Siemens Solar Panels Power National Tree Lights

Solar panels produced by Oxnard-based Siemens Solar Industries are helping power the lights on the National Christmas Tree in Washington that President Clinton and his family recently lit.

As part of a solar demonstration coordinated by the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Siemens and two other manufacturers are providing arrays to generate about 15% of the tree’s energy needs.

The companies are also helping supply solar power for the Pageant of Peace festival on the Washington Mall.

The National Park Service, which coordinates the festival, required that solar modules manufactured in the United States be used and that the arrays be 100% reliable.

Siemens donated 28 of its M55 photovoltaic modules for the event. The other firms, Solarex Inc. and ASE America, donated some solar-powered units as well.

According to the Energy Department, the cost of photovoltaic systems has declined more than 300% since 1982, while the world market for the systems is growing at a rate of 20% annually.

Siemens, part of the German multinational Siemens Solar Group, says it is the world’s largest supplier of solar cells and modules.