The transition to clean energy is no longer a distant goal – it’s happening now. At ConMet, we are committed to integrating sustainable practices into our operations, and community solar projects have become a part of that journey. By participating in these projects, we not only reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also help drive local renewable energy development in the communities we call home.
The Role of Community Solar
Community solar projects provide businesses and residents with access to renewable energy without requiring on-site solar panel installations. These projects generate clean power from dedicated solar farms, which is then shared among participants through the local grid. For companies like ConMet, community solar offers an effective way to support renewable energy at a local level.
ConMet’s Community Solar Initiatives
We have partnered with two community solar projects in the Pacific Northwest, where ConMet was founded and remains deeply connected:
Clark County, Washington. Since January 2024, our participation in the Community Solar East project – developed by Clark Public Utilities and the Port of Camas-Washougal – has contributed to powering our Washington headquarters office, manufacturing, and testing facilities. The total project adds nearly 800 kW of solar capacity to southwest Washington’s existing renewable energy mix; Clark Public Utilities generates nearly 60% of the electricity it supplies from low-carbon sources.
Clackamas County, Oregon. In April 2024, ConMet joined the Oregon Community Solar Program, investing with Neighborhood Power in the Dunn Road Solar Farm in Sandy, Oregon. We signed a 20-year lease for 25% of the power generated from the 3.1 GWh solar farm. This initiative will provide 874,000 kWh per year, which as of 2025 represents approximately 15% of the total electrical usage at our Clackamas, Oregon, plant. This long-term agreement ensures stable, cost-effective access to renewable electricity for the next two decades.
Why Community Solar Matters
Participating in community solar aligns with ConMet’s broader sustainability commitments by:
- Reducing carbon emissions. These projects allow us to utilize renewable energy for a portion of our energy consumption and reduce our GHG emissions from electricity.
- Supporting local renewable development. By sourcing solar energy from projects in our own region, we contribute to the growth of sustainable infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.
Driving Transformation from the Ground Up
At ConMet, sustainability is not just about the future – it’s about making measurable progress today. Embracing community solar improves our responsible energy use and strengthens our role in the clean energy transition. These initiatives show what’s possible when businesses take an active role in shaping a more sustainable industrial landscape.
As we continue to seek opportunities to integrate more renewable energy into our operations, we remain focused on driving transformation from the ground up – one innovation at a time.
