Energy Solar Panels in Puget Sound

PV Installation

• PV systems consist of solar modules or panels configured in an array. When sunlight strikes the solar cells of a panel, the module generates electricity. The solar power system captures the electricity and converts it into energy, which powers appliances, lights and machinery. Installers place panels in locations that receive the most sunlight -- usually on a rooftop. Sometimes, ground-mounted installations make the best sites. The solar system installers clamp solar panels to a pole or racking system secured to the ground. An electrician connects the photovoltaic power system to various electrical components, including a DC/AC inverter. This device modifies the electricity produced by the panel from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Alternating current converts direct current to more-efficient electricity for operating appliances or other items. The system connects to the utility grid, battery bank or both, for battery backup systems.

Initiatives

• Cities in the Puget Sound regions have their own initiatives for deploying solar panels on a mass scale. Seattle, Washington's largest city, sits in the middle of the Puget Sound region. The city has the mission of increasing the installation of small to large solar power systems, including solar panels, across every sector of the city -- residential, commercial, community and city. Seattle has performed a gap analysis to bring building codes in line with the best solar management practices. Seattle also has a community outreach program designed to educate residents on PV basics.The city of Bellevue has a program to lease the rooftops of city buildings to developers of solar panel energy systems.

Teanaway Solar Reserve

• Construction is underway for a 75 megawatt photovoltaic power plant in Cle Elum, located 90 miles east of Seattle. This project will eventually have 400,000 PV panels installed across 900 acres of public land, surrounded by pine trees. When completed, the solar power station, will power 45,000 homes. Touted as the largest project of its type in the Pacific Northwest, developers expect the Teanaway Solar Reserve to start generating power in early 2012.

Incentives

• Residential, commercial, institutional, agricultural and public agencies have a host of local, state and federal incentive programs designed to encourage the installation of photovoltaic and other renewable energy systems. The federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit for the installation of solar panels. Solar panel purchases receive an exemption from state sales taxes. Washington also offers manufacturers of photovoltaic modules a 43 percent reduction inn the business and occupancy tax rate. Like many states, Washington has renewable energy production incentives that pay solar energy producers for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) or power it produces. Utilities, such as Puget Sound Energy, purchase; the program pays up to a maximum of $5,000.