Snohomish County residents drawn to solar power

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - Solar energy is growing in Snohomish County with nearly 800 Public Utility District consumers who have installed solar systems.

The Daily Herald reports (https://bit.ly/1KfLDQy) the county’s utility district says solar energy capacity has increased by 70 percent in the past year.

The sudden boom can be attributed to plummeting solar system costs, which are now about half of what they were a few years ago.

The PUD also subsidizes customer-purchased systems through its Solar Express program, which offers technical assistance to help people install solar electric systems. Homeowners that qualify can earn up to $2,000, while qualifying businesses can get up to $8,000.

The utility district’s funding comes from its Planet Power program, which has supported over 30 small solar projects since 2009.

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Information from: The Daily Herald, https://www.heraldnet.com