Portland’s Fire Station 1 implemented an innovative solar powered microgrid as part of the city’s commitment to energy resilience. Designed to prepare for both long-term disaster scenarios—like a predicted mega-earthquake—and more immediate threats such as wildfires and widespread outages, the system ensures uninterrupted power to critical emergency services.
Like all fire stations in Portland, Station 1 was originally equipped with a diesel generator to maintain operations during utility outages. But diesel fuel is finite—and in the event of a prolonged grid failure, power can vanish as soon as the tank runs dry. A more sustainable and resilient solution was needed.
A strategic partnership between Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS), Portland General Electric (PGE), and Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) enabled funding for a robust microgrid system. This microgrid solution integrates solar PV, battery storage, and the Generac ARC microgrid control system—also referred to as the Generac Renewable Controller—empowering the station to operate entirely on renewable energy when the grid is down.
This installation has become a flagship project in Portland’s clean energy transition, enabling the city to better understand how microgrid technology can support critical infrastructure. It also serves as a
training platform for first responders to safely and effectively manage microgrid energy systems, including those with solar-plus-storage components.
The project is not just a backup strategy—it’s a forward-looking, advanced microgrid example that’s setting a precedent for how cities can build smarter, more resilient emergency response networks.
