Solar firm honored by business group

Open Energy Corp., whose solar manufacturing facility is in Grass Valley, was honored Friday at a breakfast ceremony sponsored by the Nevada County Economic Resource Council.

Open Energy, of Solana Beach in San Diego County, designs and makes solar systems for commercial, industrial and residential projects. The company specializes in solar panels that have a more natural look than many competitor's models.

"This designation is intended to honor and recognize those product and service exporters in Nevada County who provide the employment and support so necessary to the health of our community," according to the ERC.

Officials received a plaque donated to the ERC by local artist and businessman Howard Levine. The city of Grass Valley also presented the company with a plaque.

The ERC's annual tour of Nevada County is planned for September 25. It will include a trip to the roof of the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital to look at the ongoing and proposed projects that are shaping the area's economic future: Glenbrook Basin, the Dorsey Drive interchange, and Loma Rica Ranch, among others, according to President Gil Mathew.