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December 2012 - Through its Solar by Degrees program, Oregon State University (OSU) will begin producing solar electricity in January 2013 with two solar arrays installed on four acres of OSU's land. The two installations will total 750 kilowatts of solar capacity. SolarWorld supplied the solar panels that are being used in the system and SolarCity installed, owns, and will operate the system. OSU will purchase the power for a discount over the university's standard retail electricity rates with Pacific Power.
The project is slated to be expanded to ten acres by the fall of 2013 and, once complete, is expected to produce between 3-5 percent of the university's annual energy demand. Through the program, SolarCity internship opportunities will also be made available for OSU students.
News Release -
Oregon State begins solar power project
Additional Information -
Oregon State University Planting Seeds for "Solar Farm" on Campus as Part of OUS Program
August 2011 - The Oregon University System (OUS) has broken ground on its Solar By Degrees initiative, which when completed will provide solar power to each of the states' seven higher-education campuses. The solar project will begin this summer with the installation of 27 acres of solar panels generating nearly 5 megawatts (MW) of electricity, and further installations will continue in 2012.
Utah-based Renewable Energy Development Corporation (REDCO) will provide the solar power for each of the campuses through a power purchase agreement (PPA), providing the campuses with power at or below current electricity rates. The OUS estimates savings of $6.6 million in utility rates over a 25 year period, at which point the panels will revert to campus ownership.
News Release -
University System Launches State's Largest Solar Project
Additional Information -
Oregon Universities Commit to Big Solar Energy Project
Contact - Di Saunders, 503-725-5714
September 2003 - The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) announced that Oregon State University (OSU) has committed to purchase 5 million kWh of green power over the next four years. Under the agreement, the university will purchase "green tags" from BEF representing the energy output of wind and solar facilities in the Pacific Northwest. The purchase was made possible through a state policy that allows large customers, like OSU, to self-direct a portion of their state-mandated public purpose charge payments to support specific renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The university and BEF also plan to site a small renewable energy project, such as a solar photovoltaic array, on the campus.
News Release - Oregon State University Commits to Supporting Renewable Energy for the Next Four Years
News Release - OSU to Direct Funds Into Renewable Energy Program
BEF Contact: Pat Nye (503) 248-1904
Oregon State University Contact: Brandon Trelstad (541) 737-3307
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