Powell's Books, Oregon's beloved institution and one of the nation's largest booksellers now has another "largest" claim to add to its list. In December 2008, the company will begin harnessing the sun's power with one of the largest solar electric installations in the State of Oregon.
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Construction is well underway on a 100-kilowatt photovoltaic system positioned on the spacious roof of Powell's 60,000 square foot warehouse in NW Portland, a building that is home to Powells.com. The solar electric system, developed and installed by contractor Energy Design, includes 540 solar panels (Mistubishi UD5 series) that will provide about one-forth of the building's electricity. Powell's confidence in proceeding with a solar installation is largely due to the help of architect Ernest R. Munch, whose firm has been involved with some of the largest solar installations in the West, and through project development guidance provided by Doug Boleyn, P.E. from Cascade Solar Consulting.
The decision to invest in solar power is a natural fit with the company's commitment to environmental responsibility, a focus that is currently led by a "green" committee at Powell's. According to Michael Powell, "It made perfect sense for our business financially, and it supports our values as a company. We are continually looking for ways for our business to lessen its impact on the environment."