-- inexpensive, reliable electricity
-- a skilled electronics workforce
-- a favorable tax climate, plus significant incentives for renewables
companies
For solar manufacturers, which consume power around the clock, the cost and
reliability of electricity are key considerations for siting a facility.
Greater Portland's rates are the third-lowest of the comparison metros
(Albuquerque and Phoenix' rates are lower), and the region has less than
one power outage a year, the least of all the metros but Albuquerque, which
didn't report any outages.
As a bi-state (Oregon and Washington) metro area, greater Portland also
offers a better corporate tax climate than many regions, according to the
Tax Foundation, which ranks Oregon seventh and Washington 11th in the
nation for most favorable business tax climate. Oregon has no sales tax,
which can mean significant savings for equipment-intensive companies.
Oregon also offers major incentives to renewable energy companies,
including the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC), which can reduce project
costs by up to half.
These assets have contributed to greater Portland's already fast-growing
solar cluster, including SolarWorld, which celebrates the grand opening of
its facility this week, xSunx, Solaicx and Intel's SpectraWatt. Japan-based
Sanyo Solar of Oregon recently announced a facility locating in nearby
Salem, Ore.
Fifteen private-sector leaders from greater Portland-Vancouver have joined
the Greenlight staff and 25 Oregon public sector economic development
officials today in San Diego to release the study and promote the Portland
region at the solar trade show.
Greenlight Greater Portland, www.greenlightgreaterportland.com, is a
private consortium of business leaders dedicated to growing a sustainable
and vibrant economic future greater Portland. Greenlight specializes in
aggregating regional data and marketing the seven-county Portland-Vancouver
metropolitan area.
Contact Information: Contact: Gillian Floren 503.310.0304