Despite seeing 144 to 166 days of rain a year, the Willamette Valley is positioning itself as a solar power hotbed.
Despite seeing 144 to 166 days of rain a year, the Willamette Valley is positioning itself as a solar power hotbed.
One of the newest solar farms in the region is under construction just east of Woodburn. Leo Ilg, a sheep rancher, owns 38 acres on Newman Road where a total of 1,632 solar panels — each measuring 3.5 feet by 5.5 feet — are being “planted” to harness energy from the sun.
Ilg is leasing two of his acres to an energy consortium that will operate the solar field on his property.
Before the proposal came along, Ilg was primarily grazing sheep and selling hay. Now, an energy company will be sending him checks for the right to use his land, providing Ilg with an additional revenue stream.
Read more at The Portland Tribune.
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