Oregon Public Broadcasting

Multnomah County commissioners signed off Thursday on the biggest solar energy project in Oregon.

The effort will put solar panels on three county buildings, producing one megawatt of power.

Officials say the project will actually bring renewable energy to county buildings for less than the cost of electricity off the grid.

Commissioner from east county, Lonnie Roberts, wanted to confirm the benefits, with the renewable energy director at Energy Trust, Peter West.

Lonnie Roberts: “I’m going to get this straight now – quality, efficiency, and price, you’re telling me that we’re going to have as high a quality of service from this as we do at this time?”

Peter West: “Yes.”

Lonnie Roberts: “At a lower price?”

Peter West: “Yes.”

Lonnie Roberts: “Well that’s a no brainer, then, isn’t it?”

Commissioners first gave the go-ahead for planning about a year ago.

Solar company, Sun Edison, is spearheading the project.

The reduced cost results from the availability of state and federal tax bonuses for renewable energy projects, as well as the 20-year electricity contract that the county agreed to.