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announced today that Wesley Clark, a retired general of the U.S. Army, has joined its board of directors.

In addition to 38 years of Army service, where he was a NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, Clark has had a diverse career with an interest in alternative energy. He has worked as an investment banker, chaired several companies and was a Democratic presidential candidate in 2003.

SoloPower, a Calif.-based manufacturer of solar cells and thin-film modules, is building a $340 million manufacturing plant in North Portland, slated to begin commercial production later this year.

The company initially sought to renovate a former Nike distribution center in Wilsonville but backed off last year after some citizens raised concerns about the city using urban renewal money as an incentive. Operations in Portland are expected to bring more than 400 jobs to the community at an average yearly salary of $51,000.

Clark has written and spoken extensively about the importance of renewable energy not only for the U.S. economy, but for American security.