Shedding light on solar power in Clark County

September 22, 2009

Customers often ask about the feasibility of solar and other renewable energy in Clark County. Many of the answers to commonly asked questions can be found at an upcoming tour of solar energy projects in Clark County.

The Solar Washington Southwest Solar Tour will include seven different sites, said Bob West, an energy counselor with Clark Public Utilities. "In addition to seeing solar systems at work in typical homes, we have a small wind generator in La Center and a micro-hydro generator in Yacolt."

The seventh annual tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3. It will begin at Clark Public Utilities’ community room, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver.

At the start of the event, West, along with John Zagunis of Act on Solar in Vancouver, will present details of the tour and answer questions about the use of solar and renewable energy. There is no admission fee, but attendees will be asked to purchase tour maps for $5.

The tour features five residential solar electric systems, one commercial solar electric system, three different types of solar hot water systems, radiant floor heating, a micro-hydro generating project, a 1.9-kilowatt wind generating project and a geothermal application.

West will brief attendees on the technical aspects of tying a renewable generating system into the utility.

"It’s really important that builders and electricians especially, but also homeowners, understand the interconnection process early on in the project, so they can be sure the residential system integrates with ours," he said.

Prices have fallen

Zagunis added that the goal is to make solar energy commonplace.

"The push is to educate the public and create demand for solar, so it becomes mainstream as it is in most other countries," he said. "We encourage builders and electricians to attend. A builder installing a solar development will gain market share or at least will have a competitive advantage in selling their homes."

Zagunis said prices on solar energy equipment have fallen significantly because of the economy. "With a federal tax credit of 30 percent and competition among solar manufacturers, it’ a great time to invest in solar for a long-term benefit," he added.

The Solar Washington Southwest Solar Tour in Clark County is one of 18 being held throughout the state. All are sponsored by Solar Washington, a nonprofit association of energy equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, dealers, designers and consultants. The local tour also is part of a series of events taking place nationally, which are sponsored by the American Solar Energy Society.

Clark Public Utilities offers financing for solar projects and a $1,000 rebate for installing a Bright Way solar domestic hot water system. Homeowners also may qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit and, through 2020, the state of Washington is offering a cash rebate on electricity generated by renewable energy. It pays homeowners annually a base rate of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour generated throughout the year. In addition, homeowners use the electricity generated to power their homes, reducing their utility bill.