Sunny road ahead
PGE helps launch nation’s largest solar highway project.
The next time you’re driving north on I-5 near Wilsonville, pull over at the Baldock Safety Rest Area to check out an amazing solar project funded in part by PGE renewable power customers.
Completed early this year, this joint effort between PGE and the Oregon Department of Transportation is now the largest solar highway project in the nation. The project is expected to generate up to 1.97 million kilowatt-hours per year of renewable energy — equivalent to almost 9 percent of ODOT’s need in PGE’s operating area.
An interpretive display will open to the public later this spring where you will be able to view the 1.75-megawatt solar array, learn about solar power and Oregon’s solar highway installations.
“Between this project — the largest of its kind in the nation — and the solar interchange a few miles north of here, it’s clear the road to the future starts here in Oregon,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, who attended the ground breaking back in August. “Well done, Oregon, for leading the way in building the solar highway.”
The Baldock Solar Highway is built on seven acres of ODOT-owned property behind the rest area. PGE built and will operate the project.
In a boon for our state’s economy, it’s an all-Oregon project. PGE installed 6,994 panels produced by SolarWorld of Hillsboro, with inverters provided by Advanced Energy of Bend. All other consulting, construction, analysis and other materials were also provided by Oregon companies.
“These companies are helping diversify Oregon’s economy and build our state’s reputation as a solar manufacturing hub,” said Jim Piro, PGE president and CEO. “PGE will continue to work with our customers to install solar projects for their homes and businesses and support this growing part of our economy.”
The project also will help PGE meet the state’s Renewable Energy Standard of providing 25 percent of its power from renewable energy sources by 2025.