Hatfield Marine Science Center

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.

In 2005, a 1.1-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system was installed onto the Center, providing visitors with a visual example of the the Center's commitment to sustainability. Oregon State University provided funding for the PV system through a collaboration with the BEF. The PV system features a single 1.1-kilowatt 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.

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 annual electrical consumption; the installation of waterless urinals in men’s bathrooms throughout the facility that saves an average of 45,000 gallons of water per year; and the installation of a condensing natural gas boiler in the Guin Library.

Energy monitoring provided by the Solar 4R Schools program made live performance data from the Center's PV system accessible to the community for educatinal purposes.