Dive Brief:
- Clark Public Utilities (CPU) has partnered with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to develop a small-scale community solar program.
- Customers will be able to buy shares in the program representing 10% of the cost of a solar panel.
- Washington state already has 19 similar projects in operation.
Dive Insight:
Small-scale community solar projects are not going to transform the grid, but they do allow wider participation and can be scaled up, according to officials at Clark Public Utilities. The Columbian reports that the company has partnered with environmental nonprofit Bonneville Environmental Foundation to spend about $400,000 installing a solar project consisting of 275 panels made in Washington.
"This is a way for more people to participate" in green energy, Larry Blaufus, senior manager of customer accounts and energy services for CPU, told The Columbian in an interview. Initially open to residential ratepayers, the project could ultimately be expanded to commercial and industrial customers as well.
The utility has been considering the program for about two years and presented its proposal to utility commissioners in August. The project could be online as early as next year.
Customers can buy up to 100 shares, with each share costing $150, or about 10% the cost of a solar panel. The program is voluntary and participants will see bill credits expected to reimburse their investment in about four years, according to The Columbian.
