Portland, OR, City Water Commissioner Randy Leonard is savouring the sweet smell of success after a down and dirty exercise in entrepreneurialism.

A new solar-powered public toilet, co-designed by Leonard, has been cleared to début on Portland streets by the end of this year.

The prototype of the so-called Portland Loo cost about (US)$140,000 — (US)$360,000 under the (US)$500,000 development program budget. The planned mass-production model could sell for as little as (US)$25,000, Leonard says, if he can get other cities interested in the product.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that a production model will be very reasonable,” Leonard told Portland’s KGW TV. “I’ve had a lot of inquiries in the United States and Canada about purchasing them.”

The low-maintenance stainless steel Loo features solar-powered lighting, ventilation and heaters, making it suitable for most climates.