I first learned about this from Representative Pam Marsh, Ashland’s citizen elected to serve in Oregon’s state legislature.
Here is the KOBI 5 article and a link to it. I think it’s something worth celebrating in this age of Trump, the Golden Age of Corruption, and also the Golden Age of Science Denial.
Oregon’s first floating solar project unveiled in Jackson Co.
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – On Friday, several organizations as well as U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, gathered as the state’s first floating solar project went online. The project aims to deliver affordable, renewable energy while also conserving water.
1,700 solar panels have been mounted on water-safe floating platforms on Medford Irrigation District’s reservoir in Central Point. These panels will be able to supply energy to families and businesses in Jackson County, lowering energy costs and creating revenue for the irrigation district.
Not only that, but the panels also shade the reservoir which can preserve water in the warmer months. It can also improve water quality by slowing algae and weed growth. Being the first of its kind here, it will be studied for other communities facing similar issues of high energy bills and drought. Julie O’Shea, executive director for Farmers Conservation Alliance said,
“This project benefits Medford Irrigation District and their strategies and plans to be able to modernize their irrigation infrastructure which is so critical when we’re facing the drought we’re facing this year. And we’re hoping [to] save water from preventing evaporation and so many other benefits. There’s many other irrigation communities in the state and across the west working on floating solar projects right now.”
Many organizations are behind the project, including the Medford Irrigation District, Energy Trust of Oregon, Farmers Conservation Alliance, Imagine Energy and more. More general and subscription information can be found online.
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Pam also noted, “It’s a project with multiple benefits that will also generate a funding stream of $75,000 a year to the district.”
Michael Seidel, writer 
Congratulations! That is certainly something to celebrate.
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I agree with Ali Redford. That is something awesome to celebrate, but then my husband and I already had solar panels installed and see the difference it makes.
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We’ve had our solar panels installed sixteen years. I enjoy going into the garage and checking the panel and see how many watts are being generated. So cool. Glad you have them, too. Cheers
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Sixteen years? Wow, Michael! That’s impressive. You’ve probably recouped the cost of yours, but it’s doubtful if we ever will in our lifetime.
Ours have only been installed since the end of November, but we’ve already seen the difference. We’re nearly off the grid totally, generating all but our nighttime usage, and sending so much back to the grid during the day. Hopefully, we’ll help our kids and grand-kids have a better earth though by our decision to forgo as much fossil fuel as possible.
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