Solar panels sit on a roof in Salem(Courtesy/City of Salem)
Two new Salem solar installations are among nine projects that will be funded through Portland General Electric's renewable development fund, the utility announced Monday.
Chemeketa Community College received a $116,972 grant from PGE for a 81 kilowatt solar installation on its agricultural complex, according to a news release from PGE. The new building is nearing completion on the Salem campus and will house the college's horticulture and agribusiness classes.
According to Chemeketa's application, the solar installation is expected to be online this summer, PGE spokeswoman Elizabeth Lattanner said.
The state of Oregon's Department of Administrative Services is receiving a $416,610 grant for a 250 kilowatt solar installation at the state motor pool, 1100 Airport Rd S.E., which makes vehicles available to state and local government employees for work purposes. That project will allow the state to power electric vehicle charging stations set to be installed over the next year for state-owned vehicles.
PGE grants money to eligible renewable energy projects using money from utility customers who choose to pay an extra amount on their monthly bill.
-Rachel Alexander