Multnomah County accepts nearly $1 million state grant to add solar and batteries at Crops Farm

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a budget modification on May 21 to accept grant funding that will add solar panels and battery storage at the Crops Farm and create a low‑income community solar array.

County staff said the Oregon Department of Energy awarded nearly $1 million from a community renewable energy grant program to develop a net‑metered solar and battery installation on the Crops Farm site. The project will serve the farm’s refrigeration and freezing loads with on‑site backup, and a community solar portion will provide discounted subscriptions to low‑income households for the life of the project (estimated at about 20 years). Presenters said the work must be completed within 36 months and that partners include Feed and Freedom (a local food‑justice organization), Bonneville Environmental Foundation and DCA property management.

Staff estimated the community solar component would serve about 30 families with roughly $500 in annual savings per household (staff corrected an earlier, larger figure during Q&A). Bonneville Environmental Foundation said the county would act as an anchor tenant to ensure stable subscriptions and administrative continuity over the 20‑year term. Commissioners asked how participating households will be identified; staff said they anticipate working through Feed and Freedom and other community partners to select eligible households.

The board approved the budget modification by roll call; all commissioners present voted in favor. Committee materials say $350,000 was specifically added to the FY26 budget from the Oregon Department of Energy to execute the contract and begin work immediately.