Debate on power over history starts in Oregon, US.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

While the state of Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is gearing up for what may be the world’s largest highway-related solar power project, residents are criticising the measure as too expensive—in dollars and in history. Oregon transportation officials propose installing 14,000 to 17,000 solar panels on 15 acres to produce 3.2 million kW/hrs of power each year, or about one-sixth of ODOT’s needs.

The proposed area along interstate highway 150 is a forested area that lies at the end of the historic Oregon Trail and along the Willamette waterfalls. Residents doubt the benefits of the project will outweigh the negative side effects. Planners claim that most of the US$20 million will be paid for by private partners and utility companies who will use tax credits and grants to pay. Scott Burgess, a West Linn councillor who supports the project, commented, “It’s not an issue of beauty. It’s an issue of positive benefits from an environmental standpoint.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Read Next

June 24, 2025
Western Australia’s Lithium Universe has secured the commercial rights for a solar PV module recycling technology known as Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT).
June 23, 2025
Waaree Energies will relocate its proposed 6GW vertically-integrated manufacturing facility for ingots, wafers, cells, and modules in India.
Premium
June 23, 2025
As solar plants age, the possibility of voltage collapse increases. Thomas Mart and Jeetu Jangle of Solarlytics examine the problem.
June 23, 2025
China notched up close to 100GW of new PV in May, in the processes surpassing a terawatt of cumulative installed capacity, figures show.
June 23, 2025
Solar project developer Cero Generation has started commercial operations at its 48MW Castrum agrivoltaics (agriPV) project in western Italy.
June 23, 2025
Q Energy and Velto Renewables have inaugurated Europe’s largest floating solar power plant in the Haute-Marne region of France.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico