The funny thing about all the hoopla surrounding Oregon’s new proof-of-concept solar highway project is that Europe and Australia have been doing the same thing — for the last 20 years. The fact that it’s the first of its kind in the U.S. is further evidence about how much catching up we have to do.
Nevertheless, this is a positive step forward — especially for Oregon’s fledgling solar industry, which is looking to become a leader in the field for the U.S. From the article,
“Construction on the nation’s first solar demonstration project in a highway right of way has begun. At the Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 interchange in Tualatin, Oregon, 594 solar panels are being installed on a strip of land beside the highway roughly the length of two football fields. The 104-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system - covering about 8,000 square feet will produce about 112,000 kilowatt hours a year, or 28 percent of the 400,000 kilowatt hours used to light the interchange. The $1.3 million project is expected to be completed and online in December 2008.”
To offset the entire energy consumption of its highway infrastructure, the DOT estimates that it will need an additional 20 miles of solar installations on the right of way. As the price of photovoltaics continues to drop, the overall cost for such a feat may make fiscal sense; especially since those 45 million kilowatt hours used cost roughly $4 million last year.
Let’s hope Oregon paves the way for other states to take their roadways solar.
One obstacle for fully utilizing renewable energy has been no efficient and cost effective means of storing the energy for later use. However, that obstacle has recently been hurdled by MIT scientists inspired by the photosynthesis performed by plants.
This weekend kicks off the Solwest Renewable Energy Fair in John Day, Oregon. Presented by The Eastern Oregon Renewable Energies Non-profit, the fair will feature renewable energy education, networking, and support. This three-day event (July 25, 26, 27) offers engaging activities for all ages and knowledge levels. With so many industry and academic conferences surrounding renewable energy, Solwest is a refreshingly laid-back way to network and discuss important energy issues.