Sierra Nevada Corp. solar plans take shape

Sierra Nevada Corp. is close perhaps within a matter of days to announcing plans for significant photovoltaic energy projects in Nevada.

The solar project is a big step for the Sparks-based company, which has made its mark as a defense and aerospace contractor.

Sierra Nevada Corp. formed a joint venture with a subsidiary of Gestamp Corp. to create photovoltaic projects in Nevada and neighboring states.

The joint venture known as GA-SNC Solar looks to develop projects to serve government facilities such as a military bases as well as photovoltaic plants that would sell power to utility companies in the region.

But SNC brings more than its experience with government contracts to the joint venture, said Greg Cox, a corporate vice president of SNC.

"We're very good at managing and executing very large projects," said Cox.

GA-Solar North America, the other participant in the joint venture, has brought more than 200 megawatts of solar energy projects on line and has facilities under development that will be capable of producing more than 800 megawatts.

Its parent company is a global supplier of automotive components.

"GA-Solar is a leader in photovoltaic solar generation and is a great partner with the depth and breadth of experience needed to help us enter into this growing energy sector," Cox said.

He said the joint venture is keeping its plans in Nevada close to the vest until a formal announcement is ready.

But he said SNC executives are enthusiastic about the opportunity to create jobs in Nevada with the photovoltaic project.

Both Sierra Nevada Corp. and Gestamp Corp. are privately held, family-owned businesses, and Cox said leaders of the two companies found they shared similar cultures during the 10 months of negotiations to create the new venture.

The companies were encouraged by Nevada's renewable portfolio standards, which require that utilities purchase from renewable sources an ever-growing portion of the power that they sell. Similar requirements, Cox said, are in place at federal facilities such as military bases.

Nevada, he said, is a prime location for development of photovoltaic facilities because of the state's abundant sunlight and open spaces.

The solar joint venture marks a big diversification step for Sierra Nevada Corp., which has built a 2,000-person company with operations in 20 states. The company handles projects in electronics, aircraft, spacecraft and propulsion systems and communications systems for public and private-sector clients.

It's looking for growth, both from internal projects as well as acquisitions, in commercial fields that include energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology and net-centric operations.

The company, headed by Eren Ozmen, is one of the largest woman-owned federal contractors in the United States.