obispo, California-based company said it would focus on selling commercial solar electric installations to businesses throughout the state.
“Oregon is investing in its renewable energy future, thanks to the leadership of Governor Kulongoski and the Legislature,” said Angiolo Laviziano, CEO of REC Solar. “Oregonians have long known that solar energy just makes sense. The expanded tax credits Oregon now offers to businesses to install solar electric systems will provide long-range, predictable energy supplies and reduce global warming. REC Solar looks forward to joining the sustainable industries based in Oregon.”
Andy Noel, a former executive with Green Mountain Energy, is REC Solar’s first Oregon employee and will work as a senior commercial solar consultant. Several more people will be hired in the near future the company said.
REC Solar installed more solar systems in the United States in 2007 than any other company. With several million watts of solar installed, REC serves Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Oregon residents and business owners. Founded in 1997, the company specializes in grid-tied solar electric design and installation, offering affordable solar solutions for all residential and commercial customers. REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products, and outstanding customer service.
In January 2008 REC Solar installed for Costco Wholesale the two largest solar installations in Hawaii. The two solar arrays in Kauai and Kona are 680 kilowatts (DC) each, and collectively these systems will generate enough electricity to power 250 homes. The installations mark the beginning of REC Solar’s large-scale commercial projects for Costco. The company has also recently completed solar electric systems at the Costco locations in Goleta and San Luis Obispo, California. It has installed large systems for public entities including the cities of Santa Cruz, Colton, and Southgate CA; the Air Pollution Control District in San Luis Obispo; NASA at Edward's Airforce Base, CA; and California State Parks.
“Our goal is to provide Oregon businesses with a simple one-stop process for integrating solar electricity. From financing to design and installation, we help businesses realize the long-term returns investing in solar provides,” said Andy Noel, senior Oregon commercial solar consultant. “More and more Oregon businesses and organizations are looking at ways to increase their sustainability and reduce their carbon footprints, which the state is encouraging with generous, progressive tax credits and cash rebate.”
In June 2007 Oregon Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski signed into law new legislation to encourage the installation of solar hot water and photovoltaic systems, and solar manufacturing. The new law increased Oregon’s Business Energy Tax Credit for solar installations from 35 to 50 percent.