HILLSBORO, Ore., April 28, 2010 – SolarWorld has officially sponsored Hawaiian big-wave surfer Kohl Christensen, a SolarWorld authorized installer, in time for the Big Wave Surf Tour, an all-paddle-in series of four contests ranging from Chile to Oregon that officially launches on May 1.
SolarWorld, America’s largest solar manufacturer for more than 35 years, has operated in Hawaii for 30 years, beginning with a state-federal demonstration project of grid-connected residential systems on Oahu and Molokai in 1980. SolarWorld’s solar panels have shown extraordinary reliability in the tropical island state.
The company sponsored Christensen to showcase the complementary passions – in his case, solar energy and big-wave surfing – that SolarWorld installers pursue as the company helps them build their businesses. In the world of solar, Christensen, 34, is the Hawaii-based installation partner of Bonterra Renewable Energy & Solar Power; in the surfing world, he is a well-established athlete who pursues big waves at beaches all over the globe.
Within the weeks after May 1, the Big Wave World Tour will start in Punta de Lobos, Chile. Other tour stops include Pico Alto, Peru; Todos Santos, Mexico; and Nelscott Reef, Oregon. All events require surfers to paddle, rather than being towed, into their rides. In 2010, Christensen finished first in Nelscott and second overall.
In championing the sustainable power of solar, Christensen views the world as an islander with limited resources. “It’s important that we wean ourselves off of petroleum and become more independent, especially on islands,” Christensen said. “But in reality, we’re all on an island. I plan to show people how to use the sun and solar power.”
Christensen, who grew up on the island of Oahu, lives off the grid on a three-acre property in a northwestern valley of the island where he is establishing a fruit and vegetable farm, featuring avocado, papaya and lime trees. His home uses solar electric power, solar hot water technology and solar-powered water pumping for a well.
“Kohl’s passion to bring solar technology to electricity consumers one roof at a time and awe his many fans from one beach to the next will make him a compelling ambassador for solar and SolarWord,” said Rusty Pittman, U.S. head of marketing for SolarWorld. “We know he will show the way to a sunnier future wherever he surfs.”
To follow Christensen’s solar-and-surf adventures, stay tuned to www.solarworldusa.com/blog.
