The Oregon University System (OUS) broke ground on 5 MW of solar panels at the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), Oregon State University and Eastern Oregon University campuses.
The project, "Solar by Degrees," will use panels from SolarWorld, inverters from PV Powered and Oregon Electric of Portland as the lead contractor. The projectcalls for solar arrays on all seven campuses and is one of five renewable energy demonstration projects OUS has developed that include geothermal, wave, bio-fuel and wind.
Renewable Energy Development Corp. (REDCO) will provide the solar electricity to each campus in two phases. The company will also offerinternships and assist in developing curricula related to elements of the project at each campus during the initial five years of the project.
OIT will use both solar and a current geothermal project to generate all of the campus' electricity and heating needs.
