Hatfield Marine Science Center

The Hatfield Marine Science Center’s (HMSC) solar project demonstrates, renewable energy technology to visitors and reflects their commitment to education in sustainable practices. Oregon State University (OSU) provided funding for the solar project through a collaboration with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

The photovoltaic (PV) system features a single 1.1 kW array, consisting of six Sharp 170-watt PV Modules. Under full sun conditions, the system can light more than 70 compact fluorescent light bulbs. Over a year, that’s more than 1,000 kilowatt-hours of pollution-free electricity fed back into the regional power grid.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) is Oregon State University’s coastal campus for marine science education and research. HMSC is located on a productive estuary less than one mile from the Pacific Ocean. As a world-class marine research and education center, HMSC has embraced sustainability as a guiding principle in the management and operation of its facilities. This solar project is a visual reminder of the many investments that HMSC has made to reduce energy consumption and demonstrate environmentally sustainable practices. HMSC has also implemented campus-wide energy conservation upgrades including; the installation of an energy-efficient lighting and heating/ventilation system that resulted in a 15 percent decrease in electrical consumption; the installation of waterless urinals in men’s rooms throughout the facility that saved an average of 45,000 gallons of water per year; and the installation of a condensing natural gas boiler in the Guin Library.