Installing Solar PV on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas and Islands Since 2003
Power Trip Energy is dedicated to improving the future of our community and our state through the use of solar energy technologies. We specialize in the design and installation of grid-tied solar PV systems on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, and have installed over 8 MW of grid-tied pv on over 1100 homes and small businesses since 2003. Call us to reduce your energy bills by harvesting the free and abundant solar energy that surrounds us.
Latest From The Blog…
2016 forecast – 2015 review
As we take off running into 2016, here is a brief look back at 2015. We are struck by the progress on several clean energy fronts in the second half of 2015.
The Paris Agreement represents unprecedented multi-national cooperation, and may finally be an initial international step in addressing the challenge of carbon emissions over the coming decades.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/dec/13/paris-climate-deal-cop-diplomacy-developing-united-nations
The EPA’s Clean Energy Plan announced in August will hasten the transition to non-carbon based electricity generation. This represents a significant increase in the EPA’s authority over state’s energy policies and fuel use, although it doesn’t dictate how states reduce CO2 emissions, just that they must reduce or they must pay to participate in carbon reduction markets. This will be a long and winding legal road through numerous court challenges, but certainly represents a progressive step towards cleaner air. http://www.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan
Some Net Metering News from Various States
“Net Metering” describes the relationship between a utility and its customer when the customer has rooftop solar that is sometimes feeding the grid in addition to supporting their own loads, and the customer is compensated at the same rate as they are charged per kwh consumed or provided. In Washington, we have a net metering law requiring utilities to accept net metering systems up to a total capacity of 0.5% of the 1996 peak load. For more info read here https://powertripenergy.com/solar-faq/
Many utilities are now reaching that level, and due to the PR efforts of national electric industry interests, some local utilities are using language they have heard which threatens solar here in Washington. Increasing the legislative caps on net metering is crucially important to allowing private individuals the freedom to invest their own funds in upgrading their house with solar, and being compensated at a fair rate for the clean electricity they provide to the utility. Unfortunately the legislature has had a difficult time addressing this issue, even though the present cap of 0.5% of a peak load from 20 years ago is miniscule.
Here is how three other states are faring, based on recent news:
“To all the employees of Power Trip Energy! Thanks for the awesome solar installation, you have motivated me to save more energy and promote solar power even more.”
“By generating our own clean electricity, our family is reducing air pollution while being energy independent. And we’re doing it now so that our children can inherit a better world.”
“It’s been great to work with you all, from the office support to the sales staff, all the way through the electricians and the guys on the job. We couldn’t ask for more!”
