Constellation completes 5.7-megawatt solar generation project for Portland General Electric

Friday, Jan 25, 2013

Constellation today announced the completion of an aggregate 5.7-megawatt (DC) solar generation project for Portland General Electric (PGE) in Lake County, Oregon. Constellation financed as well as owns and operates the solar power system. In return, PGE purchases and receives all of the electricity generated by the solar panels at a fixed rate from Constellation under a 25-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA).

“Portland General Electric is working hard to diversify its portfolio of renewable generating resources while maintaining a reliable supply of power for its customers”

“Portland General Electric is working hard to diversify its portfolio of renewable generating resources while maintaining a reliable supply of power for its customers,” said Jim Lobdell, PGE’s vice president for power operations and resource strategy. “The project marks a significant addition to that effort, and will help us serve homes and businesses in our service area for years to come.”

“Constellation congratulates Portland General Electric for its commitment to renewable energy,” said Michael D. Smith, vice president of solar and energy efficiency sales for Constellation. “This project is a great example of the success of public and private partnerships in boosting the development of renewable generation.”

The project was supported in part through a grant from the Energy Trust of Oregon and a business energy tax credit from the Oregon Department of Energy. Through its PPA with Constellation, PGE did not have to commit upfront capital to build the project and retains the environmental attributes of the project to meet the state of Oregon’s renewable portfolio standard requirements.

The solar project was co-developed by Obsidian Finance Group and Smart Energy Capital. Belectric, Inc., provided engineering, procurement, construction services and construction financing before Constellation acquired the project. Approximately 75 people were employed during construction. Belectric, Inc., will also provide operations and maintenance services for the project.

The solar power system comprises more than 20,000 ground-mounted photovoltaic panels. The project is expected to generate approximately 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. Generating the same amount of electricity using nonrenewable sources would result in the release of an estimated 2,250 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, or the equivalent emissions from 379 passenger vehicles, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.

Source: Business Wire