Clark Public Utilities Solar Program: A Comprehensive Guide
Ready to harness the power of the sun and lower your energy bills? Clark Public Utilities (CPU) makes it easier than ever for Clark County residents to go solar with a range of incentives and programs.
What is Solar Energy and How Does it Work?
Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the sun that’s converted into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) technology. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Sunlight: Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight.
- DC Power: The PV cells convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
- Inverter: An inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what powers your home.
- Usage: The AC electricity powers your appliances and devices. Excess electricity can be sent back to the grid for credit.
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned utility that has been serving Clark County since 1938. They provide electricity and water services to over 211,000 customers across a 600-mile service area. CPU is dedicated to being a responsible steward of the community’s resources and providing affordable electricity.
Why Choose Sunbridge Solar for Your Clark County Solar Installation?
Sunbridge Solar is your trusted partner for solar installations in Clark County. We have extensive experience working with CPU programs and can help you maximize your savings. Our team will guide you through the entire process, from design and permitting to installation and activation.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how you can benefit from the Clark Public Utilities Solar Program.
Who is Clark Public Utilities?
As a customer-owned entity, Clark Public Utilities has provided electricity and water service to Clark County since 1938. They have a service area of over 600 miles and more than 211,000 customers currently. As a public utility, they are committed to being excellent stewards of the community’s natural and financial resources and providing affordable electricity and water service.
What Incentives Are Offered in Clark County?
There are several solar incentives that you can take advantage of to lower the upfront cost of your solar energy system, recoup your investment faster, and even earn money from your system.
Federal Tax Incentives
The federal government offers an investment tax credit on new solar energy systems that allows you to deduct 30% of the total cost of installation from your federal tax liability amount for the year. You can also roll over unused credit to subsequent years if necessary, for as long as the incentive program is still active.
Read more: View All WA Rebates, Incentives & Tax Credits
Low-Interest Loans*
Clark Public Utilities offers low-interest solar loans of up to $30,000 for their customers. All financing has an interest rate of 3.5% and the loan amount is capped at $5,000 for manufactured home owners. Loans for less than $10,000 are repayable over 5 years and those over $10,000 are repayable over 7 years, but all monthly payments must be at least $25. Only solar installations done by a licensed, bonded contractor within CPU’s contractor network are eligible for loans.
*Please contact us for availability.
Sales Tax Exemption on Solar Equipment
In Washington state as of July 1, 2019, all solar equipment for systems smaller than 100 kilowatts in size is exempt from state sales and use taxes. This can be significant instant savings.
Net Metering Production Credits
Clark Public Utilities offers net metering to customers with solar energy systems less than 100 kilowatts in size. This program allows you to essentially store excess energy that your panels produce in the utility grid. You will need to do some additional steps in order to take advantage of this incentive, such as completing an interconnection agreement, an inspection by a utility representative, and the installation of a special two-way electricity meter.
When your solar panels produce more energy that you can use at any one time, the excess feeds into the grid. But, when your solar panels are not producing as much energy as you need, your home will still pull in grid energy. The meter will be measuring the total energy your panels have sent into the grid and how much energy you pulled from the grid.
If, at the end of the month, you have put more energy into the grid than you took, you will be credited for the difference on your CPU account. If your panels fed some energy into the grid but you used more grid energy for the month, you will only pay for the difference.
Storing Excess Energy Credits
This program allows you to store the excess in the grid for later use, and to take advantage of every watt that your solar panels produce. In this way, you can keep your energy costs low throughout the year by applying credits from high solar production months to the bills of low solar production months.
REAPS Solar Grants for Rural Businesses
If you own a rural business, you may be able to take advantage of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loans to help you make the transition to solar energy and make other sustainable energy and efficiency upgrades.
Have Questions?
If you’d like to learn more about going solar in Clark County, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or Clark County PUD.
Contact Sunbridge
Here at Sunbridge Solar, we are premier solar installers for Clark County and the surrounding areas. We are happy to provide free solar consultations and quotes. Call 360-313-7190.
Contact Clark PUD
You can also reach out the CPU Energy Resources team directly online or by calling 360-992-3244 for more information about their solar program.
Vancouver Solar FAQs
Do Solar Panels Work in Vancouver, WA?
Many people wonder if solar panels are effective in Vancouver’s climate. It’s a valid question! After all, we’re not exactly known for endless sunshine. But the answer is a definite yes. Vancouver receives enough sunlight to make solar panels a worthwhile investment. Modern solar panels are highly efficient and can generate clean energy even on cloudy days.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels in Vancouver?
The cost of a solar installation in Vancouver varies depending on factors like the size of your system, the type of panels, and the complexity of your roof. A typical residential system ranges from $10,000 to $15,000. But remember those incentives! The 30% federal tax credit and low-interest loans can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
How Much Does a 10kW Solar System Cost?
Need a more powerful system? A 10kW solar system, suitable for larger homes or businesses, can cost around $25,000 or more. But again, incentives and financing can help make this investment more manageable.
Ready to Explore Your Solar Options?
Contact Sunbridge Solar today for a free consultation and a customized quote tailored to your needs. We’ll help you navigate the world of solar and find the perfect solution for your home or business in Vancouver, WA.
