In an era of rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, the need for sustainable energy solutions has never been greater. Pure Energy Group, a leader in the renewable energy sector, has recently completed a noteworthy project at Iseli Nursery, a wholesale plant nursery in Boring, Oregon, aiming to offset the rising electrical bills. This initiative was made possible through a USDA REAP Grant, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation in the renewable energy industry. 

Iseli Nursery Solar Project Overview 

Located in the picturesque foothills of Mt. Hood, Iseli Nursery now boasts a state-of-the-art solar array that promises significant energy savings and environmental benefits. The project features seven SMA Sunny Highpower PEAK3 125kW inverters and 2,108 Trina 475W panels, designed to provide a robust and reliable power source for the nursery’s extensive operations. The solar array is a fixed tilt ground mount system, offering a substantial 50% offset on the nursery’s electrical bills, with an estimated annual production of 1,273,000 kWh per year.  

Jordan Sinn, Owner of Pure Energy Group, expressed enthusiasm for the project:

“Pure Energy worked alongside helpful material suppliers like SMA for the inverter, Greentech Renewables for the panels, and Unirac for the racking to bring Iseli Nursery’s large PV system into fruition. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Hood on a southern slope, this system should annually produce over 1.273GWh of power, which is enough to run over 200 homes for a year!” 

Key Benefits of SMA Inverters: 

The decision to utilize SMA PEAK3 inverters for this project was driven by several key factors: 

• Strong Price Point: SMA inverters are competitively priced, making the inverters an attractive option for projects like the one at Iseli Nursery. The affordability of these inverters helps in maximizing the return on investment for such installations.
• Great Warranty: SMA offers a robust warranty, providing peace of mind and ensuring long-term reliability. This warranty is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of the solar array over its lifetime.
• Readily Available: The availability of SMA inverters is another significant advantage. For time-sensitive projects, the ability to procure necessary components without lengthy delays is essential. SMA’s established supply chain ensures that their products are readily accessible to meet project timelines.
• Proven Performance: Pure Energy Group’s positive experience with SMA inverters in past installations played a pivotal role in their selection for the Iseli Nursery project. This established relationship highlights SMA’s reliability and performance. 

Collaborative Effort 

The successful completion of this project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders. Pure Energy Group worked closely with Greentech Renewables, which supplied the Trina panels, and Unirac, which provided the racking system. This synergy between industry leaders and material suppliers underscores the importance of partnership in achieving sustainable energy solutions. 

Environmental and Economic Impact 

The solar array at Iseli Nursery not only addresses the immediate need to offset rising energy costs but also contributes to broader environmental goals. By generating over 1.273GWh of clean energy annually, the system significantly reduces the nursery’s carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. 

Economically, the project provides substantial savings on electricity bills, enhancing the financial stability of Iseli Nursery. These savings can be redirected towards other operational needs, fostering growth and sustainability in the long run. 

The Iseli Nursery project is a shining example of how renewable energy solutions can address pressing economic and environmental challenges. Pure Energy Group’s partnership with SMA America and other key suppliers has resulted in a high-performing solar array that delivers impressive energy savings and supports environmental sustainability. As the renewable energy landscape continues to evolve, projects like this underscore the importance of innovation, collaboration and commitment to a greener future.