Conservation/Environment Frequently Asked Questions

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What about tax credits?
Consumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems can receive a 30 percent tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016. Updated information is available on the Energy Star Web site.
How much does it cost to set up a system?
Randy Brooks, owner of Brooks Solar in Chelan, says $10 to $12 per watt installed is a good estimate for a grid-tied system without batteries. With batteries for storing power, costs go up by about 30 percent. Brooks generally recommends that grid-tied customers set up a system that will earn about as much in incentives annually as they pay for electricity. That is usually a 1.5 kW (about $15,000) system. The smallest system recommended is 700 watts (about $7,000) because that is the smallest grid-tie inverter available.
Is there a way to estimate my return on investment?
The annual production incentive can be estimated by multiplying the system rating times the number of full sun hours of the area where the solar system will be installed. Eastern Washington receives about 1,200 full sun hours per year. Annual income for a 1,000 watt (1 kilowatt) system using Washington-made solar modules would therefore range from:

Estimated Annual Income with Washington-made inverter, but not Washington solar modules:
1 kW x 1200 hours/Year x State Incentive, $0.18/kWh = $216/Year

Approx. Simple Payback = ($7,000 - $2,000 tax credit) / $216/Year = 23 years

Estimated Annual Income with Washington-made solar modules & inverter:
1 kW x 1200 hours/Year x State Incentive, $0.54/kWh = $648/Year

Approx. Simple Payback = ($7,000 - $2,000 tax credit) / $648/Year = 8 years

Washington's production incentive is authorized through June 30, 2020.
How can I purchase solar or wind equipment?
Inverters with batteries are available through the Outback company in Arlington, Wash. Solar modules manufactured in Washington are available through Silicon Energy in Marysville, Wash.

Producers purchase equipment directly from retailers or via the Internet. Area contacts for more information are:

BROOKS SOLAR
Randy and Anne Brooks
Chelan, WA
(509) 682-9646
info@brookssolar.com
Brooks Solar web site

AFT SOLAR
Arnold Techamivol
Wenatchee, WA
aftsolar@hotmail.com

WRAY ELECTRIC
Dennis Wray
Ellensburg, WA
(509) 968-4746
denwray@fairpoint.net
www.wrayindustries.com
What equipment and installation standards must be met?
The maximum SNAP project that may be interconnected with the distribution system is 25 kilowatts. See the interconnection requirements for SNAP for details.
What other costs are there?
An application fee of $100 is charged at the time of application. The monthly meter-reading fee is $3.85. (The meter fee will be deducted from the annual payment mailed to SNAP producers.) Customers are responsible for the cost of connecting their SNAP generator to Chelan County PUD’s distribution system. Line extension fees, if any, will vary depending on the distance to the nearest PUD facilities.

SNAP producers must obtain an electrical permit from the City of Wenatchee (if within city limits) or the state Department of Labor and Industries. The city or county building and planning departments may also require a building permit. Call the appropriate jurisdiction to discuss your project.
What if I just want to put up a solar or wind power system for my own use?
A net metering program is available to PUD customers who have an electric generator that has a nameplate capacity of not more than 100 kilowatts. Customers must sign a Power Purchase and Interconnection Agreement with the PUD allowing them to interconnect to and operate in parallel with the PUD electric distribution system. The PUD’s charges for electric energy are adjusted for customers who participate in the net metering program.