News

The office of Sen. Gordon Smith (R–Ore.) today notified Portland State University that the House and Senate conference report on the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill (H.R. 2419) includes $150,000 in funding for PSU’s “Solar Photovoltaic Test Facility System, Materials and Installation Project.”

This would be the first large-scale solar test facility installation on a university campus to be used primarily as an educational and research tool. Portland State’s proposal also received letters of support from Portland General Electric and from the Renewable Northwest Project. The bill now returns to the House and Senate for approval and then to President George Bush for his signature.

“I want to thank Sen. Smith for his leadership on this request and the entire Oregon delegation for its support,” said PSU President Daniel O. Bernstine. “This project allows Portland State to incorporate alternative energy sources from an operational standpoint, and helps to further our commitment to sustainable practices while creating new solar energy research opportunities for faculty, students and the community.”

“Our demand for energy is growing every day, and we have to find new ways to generate environmentally friendly power,” Sen. Smith said. “There are few more important long-term issues facing our country than the energy supply, and Oregonians are on the cutting edge of developing alternatives to satisfy our needs.”

The Solar Photovoltaic Test Facility System, Materials & Installation Project installation is a 9–15 kW solar array system to be located on the roof of Cramer Hall (1721 SW Broadway, Portland, Ore.), one of Portland State University’s main academic buildings. The project will provide educational opportunities and research value, while supporting the market for solar energy technologies. The initial installation will allow for direct comparisons of the mix of solar equipment components and how their placement, and enhancement of that equipment, can be measured for effectiveness and efficiency. This flexibility will allow research to be conducted to develop better ways to harness and use solar power.

Portland State University will use the project to continue its work as a leader in building a sustainable urban campus. In its multiple roles as educational institution, employer, corporate citizen and property manager, the University recognizes its inherent responsibility to conduct its activities in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner. This dedication to sustainability includes demonstrating a commitment to clean, renewable energy sources.

For more information on solar research at Portland State University, contact Carl Wamser, professor of Chemistry, 503-725-4261 or wamserc@pdx.edu. For more on installation of solar array at Cramer Hall, contact Dresden Skees-Gregory, PSU Facilities sustainability coordinator, 503-725-8945. Additional information about Portland State’s commitment to sustainability can be found at www.sustain.pdx.edu.

Source:
Jennifer Williamson (503-725-3537)
PSU Government Relations

For Immediate Release (#05-159)