In the Spring of 2012, the Oregon University System offered UO an opportunity to site two large solar arrays with a combined maximum output of approximately 1 megawatt. The complex arrangement required UO to dedicate roof-space on two athletic facilities for 20 years. The Office of Sustainability managed a thorough review of the project proposal. While the project ultimately did not move forward, we continue to search for renewable energy sources.

In 2013, the UO Outdoor Program Barn, which is home to the Bike Loan Program and supports hundreds of student-led hiking, climbing, rafting, and mountain biking trips, completed a 5.8kW solar photovoltaic installation on its equipment barn roof. To expand on the success of the project, the Office of Sustainability won a $28,000 grant from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) Renewable University Program to fund the second phase of the project—doubling the size of the array