Going Off Grid In Washington State Solar Panels

Washington state department of commerce energy efficiency and solar grants.

Going off grid in washington state solar panels.

Check out part 2 here. There are numerous news reports about people living off grid being forced to reconnect to the electric utilities. Okay does solar really work in washington state. Western washington receives 70 as much solar per year as southern california and 20 more than germany the world leader in solar installations.

This include cloudy days in which your solar panel is a little less than 80 effective. Part 1 focuses on what it actually means to go off grid and how to start thinking about calculating the costs for cutting the cord with your utility. Oftentimes an off grid solar system makes sense in rural areas where it is difficult and expensive to extend existing power lines to connect with the grid which can cost between 15 000 and 50 000 per mile but an off grid system can also make sense elsewhere. While seattle is known for its overcast skies and grey days in the winter it s easy to forget about the long sunny days western washington.

Energy efficiency and solar grant funds projects result in energy and operational cost savings at state public higher education institutions local government facilities state agencies and kindergarten through 12th grade k 12 public school districts. The problem with enforcing solar energy in washington is you are literally betting on the kid with the compound fracture to win the race. Washington state west of the mountains averages only 3 65 average over a year full hour of full sunlight a day. Silfab is now manufacturing solar modules panels in the former itek energy facility in bellingham and is significantly expanding solar panel manufacturing there.

Part 2 discusses two real world examples of sizing an off grid solar energy system along with the feasibility of going through with an off grid solution. Outback power a division of alpha technologies arlington power conversion inverters for grid tied and off gird uses. Silfab solar bellingham solar modules panels. Budget available roof or ground space and other factors will heavily influence your choice of solar panels kits.

Going off grid with solar or wind in colorado state seems to be legal though many counties and zoning laws require homes to be grid tied. Colorado is one of the strictest states in regards to rainwater harvesting laws. Another 27 000 homes use either wind or solar energy or both to go partially off grid reducing their energy bills in the process. Washington home utility grid tie solar system design many site specific factors need to be considered when planning for your grid tied or off grid solar kit.