Community Solar Project in Ellensburgh
Community Solar Project in Ellensburgh
In partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, the city of Ellensburg, Wash., has installed the first “community solar” project in the nation. The unique financial model designed by the City allows local individuals and businesses to participate directly in a solar-electric project, without having to lift a finger (except to write a check, perhaps).
The 57 kW solar-electric system sits just off of Highway 90 in Ellensburg. It may represent the future of renewable energy project financing in the U.S. The groundbreaking project allows local individuals and businesses to make essential financial contributions to the project. In return, these contributors receive direct credits on their electricity bills for the power produced by the system. This “virtual net metering” arrangement produces a variety of efficiencies. The scale benefits that result from this financial model significantly reduce the cost of solar electricity. Just as importantly, because the City organizes the financial and technical details of project installation and maintenance, participation does not place an undue burden on the local citizens.
Interest in the model has also been strong in other parts of the northwest, and in other parts of the country.
Adapted from this article on the BEF Web site.
