The largest rooftop solar energy system in the nation was unveiled this week, designed and installed by Portland-based Solar Nation Inc. using solar panels made by SolarWorld in Hillsboro.
That the building it rests upon is in New Jersey tells a lot about why Solar Nation Inc. might one day think about being there, too.
The upstart company generated $20 million in revenue last year. CEO Paul Hodge said the company so far this year has letters of intent from customers for $140 million in projects, $65 million of which have committed to construction agreements.
Paul Hodge, Solar Nation CEO, would like to be doing more work in Oregon where his company is based.
Assuming some projects might be delayed or not come together, Solar Nation — formerly known as Solectric — expects to generate at least $100 million in revenue this year. It employs 100.
Despite its Portland base, nearly all of the company’s revenue has come from the Eastern Seaboard. New Jersey alone accounts for 60 percent of sales, including the 4.26-megawatt system unveiled this week for property management firm Avidan Management that spans a 17-acre rooftop in Edison, N.J.
That Solar Nation doesn’t have more work in its own backyard is a sore spot for Hodge, an Oregon native who just bought a home in Bend…
Read More: Solar Nation prefers Oregon but faces barriers to work here