Renewable Energy Technologies
solar pv
Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems are a reliable and pollution-free way to produce electricity for your home or office – and they’re becoming more affordable all the time! They use the most renewable source of energy – sunlight – converting it directly into electricity that can be used to generate a large percentage of power for people in most parts of the world – including right here in Washington.
The basic building block of PV technology is the solar “cell.” Multiple PV cells are connected to form a PV “module,” which range in power output from about 10 watts to 300 watts. PV systems can stand-alone (off-grid) or be tied to the grid. Systems tied to the grid have some unique advantages: when power output is diminished due to a lack of sunlight (such as in the winter), additional electricity needed by the home is provided by the utility. In addition, net metering allows PV systems owners to get paid by their local utility for producing electricity.
When designing a PV system, it is important to ensure that your site is well-suited for optimum installation. South-facing sites are ideal in the United States, as well as ones that are free of obstructions for most of the day such as trees, roof gables, chimneys and other buildings. Your PV system installer will be able to help you determine the best spot for installation on your property.
PV works best in an energy-efficient building. Ensuring your home is well-insulated and sealed, and that your mechanical systems and lighting are energy efficient, will reduce your home’s overall electricity use and allow you to maximize your PV system’s energy production. Depending on the size and configuration, the payback period of a residential system can be as little as 8 or 9 years. In addition, you can have a grid-tied solar system installed on you property, which allows you to feed your extra-produced electricity into the grid, and get additional electricity from the grid when your system is not producing enough power.
Is Solar Viable in Washington?
Yes, solar is viable in Washington! As the map below shows, Germany gets less sun than almost the entire United States, including here in Washington, and it is the world leader is solar PV energy production. A qualified contractor will help you determine the right-sized array to install on your property to maximize your solar production.
Map courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory. To see a hi-res map, please click here.
Incentives for Solar Installation
US Federal Incentive
Tax rebate of 30% of cost of system; system must be SRCC certified
Washington State Tax Incentives
Sales tax reduction credit: pay NO sales tax on systems that generate less than 10 kw of power; Renewable Energy Advantage Program (Eligible customers may be paid from 12¢ to 54¢ per economic development kilowatt-hour (kWh).)
Local Utility Incentives
Puget Sound Energy -Net Metering program: customers connected to the grid who generate more electricity than their homes need at a given time are issued credits on their utility account for power that PSE will provide to them on cloudy days.
Solar Technology Fact Sheets
To learn more about specific technologies, please click on the links below: