Microsoft, Nike and Common Energy Partner To Energize Community Solar in Oregon

The Skyward Community Solar project, owned and operated by Standard Solar, will generate 3.6 million kilowatt hours of clean energy each year and lower emissions across the Greater Portland area

Microsoft, Nike and Common Energy today announced that they 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 kilowatt hours of clean energy each year, which will be fed into the broader electrical grid. Clean electricity from the project will replace fossil fuel generation and lower carbon emissions and pollution, benefiting the entire community.

According to the provisions of Oregon’s Community Solar Program, Microsoft will make up the commercial allocation. Approximately one hundred 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.

In addition, ten percent 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.

“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.”

“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.”

“We’re excited that our first completed project in Oregon, a state that requires 50 percent 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.”

“We are proud and excited to bring more world class partners into the community solar sector,” said Richard Keiser, founder and CEO of Common Energy. “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.”

Common Energy would like to thank 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 Portland Gas and Electric Company for their respective efforts to bring the project to fruition.

About Common Energy

Common Energy is a leading community solar provider that services over 200MW of projects across the country. Common Energy’s programs enable households and businesses to support local clean energy, lower emissions in their communities, and save money on their electricity with their existing utility accounts. To join a community solar project, enroll at www.commonenergy.us. Companies interested in partnering with Common Energy please email partners@commonenergy.us.

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