Multnomah County is installing solar panels that will produce over 1 Megawatt of clean, renewable energy at three County facilities.

Project Description

Multnomah County is installing solar panels that will produce over 1 Megawatt of clean, renewable energy at three County facilities.

Fiscal Sustainability

Through an innovative financing model called a power purchase agreement (PPA), the County was able to develop this project with zero construction costs. Instead, the County will purchase the power generated by the solar installations from a third party, but at a cost at or below the normal cost of electricity from traditional sources. This helps protect the County from future energy price escalations and supports the development of the local green economy.

Environmental Sustainability

All of the power produced is derived from the clean and unlimited power of the sun, without any of the environmental challenges of traditional energy sources. The project significantly reduces the County’s CO2 emissions, and is an important step toward meeting the County’s adopted climate change goals.

Social Equity

An important part of the project is a requirement that the contractor conduct outreach to disadvantaged populations and apprenticeship programs to support green collar workforce development in the community.

Sustainability Benefits

  • Significant reductions in County CO2 emissions.
  • Reduced environmental impacts of fossil and hydroelectric energy.
  • Support of the local and sustainable economy.
  • Green collar job training opportunities.

Cost Savings

  • Zero installation costs.
  • Average energy prices at or below normal costs.
  • Protection against future energy price escalations.