Renewable Energy

The Economics of Solar Power in Chelan County

Interested in installing solar at your home? There are many great reasons to add a solar system, but Chelan PUD's ultra-low electric rates mean that a financial return on your investment isn't one of them.

Check out the economic details in our short explainer below or estimate your solar power producing potential with our new home solar evaluator.

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Have questions about installing solar? Get in touch with Jim.

Big changes are coming!

Chelan PUD has historically offered two programs to promote the development of solar, wind and other renewable resources in our county:
  1. The Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) program, and
  2. The Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program

Both of these programs are currently in flux. Please see specifics below.

Sign up for updates to our solar power programs and incentives.

Get Updates

You can also contact us if you're interested in adding solar to discuss your options as we roll out new programs.

 

 

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The Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) program is going away

We're moving to a net-metered system and will have more details on our new program in 2023. 

Please contact Jim White prior to installing your solar panels for details.

Sustainable Natural Alternative Power

Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) is the name of Chelan County PUD’s award-winning renewable energy program.  Started in 2001, the SNAP program is designed to help make small-scale solar and wind power more cost-effective for customers. The program connects customers who want to produce solar and wind power with other local customers who want to support the development of new, renewable energy.

Under the program, customers voluntarily pay a little extra on their utility bills. The PUD collects these customer donations and distributes them once a year to our SNAP producers -- individuals, schools and nonprofit agencies that are generating solar and wind power. SNAP renewable energy either is consumed by the producer through net metering, or goes into the PUD’s electrical grid and is distributed to PUD customers.

Customers who support SNAP are helping build a base of renewable energy in Chelan County. They’re helping diversify our energy resources as well as our economy. Become a SNAP supporter. 


Customers who produce energy for SNAP are helping grow a new, renewable resource to complement our abundant hydropower. Please contact us if you're interested in becoming a local power producer.

Learn more about SNAP power in Chelan County

RESIP is no longer accepting new applications

The Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program (RESIP) has stopped accepting new producers

This program ended effective June 14, 2019. New applications to receive incentives are no longer being accepted.

Please visit the WSU website for more information and contact Jim White prior to installing your solar panels for details.

Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program

The Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program offered incentives to consumers who install solar, wind and other renewable resources or participate in community solar projects. This program was created by the state legislature in 2017, setting up guidelines and opportunities for new projects while grandfathering in a legacy program created in 2005.

Chelan PUD, along with other utilities around the state, participated in this voluntary program for its customers.

Learn more about the Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program.

 

Jim White
Get in Touch With Jim

Let's chat about your solar and renewable power options. Contact Jim White, senior energy efficiency engineer, at james.white@chelanpud.org or (509) 661-4829.

 

Los costos y beneficios de un sistema de energía solar