We hope that 2010 was good to you and that you are healthy, warm, and surrounded by loved ones for the winter holidays.

We kept a full calendar of mostly residential installations through the year, and the average power of the installations continues to grow.  The product pricing settled in after a year of major declines in 2009.  There were no significant technological advances, although there was a new product available to our clients - made in Washington PV modules from Silicon Energy, more info below.

We also performed a couple of significant commercial installations in Sequim.  Huzzah to McComb Nursery and the Sequim Holiday Inn & Express.  These clients both chose Sharp PV modules based on getting the most power for the money in an American-made PV module, from a company with a solid reputation and balance sheet.  We salute their commitment to running a clean business.

McComb Nursery Sequim, WA

Holiday Inn & Express Sequim, WA

In the Glen Cove Heights neighborhood of Port Townsend nears completion.  We have begun receiving freight and running the installation crew out of our new shop, and are expecting to complete the office and move all staff into the new shop by the end of winter.  Our new location will allow us to order and warehouse larger quantities of modules and inverters, cut our shipping costs, and negotiate better pricing.  We will also have the ability to move inventory in one door and out the other which is an improvement.  Don't visit us yet, we'll let you know when we are ready for you.

We've increased our installation capacity and added another PTHS alumnus to the company.  Jacob grew up off-grid and also lived on a boat many years.  He has been a carpenter, a rigger and a wooden boat builder among other things, and also continues our Antarctica connections, having worked several seasons "on the ice." Jacob is now our newest solar electrical trainee.  He is a quick study, and is strong and sure-footed on the roof.  We are glad to have Jacob with us, now we are a team of seven.

We have been happy with our relationship with this Marysville-based manufacturer and are glad to be able to support local PV manufacturing.  The economics of the increased state production incentive rates make this product very attractive despite its higher price.  Unfortunately we are currently seeing extended lead times as they continue to ramp up production.  We are looking forward to their second year of modules and increased inverter options.  If you are concerned primarily with financial returns, how does 10% annually sound when combining electricity savings and state production payments?

We don't see any major changes in the equipment, pricing, financial incentives, or regulatory environment in the next year.   Therefore we are focusing on our own internal efficiencies, continuing self-education and negotiations with vendors.  We are testing a new model here in Port Townsend following in the footsteps of other communities by putting together a group buying program.  If this yields the actual savings we predict, look for this to be rolled out to other communities soon.  Check the details of the Solarize Port Townsend program below. 

As an unintended consequence of the increased installation of large renewable energy projects, mostly large wind installations east of the mountains, we have seen the devaluation of RECs (Renewable Energy Credits.)  As a result the NW Solar Co-op is no longer able to offer payments to our clients for the green attributes of the energy made with small scale grid-tied PV systems.  We are unaware of any other markets for these RECs at the moment, so we offer no alternative buyers to you.  We think the most elegant solution will ultimately be for the utilities to buy the RECs from each grid-tied PV producer on their grid that is a willing seller.  Clallam PUD and larger utilities need the RECs to meet their I-937 mandates, the PUD already has a billing and payment system set up with each customer, and each customer already reports total solar PV production.

In November, we helped bring Jack Robertson, formerly of the BPA and now of the NW Hydrogen Alliance to address "Hydrogen Hubs" and ammonia as an energy storage technology.  It was an informative presentation, even though it may not be appropriate for our community at this time. 

On Friday, January 14, 2011, we are sponsoring Jim Hensen who will address National Energy Independence Issues and possible appropriate local responses.  Please view our events page for full details.  Hope to see you there.