This summer, the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is installing what is anticipated to be the largest solar array on a convention center in the U.S. More than 6,500 rooftop solar panels are expected to produce 25 percent of the facility’s electricity. Construction of the two-megawatt project is scheduled to begin in August and the system is estimated to be in service this fall.
“One of our core values is sustainability,” says OCC Executive Director Scott Cruickshank. “The rooftop solar installation will help us meet our carbon emission reduction goals, offset utility costs and provide an important learning opportunity for our convention center visitors and guests.”
The solar installation will be constructed and operated by SolarCity, which was awarded the project through a competitive bidding process.
In its first 20 years of operation, the rooftop solar system is anticipated to generate enough energy to power approximately 184 Portland homes each year.
“The Oregon Convention Center has long been a leader in energy efficiency and has now taken that a step further with this solar system on their roof to offset a significant portion of their total electrical use,” says Kip Barrett, senior project development manager for SolarCity. “The solar electricity generated on OCC’s roof creates no emissions or pollution and is projected to lower the venue’s operating costs.”