CENTRAL POINT, OR – Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) will soon generate its own clean, renewable power thanks to a funding award from Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program participants. The awarded funding will support the installation of a 97.9 kW solar array on the northwest corner of DBL’s campus, located near the base of Lower Table Rock.
The solar array will consist of 3 rows, each with 102 modules (panels) and approximately 7-feet wide by 125-feet in length.
Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program participants have provided a grant of $175,000. Grants awarded to this project total $196,540 and will cover 70% of the installation cost of the solar array, generating an estimated 159 MWh per year, covering approximately 75% of DBL’s annual energy needs. Energy savings annually are anticipated to be approximately $28,761 to the national nonprofit.
“We are thrilled that we were selected for this award and so grateful to Pacific Power’s Blue Sky participants who made it possible,” said President & CEO, Bryan Williams. “This solar array project is not only a win for the environment but for the local community, too. By generating our own electricity, we’ll save on energy costs — and that means we can dedicate more of our budget to our core mission of rescuing, breeding, and placing more Assistance Dogs nationally, ultimately bettering others’ lives.
The solar array will be located just north of Second Training Building, between the shop (white bldg) and metal barns. The array will include 3 rows (arrays), each with 102 modules (panels), and approximately 7-feet by 125-feet. [Click to enlarge photo.]
“While DBL’s primary focus is on dogs and bettering people’s lives, being responsible stewards of our renewable resources is important as well,” stated Operations Director Trish Welch. “We will continue to evaluate and implement ways to reduce our carbon paw print – ultimately bettering the lives of our dogs, employees, and local community.”
Blue Sky is an opt-in program that gives Pacific Power customers an option to match all or part of their energy use with renewable energy — reducing their carbon footprints and driving demand for new renewable energy in the West. Through the Blue Sky Block option, participants also support qualifying, renewable energy projects for community-serving organizations such as schools, community centers and arts organizations.
“For 20 years, the Blue Sky program has offered Pacific Power participants a simple and powerful way to live their values, reduce their carbon footprint and support renewable energy,” said Berit Kling, Blue Sky renewable energy program manager at Pacific Power. “Unlike most green power programs, Blue Sky goes beyond the purchase of renewable energy credits to help fund additional smaller energy projects for organizations in our communities. Through projects such as this, Blue Sky Block participants are powering a better future for local communities.”
The solar array, as seen from the entrance to DBL along Wheeler Road, near the base of Lower Table Rock. [Click to enlarge photo.]
For more information visit https://dogsforbetterlives.org/about-us/ or www.pacificpower.net/bluesky.
[4/10/20 Update]The solar array project is nearing completion and we anticipate it being connected to the grid later this spring. To see recent aerial footage of solar array, visit this link.
[5/4/20 Update]The solar array project has been completed and virtual grand opening has been set for June 11 via Facebook Live. More details to come. See video of new BlueSky signage.
[Read full press release here]
