Since The Goonies were able to stay in their hometown of Astoria, Ore., it’s very likely that if they were real, they might today be teaching at Astoria’s Clatsop Community College, which recently completed a 42.5-kilowatt photovoltaic array on Towler Hall, as part of a remodeling project.

While no pirate treasure was found during the project, the new array will provide roughly three quarters of the building’s electric needs, a treasure of its own.

Astoria, located in the northwestern-most part of the state, isn’t known for its blindingly sunny days.

“We had five days of summer last year,” said Allen Jaques, Jerome Street campus project manager. “Typically, the rainfall amounts here in Astoria are between 60 inches to 65 inches a year. So I would say that probably 25 percent of the year we’ll see sun.”

Despite the less-than-stellar climate, the array will produce some power during cloudy periods, Jaques said. In addition, the building is net-metered.

“When we have opportunities, we can generate more than the need and supply [at the building], and then we’ll spin the meter backwards—so to speak,” he said.

Jaques was in charge of the $27 million campus remodeling project, which—in addition to the Towler Hall array—included building new structures, seismic upgrades, removing a building and more. He explained that the solar installation was state-mandated.

The mandate, he added, “Is basically for all state agencies that receive funding through the state.”

To achieve the best rebates and incentives for the photovoltaic array, the school signed a 15-year power-purchase agreement (PPA) with SolarCity. Under the agreement, Clatsop will buy all of the power produced by the array for the next 15 years for a set price. He said the agreement should lead to energy savings for the college.

Jaques said they chose SolarCity after talking with other agencies and looking around at other contractors and PPA providers.

“One of the downsides typically is that they [PPA providers] require a larger-sized array. They’re looking for a minimum 100 kilowatt array,” he said. “Their power-purchase agreement was much easier to negotiate than many others I’ve seen. They’re a good firm to work with.”

While the community college doesn’t yet have a kiosk available showing the array’s production, it will soon have one on Towler’s first floor, Jaques said. Meanwhile, the production is available online via this link.

Image courtesy of Clatsop Community College.