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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

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Energy Adviser: Renewable energy efforts growing in Clark County

The Columbian
Published:

Dreaming of dropping your utility bill to zero? Unfortunately, the often cloud-covered reality of living in the Pacific Northwest can make it hard to go “off the grid,” but there are ways solar energy can still make sense.

Dropping your environmental footprint to zero is tough in an area of fickle resources. But tapping into renewable resources can still help. Increasingly, Clark County residents are taking advantage of federal and state tax incentives, and net metering technology to invest in solar energy cost-effectively.

To decrease energy bills, customers with solar panels on their homes can sign up for net metering through the utility. This program connects their power generating system directly onto the utility’s electric grid. By doing so, homeowners can gain credit when their power generation exceeds energy consumption from the utility. This mainly happens during the summer and will offset utility bills for the rest of the year.

In the seven years between 2006 and 2013, the utility installed 135 “net meters.” This year, it installed 109. With 17 more in progress, it will finish the year just under the seven-year total. Most of these installations are solar, but a few local residents chose wind-generated or micro-hydro renewable systems.

“Some people want renewable energy because it’s the right thing to do,” said Bart Hansen, who supports the renewable energy projects for the utility. “Others see it as a beneficial long-range financial choice.”

Whatever the reason, interest is peaking, because the federal tax credit expires at the end of 2016 and state incentive programs end in 2020. “With incentives today, a payback of five to seven years on projects is likely,” said Hansen.

However, getting started with solar energy on your home is somewhat costly, as much as $40,000. A renewable power system means expensive equipment — an energy generator, inverters to create alternating current and supporting rooftop brackets.

“Renewable energy isn’t cost-effective if you just want to lower your utility bill,” said Hansen.

That’s why when homeowners inquire about renewable energy projects, energy counselors ask whether they’ve considered completing energy-efficiency measures first — adding a heat pump, using LED/CFL light bulbs, installing energy-efficient appliances, good insulation, weatherization and windows.

“For anyone considering alternative energy, now’s the time to plan,” said Hansen. “Tax credits and incentives often shorten the payback time for projects, so it’s a good time to act.”

To complete a project requires some paperwork and several steps. Once the project is installed and ready for operation, applicants must provide a copy of their approved inspection by a local permitting agency. Then the utility checks the electrical production and installs a production meter. Depending on size, the meter fee utility charge is $250 to $500. Written approval from the utility must be in hand before any work starts, Hansen said.

To help, the utility has a process checklist covering steps such as submitting an electrical design, a site plan and nonrefundable fees that range from $100 to $500 depending on system kilowatt production. There’s also a Clark Public Utilities Contractor Network to help you find a local contractor providing services and products eligible for utility incentives. You can find more about the process on the utility’s website.

“Customers planning a renewable energy project should follow a step-by-step process closely to find if it’s the right solution before investing in any extensive solar project,” said Hansen. “We are here to help.”

Customers considering a move to renewable energy should contact Hansen first by email at bhansen@clarkpud.com or call 360-992-3244.


Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.

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