Solar options

Sunlight striking Earth is perhaps the most abundant and inexpensive form of energy. It's been used for years. For example, between 1900 and 1950, more than 50,000 solar water heaters were installed in Florida alone. Many of them still function today.

We frequently receive questions about the potential for solar energy in our area. While we will never have the solar potential of Florida or Southern California, there are definitely some options available to residents of Southwest Washington. Clark Public Utilities sponsors a local tour to show how some homeowners and businesses have invested in solar and other renewable technologies. The local solar tour is part of The National Solar Tour which is an annual event held in early fall.

The advantage solar energy has over other forms of renewable energy is that it is available to most homeowners. While not every home has perfect southerly solar access, most homes have sufficient roof space to allow for collecting energy from the sun.