Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Solar Beaverton - Goes City-wide

Solar Beaverton launches community initiative to promote energy independence


City of Beaverton’s 2011renewable energy program demonstrates Mayor’s sustainability vision

BEAVERTON, ORE., Feb. 15, 2011 –Beaverton’s Mayor Denny Doyle and the City Council have endorsed a fixed-price, consumer-driven solarization program. The Beaverton City Council approved the contract on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The program is expected to launch on March 1.

After 2010’s successful Solar Beaverton pilot program, Mayor Doyle directed his sustainability team to develop a city-wide program to stimulate the installation of solar technology, promote the use of renewable energy, while supporting local jobs in the Beaverton community.

The City reviewed 13 proposals during the competitive process. LiveLight Energy LLC, a family-owned Oregon solar design and installation company, was awarded the contract for the City’s 2011 community-wide solar program. LiveLight Energy’s trade ally for solar panel arrays is SolarWorld, the largest and most experienced U.S. manufacturer of high-performance crystalline silicon solar electric panels, with production facilities and U.S. headquarters in Hillsboro, Oregon. Other system components will be provided by LiveLight Energy’s Pacific Northwest trade allies.

According to Cindy Tatham, project manager for the Mayor’s sustainability program, a core component of the 2011 Solar Beaverton effort is supporting partnerships and building community education and awareness about one’s energy use.

“We want to help educate our residents about the environmental benefits and affordability of renewable energy use,” said Mayor Doyle.

The Mayor is anticipating that more citizens will embrace solar as a viable energy alternative as people become more aware of the environmental and cost benefits associated with solar energy production.

Check out the Oregonian’s coverage.