Oregon first: solar highway
From our weekly issue dated August 13, 2008
Oregon is installing the nation’s first solar demonstration project in a highway right-of-way, “moving the state a step further in its role as a leader in renewable power development,” announced Gov. Kulongoski.
The governor and ODOT, in partnership with Portland General Electric (PGE) and US Bank (USB), unveiled the project that will help light the way for drivers at the Interstate 5 and
Interstate 205 interchange in Tualatin. The project will involve 594 solar panels.
The demonstration project is an “All Oregon” effort, as Oregon companies will supply materials, design and install this collaborative project. SolarWorld AG of Hillsboro will supply the solar panels; PV Powered Inc. of Bend will supply the inverter.
The 104-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system -- covering approximately 8,000 square feet of space and roughly the length of two football fields -- will produce an estimated 112,000 kilowatt hours a year, or 28 percent of the 400,000 kilowatt hours used to light the interchange.
It’s anticipated that the $1.3 million project will be finished in December.
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