Chuck Reed, Mayor of San Jose, has pitched the city of San Jose as the "world center of cleantech innovation." Since he became mayor in 2007, at least eight solar companies have moved or expanded here.
Yet the bid to install solar panels atop the 3.4 acre new rental garage at Norman Mineta San Jose International Airport, went to a Canadian company. Second in line was a Southern California solar panel distributor, followed by an Arizona subsidiary of a German solar company.... This is 1-megawatt project.
"We were surprised there weren't more bids," said Todd Mazza, division manager at San Jose-based Rosendin Electric, the airport's principal electrical subcontractor that sought proposals for the project. "I am actually surprised by it."
So what happened ? In a valley that's taking a leading role in renewable energy, why didn't any Bay Area firms bid ?
"I think it illustrates the difficulties that California companies have in competing in the global marketplace," said Reed.
Canadian Solar, the winning bidder on the airport project, manufactures its panels in China.
About 4700 panels from the Canadian Solar are currently being installed on the rental garage's roof. Airport spokesman David Vossbrink said they're expected to reduce the cost to power the garage by 20 percent to 25 percent.
Source: Tracey Seipel, The Mercury News.
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