Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (ECD), which manufactures thin-film flexible solar laminate products for the building-integrated and commercial rooftop markets, earlier this month announced that it will deliver 2.4 megawatts (peak) of Uni-Solar laminates for installation on seven ProLogis distribution warehouses in the Oregon cities of Portland, Gresham, and Clackamas. Once completed, the 906,000-square-foot project is expected to become the largest rooftop solar system in the Pacific Northwest.
Making the decision to proceed with the project were ProLogis, a global provider of distribution facilities, and Portland General Electric (PGE), an electric utility that serves more than 800,000 customers. Northwest Solar Solutions will install the solar power systems on rooftops leased from ProLogis. U.S. Bank and PGE have formed SunWay 3 LLC to own and operate the system and to secure state and federal solar tax credits to help finance the project. Construction will take place this spring and summer.
This rooftop solar installation is ECD's second project with ProLogis and PGE. The new project will use the same type of Uni-Solar lightweight, flexible solar laminates that were featured on the previous 1.1-megawatt rooftop project that ProLogis and PGE brought online in 2008. Taken together, the two projects produce enough energy to power approximately 388 households each year.
An ECD spokesperson did not immediately respond to GBI's request for additional information.
