Avangrid, Inc. has begun commercial operations for two new solar projects in Wasco County, Oregon. The projects, Daybreak Solar and Bakeoven Solar, have a combined generating capacity of 269 MW. The projects will provide electricity to the grid operated by Portland General Electric (PGE).

The Daybreak Solar project has a generating capacity of 189 MW DC, or 140 MW AC. On the other hand, the Bakeoven Solar has a generating capacity of 80 MW DC, or 60 MW AC. The projects have a total of 650,000 solar panels. The projects are expected to produce hundreds of gigawatt-hours of electricity every year. This electricity will be used for both residential and industrial needs.

The construction of the projects has resulted in the creation of over 300 jobs. The jobs were mostly union labor. The projects are expected to produce around $40 million in tax revenue during the course of their operation. The projects will also provide a number of full-time jobs. These are the first commercial-scale solar projects in Wasco County.

These projects are associated with PGE’s Green Future Impact (GFI) program, which enables large municipal, commercial, and industrial customers to obtain non-emitting electricity for sustainability goals. Customers like Intel participate in the program, which enables them to offset emissions while not adding any additional costs for other utility customers.

Solar grazing

These projects also feature solar grazing, where approximately 3,000 sheep will graze at the projects, providing vegetation management for the solar panels. This is an alternative for reducing wildfire risks while minimizing maintenance costs.

Avangrid has over 80 projects in the U.S., providing over 10.5 GW of total generating capacity, including 2.5 GW in Oregon. It has a large corporate office in Portland, as well as the National Training Center, which was launched in Sherman County in 2024. This training center focuses on workforce development within the region.

According to the officials in Wasco County, the projects are an economic benefit for the region, including support for local tax districts such as the Wasco County Library and the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic, while providing additional clean energy for the region.

The new projects add to Oregon’s growing solar capacity, following other developments such as the Oregon Trail Solar Project in Gilliam County.

Factsheet: Avangrid New Solar Projects in Oregon (Daybreak Solar & Bakeoven Solar)

Wasco County, Oregon

Project Overview

Two adjacent solar facilities delivering clean energy to the Portland General Electric (PGE) grid through the Green Future Impact program.

Key Specifications

Daybreak Solar: 189 MW DC (140 MW AC)

Bakeoven Solar: 80 MW DC (60 MW AC)

Combined Capacity: 269 MW DC (200 MW AC)

Solar Panels: 650,000 panels installed

Annual Production: Hundreds of gigawatt-hours

Project Significance

First commercial-scale solar projects in Wasco County

Supports Intel’s goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030

Part of PGE’s voluntary Green Future Impact program

Economic Impact

Construction Jobs: 300+ positions (primarily local union labor)

Tax Revenue: $40 million over project lifespan

Permanent Jobs: Multiple full-time O&M positions

Environmental Features

Solar grazing with up to 3,000 sheep for vegetation management

Wildfire risk reduction

Supports local fifth-generation Oregon sheep rancher

Status

Commercial operations achieved