Microsoft, Nike and Common Energy have partnered to subscribe Standard Solar’s first community solar project in Oregon.
The Skyward Community Solar project, located in Clackamas County, Oregon, will generate 3.6 million kWh of energy each year, which will be fed into the broader electrical grid. Electricity from the project will replace fossil fuel generation and lower carbon emissions and pollution.
According to the provisions of Oregon’s Community Solar Program, Microsoft will make up the commercial allocation.
“At Microsoft, part of our vision for a sustainable future is advocating for innovative technology that empowers and benefits everyone,” said Katie Ross, global sustainability program manager. “We are proud to be a lead partner in this initiative that helps achieve environmental goals while also supporting low-income residences with clean, affordable energy. We are excited to partner on this project and be part of bringing a greener grid to the entire Clackamas County community.”
Approximately 100 Nike employees have subscribed the residential portion of the project. All subscribers will receive a contracted discount on their electric bills each month and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) proportional to their share of the project’s energy generation.
“Nike and our employees are proud to support this new and innovative way to lower carbon emissions and reduce the cost of energy in our backyard,” said Seana Hannah, vice president of sustainable innovation. “We’re also excited that a portion of the project’s savings will be directed to households in our community who need these benefits most.”
In addition, 10% of the Skyward generation has been allocated to qualified low- and moderate-income households, who in turn will receive a substantial discount on their electric bills.
“We’re excited that our first completed project in Oregon, a state that requires 50% of electricity come from renewable sources by 2040, not only serves the residents of Clackamas County, but also some of the large corporations that employ them,” said Mike Streams, chief development officer at Standard Solar. “More companies are turning to solar to boost their bottom line with a cleaner and more secure form of energy. Standard Solar looks forward to supporting many more solar projects in the state.”
Common Energy founder and CEO Richard Keiser expressed optimism about the support from Microsoft and Nike.
“We are proud and excited to bring more world-class partners into the community solar sector,” Keiser said. “We hope that Microsoft and Nike’s leadership on climate solutions will inspire other businesses and non-profits to support community solar projects across the country.”
In a company statement, Common Energy also thanked the leadership of the Energy Trust of Oregon, the Oregon Public Utilities Commission, the Community Energy Project, the Oregon Solar and Storage Industries Association (OSSIA) and the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) for their respective efforts to bring the project to fruition.
— Solar Builder magazine
[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/news/microsoft-nike-common-energy-standard-solar-project-oregon/]
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