SnoPUD Hosts Annual Solar Homes Tour October 1

Source:  SnoPUD press release, September 21, 2011.

Local Residents Tap the Energy of the Sun:

Everett, WA – Learn how PUD customers are generating electricity by tapping the energy from the sun during the PUD-sponsored Solar Homes Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2011. The self-guided tour will feature more than a dozen homes in communities throughout Snohomish County and Camano Island.

“The solar tour provides a way to educate our customers about solar energy and its applications right here in Western Washington,” said PUD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Jessica Mitchell. “We’re proud to be a leader in the development of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest.”

There is no fee to visit the homes. You can pick-up hand-outs and general information at the PUD headquarters (2320 California Street in Everett) from 10 a.m. to Noon.

If you prefer not to stop at the PUD for information, you can get a list of homes on the tour by visiting the Solar Washington website at www.solarwashington.org. This list is updated whenever homeowners agree to be part of the tour, so please make sure you check it the day of the event for the most up-to-date details.

The PUD offers one of the most comprehensive solar energy programs in the Pacific Northwest. Through its Solar Express program local customers have installed more than 100 solar projects in the last two years.

Solar Express Cash Incentives/Loans:

Under the PUD’s Solar Express, residential customers can qualify for up to $2,500 for solar photovoltaic systems and commercial customers can qualify for up to $10,000. All customers with electric hot water systems can qualify for a $500 incentive for solar hot water systems. Residential customers may instead opt for a 2.9% APR loan up to $25,000 for photovoltaic systems and up to $14,000 for solar hot water systems. Customers also may qualify for additional federal tax credits and annual state production incentives.

For more information, call the PUD Energy Hotline at 425-783-1700 or visit www.snopud.com.