Grant PUD discusses possible solar plant

GRANT COUNTY — Grant County PUD commissioners are discussing the idea of creating a five megawatt solar project as a renewable energy resource.

A proposal for the Sun Source Solar Project was presented to commissioners by internal power management employees at a board meeting. The project is a way to expand the district’s renewable resource generation portfolio, explained Bob Bernd, board president.

“We are concerned that the project is several times more expensive (than) products we are using,” Bernd said. “But the renewable energy credits received from having this might balance that cost out.”

The district is required to obtain more of the area’s power from renewable energy under Washington’s Initiative-937. By placing the project in Grant County, the district would qualify for double renewable energy credits.

“Some of the sources we have, such as our dams, do not count as renewable energy,” Bernd said. “This would help in that regard a lot.”

The project would aim solar panels at the sun to produce power.

Clallam, Lewis and Mason county PUDs expressed an interest in the project. A PUD in Snohomish County is discussing developing a solar project located in Grant County.

“If this project moves forward, a contract would be signed by the end of March,” said Rita Bjork, PUD public information officer. “Construction would be finished and information would be available online by the end of the second quarter for 2011.”

Grant County PUD commissioners are still considering the project and plan to meet for several discussions before making a decision.

“It’s a feel good proposal and I would like to see us be able to do it,” Bernd. “But, we need to make sure we are able to do it in light of economic conditions.”

No board members are opposed to the project, they just want more information, Bernd noted.

“We’re working on the details, examining more studies as they come forth and looking at technology,” Bernd said. “We expect a final decision to be made around April.”