A specialist in wind power systems, Vestas will be venturing into solar as the design for its new North American headquarters in Portland, Oregon revealed a 112kW rooftop PV system that will power 12% of the company’s new building. SolarWorld will provide panels for the Vestas’ headquarters, a historic building, which is expected to pursue LEED Platinum certification once various environmentally friendly features are completed.

The companies assert that the 102-year-old Meier & Frank Depot building in downtown Portland will have the largest roof-mounted solar array in the city’s central business district once installation is completed in spring 2012. The building is being revamped to include a fifth floor, which features an eco-roof terrace and garden. The solar system will be designed and installed by EC Company of Portland.

Gordon Brinser, president of SolarWorld Industries America, said, “Both SolarWorld and Vestas act on shared renewable-energy outlooks: We believe in US manufacturing and workers, and we embrace a comprehensive approach to sustainability. We invest, build, hire, produce and ship in markets where we sell.”