February 6: Solar Panels Ready to Power Up

The solar array's 13 modules will generate 3 megawatts of electricity.

The solar panels will be on line any day now. The system was installed in late fall by Rainshadow Solar, and it's passed a series of inspections. We're going through the application process to connect to Orcas Power and Electric Co. (OPALCO).

The panels will generate 3 megawatts of power and the system is expandable to 6 megawatts. We'll generate our own electricity when the sun shines, and sell any additional power to OPALCO. The goal is to break even, taking power from the grid on most wintertime days, and selling excess power to OPALCO in the summertime, when days are long and the sun is strong.