PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Multnomah County will soon get the largest solar power project in Oregon.

KHOU - TV

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a project Thursday that will place solar installations on three county buildings.

A Maryland solar company will build, own and operate the system, selling the power at a reduced rate to the county. County commissioners say they hope the project will highlight Oregon's solar energy potential and support local development of renewable energy.

Despite the state's rainy reputation, Oregon gets as much sun as the national average. It also gets more sun than Germany, which leads the world in use of solar energy. The project is expected begin operating by the end of 2008.