Photovoltaic Cells – Say What?

\Those new fangled things!!  Photovoltaic Solar Cells are solar panels along the highway that have the ability to capture light and create excess power that feeds the power grids.  Fabulous

This might seem like an obvious and good idea but Oregon is the first US state to start capturing solar energy along the interstate highway to generate electrical power.  (Germany and Switzerland having been doing this for over 20 years.)

Here is the skinny (and stuff to think about before we all write congress)

1. Oregon is funding the project with a mix of private/public funds, Federal Tax Credits, and utility discounts. 
2. ODOT has agreed to purchase all the power produced by the panels but at a less expensive rate.
3. While solar energy is generated during the day and lights are needed at night – no batteries will be used.
4. SolarWorld AG (a German Panel Co) will supply the solar panels.  (They have a location in Oregon)
5. PV Powered Inc will supply the power inverter. (Also located in Oregon)
6. There are four contracting firms building, designing, and installing the project.
7. The development timeline is short – they are going to break ground in August and it is to be completed by the following January. 
8. All generating capacity will be built by third parties at their own costs and the same third parties must maintain the panels from daily wear and tear to vandalism.  

I think this sounds exciting and would be interested to hear more about how the project goes – how successful it is.  Oregon is not really my first thought for starting the solar panel movement (I think of it as rainy) BUT solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy resource the state has – go figure!  

Very exciting – lets see how this plays out…….