On Monday, August 31, 2009 Hire Electric Inc. of The Dalles, OR completed the acquisition of Seraphim Energy.

For some time now Hire Electric has been preparing to enter the renewable energy market, through research and sending their employees to solar training classes at the IBEW in Portland, OR. Recently they decided to jump start the process by acquiring Seraphim Energy.

In 2003 Seraphim installed their first 10kw Bergey wind machine and since that time they have installed more than 60 small wind and solar electric systems throughout eastern Washington and Oregon. “Seraphim already had the system design and actual rooftop experience we were looking for,” says Ron McHale, Hire’s owner since 1973.

Aside from a free and non-polluting fuel source, the primary mover behind renewable energy at this time is the incentives. As an Energy Trust Trade Ally, with USDA REAP grant application experience – with an Oregon Tax Credit Certified Technician on board – Seraphim brings Hire the ability to save their customer’s money. Depending on a number of factors, one third to as much as ninety percent of a system can be offset by incentives. Knowing how to navigate this paperwork is the key to making renewable energy projects happen at this time.

Hire Electric is currently owned by Dan McHale. Dan started with Hire in 1981, recently taking the helm from his dad. Hire Electric has been a pillar of the Gorge community since 1935.

Seraphim Energy was founded in 2003 by Jonathan Lewis. Lewis will come on board with Hire to build their Renewable Energy/Solar Division. Bob Skinner of Ione, OR has been doing system design and sales with Seraphim since 2007. Lewis sees this transition as a positive step toward bringing renewable energy to the mainstream: “People need to know that it’s possible to be your own power company, and that there are amazing incentives available right now to help make that happen. Knowing that they can invest in their energy future with the electrical contractor they’ve trusted for decades will be a real tipping point. The Hire team has a tremendous commitment to excellence and I’m very excited about the move.”

Hire Electric’s Renewable Energy/Solar Division will offer a variety of small wind turbines and solar electric systems for residential and commercial use; grid connected, battery back up and remote off-grid systems; from Portland to Pendleton (including Tri Cities and Walla Walla) and Bend to Yakima.

Navigating renewable energy options can be very complicated. Hire Electric’s new division is committed to education – helping people tune into next generation power options. They are available to speak to civic organizations, community groups and clubs. You can meet the new team at the following events:

The Dalles EcoFest (admission free)

September 19, 2009/The Dalles, Or

Walla Walla Environment Invest Lecture Series (free/RSVP)

September 17, 2009/Walla Walla, WA/Impress Salon

NW Seed Community Wind Workshop ($35)

September 24, 2009/The Dalles, OR/Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

MacSolutions Solar Talk (free)

October 27, 2009/At Mac Solutions/705 E 2nd/The Dalles, OR

Mid-Columbia Farm Expo

November 14, 2009/White Salmon Middle School

Contact Tim Shatraw w/ WSU at (509) 773-5620 for more info