At Smart Optimal Solutions (SOS), we believe a true “Smart City” is an environment where technology, connectivity, and sustainable energy work together to help communities thrive. Our mission is to deliver innovative solutions for a smarter future. Today, we are shining a spotlight on our partners at Verde and their groundbreaking work in Portland, which perfectly aligns with our “Smart Oregon” vision of progress and urban equity.
The Power of Community Solar
Verde’s mission is centered on “environmental wealth”—the belief that clean air, green spaces, and renewable energy should be accessible to everyone. A primary example of this vision in action is the Goodling Solar Site. Located on land leased from the Port of Portland and funded by the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), this project transformed an underused space into a functioning solar installation designed to serve local households.
As a community solar array, the site allows participants to receive utility bill credits without needing panels on their own roofs. This is a critical solution in a time of rising utility costs; Verde’s program has helped trim 30–40% off electrical bills for more than 160 households.
A “Portland First”: SOS and the Agamine Innovation
The Goodling Solar Site is not just about energy production; it is about testing new ways to use land more effectively. To support this mission of safety and sustainability, Smart Optimal Solutions is proud to announce we will be installing two Agamine Double PV Off-Grid Solar Streetlights at the project site.
These represent the first installations of their kind in Portland, Oregon. These technology-enhanced street-lamps provide reliable, carbon-neutral illumination without the need for trenching or grid connection, making them the perfect fit for the site’s agrivoltaics and stewardship goals.
Witness the Future: Commissioning Event
“We are thrilled to bring this cutting-edge technology to our local community,” says Patrice Tsague, CEO of SOS – America. The official commissioning of these streetlights will be scheduled soon. We will keep you informed of the date so you can attend, witness the installation, and experience this “Portland First” firsthand.
Beyond the Panels: Stewardship and Education
What makes the Goodling site a model for the future is its commitment to workforce development and land care:
- Agrivoltaics: Integrating solar energy with agricultural or landscaping needs.
- Hands-on Learning: Creating opportunities for the local workforce through site maintenance and stewardship.
- Collaborative Success: Working alongside partners like the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) and Leaders Become Legends (LBL).
The SOS Edge: Building the Foundation for Sustainability
Verde’s advocacy for green urban infrastructure mirrors the SOS commitment to Sustainable Infrastructure. We believe that no city can truly be “smart” without a robust renewable energy strategy that prioritizes efficiency and connectivity.
Together with partners like Verde, we aren’t just building infrastructure; we are building a smarter, more equitable future for Oregon.
Based on an original write-up by: Tatiana Siegenthaler-Rodríguez – Verde Builds Program Manager
