Drivers on Interstate 5 near Portland, Oregon, are seeing highway illumination in “a new light,” thanks to an educational display that opened this month at the Baldock Safety Rest Area. While most motorists make a stop at the facilities to take advantage of the usual amenities—restrooms, restaurants, and shops—they stay a little longer now, to learn about how solar power is being used to brighten the adjoining roadway at night.
On seven acres of Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)-owned property right behind the rest area, the Baldock Solar Station — a 1.75-megawatt (MW), 6,994-solar panel array— is now generating up to 1.97 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year of renewable energy.
The $10 million project was developed through an innovative, first-in-the-nation public-private partnership between the ODOT and area utility Portland General Electric—as well as U.S. Bank, which is PGE’s tax equity partner. Through the use of state and federal renewable energy tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and grants offered through the Energy Trust of Oregon and PGE’s Clean Wind Fund, this award-winning partnership benefits PGE customers. The Renewable Energy Certificates, which represent the green power produced by the solar array, are retired on behalf of PGE’s customers, including the State of Oregon and ODOT... Read More
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