Governor talks up solar power in Bend
Kelsey Watts, KTVZ.COM
Gov. Ted Kulongoski kicked off his “State of the State” tour with a visit to PV Powered, a Bend-based company specializing in solar inverters.
The governor said he wants Oregon to be the leader in solar energy, and will address it in the next legislative session.
But here in Central Oregon, having PV Powered in Bend means two things: more jobs for the local economy as the company grows, and solar inverter technology right here.
“We are on the cusp of becoming the largest photovoltaic solar cell manufacturer in the United States,” Kulongoski said. ” Secondly, Oregon already has 60 companies designed around solar energy, and PV Powered is one of them.”
It’s ironic that PV Powered is moving into a building that used to be a lumber company. Oregon Woodworking is one of many wood-products businesses that’s gone under in Central Oregon, and Steve Hummel with PV Powered hopes to give it new life.
