Oregon Launching First Solar Highway in the US
Oregon is once again taking the lead with renewable energy by installing the country’s first highway solar energy project. The project will consist of a 104 kW solar photovoltaic system that covers 8,000 square feet and produces 112,000 kWh each year. That’s 28% of the energy needed to power the project’s location, the Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 interchange in Tualatin.
Electricity for the interchange will be provided by PGE. The solar panels will come into play by producing electricity during the day, giving the power to the PGE grid, and getting the equivalent amount of power back at night from PGE to power lighting on the highway.
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The whole project will literally be Oregon-powered, as companies based in-state will provide materials, design, and installation.
Next year, the Oregon Department of Transportation plans to look at more highway project proposals. Eventually, the department would like to generate 2 million kWh every year with the new projects. They also are looking for proposals that showcase new ways to utilize solar energy, such as solar panels that double as sound walls near highways.
So if you happen to have any good ideas, get in touch with ODOT— they’re clearly open to progress.
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wow, this is great. i’m proud to be an oregonian. i hope oregon will someday become the first state to have all highways run on solar energy. this is amazing! thank you ODOT!
The tweaker wire thieves will love this new source of income.
They have a long history of exploring progressive methods. Their beach clearing technology is astounding!
Waiting for the shoe to drop,
there is a catch, PG&E is required to produce a certain amount of their power generation from renewable energy resources, they will get massive rebates to sponsor this project. That is the reason why PGE is cooperating. Try installing solar panels on your own home or business, that is when PG&E starts to become a pain in the ass and throws many road blocks in the way when individuals start to produce their own energy.
ohmy ….
[...] Oregon Launching First Solar Highway in the US Oregon is once again taking the lead with renewable energy by installing the country
[...] Oregon Launching First Solar Highway in the US Oregon is once again taking the lead with renewable energy by installing the country
I’m very glad that Oregon is doing the right thing and sourcing all of the ingredients locally. It will be so much beneficial for the local economy.
It’s only going to be powering 28% of the road loads and such at that freeway intersection, but keep in mind that it’s being described as a “solar demonstration project”, something of a proof-of-concept that this sort of thing really can be done. Sounds like the intent is, if it goes well, to follow with more significant such projects.
More at http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/16563
This is a great project with great initiative. I wonder if they have looked into LED street lights to cut power usage. There was a company from here in australia that is trialing LEDs on a new freeway in china. These can really save on the traditional sodium lamp(or similar)