The Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct building is going solar.
A $175,151 award from Pacific Power's Blue Sky renewable energy program will cover 70 percent of the cost. With incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon, the 70-kilowatt solar electric system is free to the city.
Construction on the solar array will begin early in 2016. The system will generate a small portion of the building’s electricity, offsetting operating costs.
“Not only will the solar panels on the north precinct supply renewable energy, but they are helping increase the visibility and accessibility to renewable technology," said Sheila Holden, Pacific Power’s regional business manager, in a statement.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales has directed City Hall's sustainability experts to double the solar capacity of systems on city-owned properties. This is part of that effort.
"Solar energy is our most democratic renewable resource – the sun shines on us all,” Hales said in the statement.
Solar industry professionals, celebrating after the extension of federal tax credits they say help level the playing field with fossil fuels, are unlikely to argue against Hales' comments.