Former Hewlett-Packard executive named CEO of solar power manufacturer.

Byline: Chuck Chiang

Mar. 6--A former executive at Hewlett-Packard Co. has taken the helm of a Central Oregon technology firm with the goal of taking it to the global stage.

Gregg Patterson, formerly a vice president and general manager at HP's Imaging and Printing Group, has been appointed CEO and chairman of the board at PV Powered Inc., a Bend-based manufacturer of solar-power systems. Patterson cited his desire to work in the solar energy industry as the reason to moving to PV Powered after 22 years at HP.

"I love the industry," he said. "It is my personal belief that renewable energy is a must. We have to shift away from conventional energy, …