I-5/I-205 Interstate Highway Interchange, Oregon

The first of its kind in the nation, this highway solar PV system helps light a busy interchange

This 104 kW solar photovoltaic system has been constructed on property maintained by the Oregon Department of Transportation at the interchange of Oregon Interstate Highways I/5 and I/205. The 594-panel system is mounted on a rack, positioned to maximize the energy gathering potential, and will produce approximately 112,000 kiloWatt-hours (kWh) annually—equal to nearly 30% of the power necessary to light the interchange.

The project, first of its kind in the nation, represents a unique collaboration between Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski's office, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Portland General Electric, and several key financial advisors, investors and integrators.

United Fund Advisors structured and closed the transaction, utilizing the Federal Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit as the primary tool to help finance the project.

Project Type: Photovoltaic crystalline

Project Timeline: Completed Winter 2008

Project Partners: Oregon Department of Transportation; Portland General Electric; US Bancorp Community Development Corporation; Aadland Evans Constructors, Inc.

Size: 104 Kilowatts

Project Cost: $1.4 million

Greenhouse Gases Offset: 1,993 tons over the life of the system

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