Did you know that Snohomish PUD is one of the most solar-friendly utilities in Washington State? It’s true! In addition to the Washington solar production incentive, which is currently the highest in the nation, Snohomish PUD customers with a qualifying site receive an additional cash incentive as part of the Solar Express program. This significantly improves the payback time for solar installations in Snohomish PUD’s coverage area.
Planet Power Program
Snohomish PUD has another fantastic program called the Planet Power program. This program allows the utility’s customers to support more renewable energy development than would otherwise occur and provides grants for solar photovoltaic demonstration projects to be installed on schools, non-profits, and public organizations. The Planet Power program is funded voluntarily by Snohomish PUD customers who choose donate $3 or more per month or give a one-time donation.
Since the beginning of 2009, this program has funded systems on 22 schools and organizations, with several other schools receiving renewable energy curriculum, materials, and training.
Last Year’s Planet Power Solar Projects
Western Solar was proud to install two of the three projects funded by the Planet Power program in 2015. In October, we completed a 9.9 kW system at HopeWorks Social Enterprises in Everett and a 5.2 kW system on Stanwood Cooperative Preschool. Both systems include real-time production monitoring displays and provide educational opportunities for the communities they serve.
A Call for Project Applicants
Snohomish PUD is currently accepting applications to be a 2016 Planet Power grant recipient. We would love to hear from our Snohomish County and Camano Island customers about which schools, non-profits, or other community organizations you’d like to see turn into a Planet Power solar project. If you or a friend know of an organization which would be interested, help us get in contact. We’ll help them navigate the application process and will design a turnkey solar photovoltaic system to meet their needs.
Give us a call at 360-746-0859 or email info@westernsolarinc.com, and let’s get the ball rolling on the next Planet Power installation!
