Community Solar East at the Port of Camas Washougal

In 2022, Clark Public Utilities’ Board of Commissioners directed utility staff to study and propose options for a second Community Solar project, with the goal of broad and equitable customer participation levels and options. In partnership with our site-host Port of Camas Washougal, we’ve identified five Port buildings with the ability to accommodate a (799kw) system.

In 2023, Clark Public Utilities is designing, facilitating, constructing and managing this Community Solar East project for all Clark Public Utilities customers, just as we did for the original Community Solar project(s) that are sited at our Operations facility in Orchards. The Port of Camas Washougal is the project site host. Customer participants are the project funders.

Community Solar East at the Port of Camas-Washougal

Clark Public Utilities’ newest community solar project offers benefits and participation opportunities to all utility customers. This summer, a 799 kilowatt capacity solar array is being built across the rooftops of five buildings owned by the Port of Camas-Washougal. Community Solar East is expected to begin generating solar energy by January 2024.

Starting September 1st, 2023, customers can purchase this clean and renewable energy in “units” and receive yearly generation credits on their Clark Public Utilities electric bill, for the lifetime of the solar array. This is a perfect solution for the customer who wants the benefits of solar energy, but isn’t able to install a rooftop system at their home or business. The cost, on average, for a residential roof-top system can range between $3.00 to $4.50 per installed watt. Community projects however, offer the benefit of capturing economies-of-scale, resulting in a lower cost per installed watt. Clark Public Utilities is building this 799kW community project for a cost of less than $1.70 per installed watt!

*Please note: while this project is nearly sold out, mini units are still available for purchase for residential customers.

Quick Facts

  • Coming soon!
  • 799kw of installed solar capacity separated across five Port of Camas Washougal buildings
  • All customers, including business and government customers, are eligible to participate and receive energy credits
  • 199kw is reserved to directly benefit customers on a limited income; energy credit dollars from the 199kw system will go directly to the utility’s Operation Warm Heart fund
  • We expect this project to be installed and operating by January 2024
  • Stay-tuned for instructions on how to sign-up online Summer 2023
  • Multiple participation options will be available

Quick Facts

  • Anyone can be a part of this clean and renewable project with affordable participation options starting at $10 for residential customers and $85 for business and government customers
  • Total system size 799kW
    •~300kW available for residential customers
    •~150kW available for business customers
    •~150kW available for government customers
    • 199kw is reserved to directly benefit customers on a limited income; energy credit dollars from the 199kw system will go directly to the utility’s Operation Warm Heart fund
  • We expect this project to be installed and operating by January 2024
  • Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for project details including Return on Investment calculations, project life, funding by customer sector and more!