Sequim Gazette staff

A proposed community solar project on Public Utility District property east of downtown Sequim is on hold — for now.

District representatives said last week the Community Solar Project received 85 percent of what was needed to pursue the project without further discussion, so commissioners plan to continue to discuss the project at its next meeting.

Commissioners meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 23, in the Lake Crescent boardroom of the PUD’s main office at 104 Hooker Road.

The PUD is continuing to accept enrollments at www.clallampud.net/CommunitySolar, with the goal of selling all units available.

Cost per unit is $250 with a maximum 40 units per customer. Project capacity is 75 kilowatts with a total of 1,200 units available.

Clallam PUD officials estimate a payback period of 24 years, with a project life of 30 years.

Customers who participate will receive a credit on their electric bill based on the electricity generated by the project and the number of units purchased. They also will receive an annual Washington state production incentive of about $15 per unit until June of 2020 — which is when the current incentive is set to expire, unless extended by legislators.

PUD officials considered the project for a number of reasons, from meeting interest by customers interested in renewable power to the concept that community solar projects are consistent with the district’s “sustainable, clean-energy portfolio,” PUD officials said in a statement.

“Community solar is consistent with our communities’ desire for a sustainable future,” PUD officials said.

Community solar offers a lower price-entry point than rooftop solar panels by individual homeowners, they said, and enables customers to participate in solar regardless of whether they rent or own their home.

For more information, including maps of the project location, more financial data and a secure online customer sign up form, visit www.clallampud.net/CommunitySolar.