The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected Pittsburgh as one of 13 inaugural Solar America Cities in the country through its initiative to promote solar technology, affirming the region’s commitment to a green, solar future.
In addition, Pittsburgh-based Plextronics was awarded $3 million in Solar America funds by the DOE as part its national push for the development of solar technology throughout the country.
The city of Pittsburgh was picked based on a comprehensive city government plan for solar implementation that includes utilities, private partners, solar rebates, and the installation of large-scale solar plants and systems. Pittsburgh will receive $100,000 to $200,000 to start; additional funding up to $10 million may be made available by the DOE to implement the plans in time, explains Rebecca Flora of Green Building Alliance.
Plextronics, the only company in the state to receive a separate award, wrote the city a letter of recommendation as part of the city’s application. Plextronics will hire chemical and material engineers as it focuses on commericializing its thin film organic photovoltaic technology to create low-cost solar modules.
“This will allows us to accelerate our program,” explains Jim Dietz, vice president of business development. “We will be hiring five positions, high tech jobs, to support the contract. It will bring about a greater awareness of this home grown technology for the region. It’s a real win.” Plextronics hopes to collaborate with the city on its solar plans for the region, Dietz says.
"This is one of many anticipated partnerships with the non-profit and business communities to further our commitment in investing in a clean and green 21st century city,” adds Mayor Ravenstahl.
Writer: Debra Diamond Smit
Source: Jim Dietz, Plextronics, City of Pittsburgh, Rebecca Flora, GBA
Image courtesy of Plextronics