Oregon State University – Cascades moved closer to achieving its net-zero energy goal thanks to a $1 million grant from the Oregon Department of Energy to buy and install solar panels on all campus buildings.
The net zero energy goal, under which the campus generates as much energy as it consumes each year, emerged from community engagement discussions that informed the development of the campus’s long range development plan in 2018.
Campus planners anticipate the solar projects will annually generate more than 1 million kilowatt hours of clean energy for the campus.
The solar installations, in conjunction with the campus’s groundwater based geo-exchange system, will provide a significant portion of annual campus energy needs.
The geo-exchange system currently provides year-round heating and cooling of Edward J. Ray Hall and the Student Success Center. Future plans include connecting the system to all buildings as the campus expands.
The ODOE funded solar projects will be installed later this year on the rooftops of the Tykeson Hall and Edward J. Ray Hall academic buildings; Obsidian Hall, which is a multipurpose building; the Student Success Center and residence hall; and the Little Kits Early Care and Education Center.
Funds were provided through ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program.
About OSU-Cascades: Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest growing region in the state. Surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a highly innovative campus of a top-tier land grant research university, offering small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals.