Clark Public Utilities’ Operations Center

Project Partners: Clark Public Utilities Installer: Dynalectric Location: Vancouver, WA Capacity: 2.1 kW Type of Power: Solar Placed into Service: May 2005 Project Links: Clark Public Utilities

This beautiful project at the Clark Public Utilities' (CPU) Operations Center consists of two 1.1-kW photovoltaic arrays, each comprised of Sharp 140-watt and 70-watt modules. The innovative arrangement of these rectangular and triangular solar panels gives this installation its unique “sunflower” look. The project is designed to demonstrate CPU’s hook-up requirements for customers interested in installing their own solar generators. Visitors can view the output of the array in real-time, in person, or on-line. By activating additional loads on-site, customers can witness the direct impact of resistance loads on the output of the array.

This demonstration project will generate approximately 2,600 kilowatt-hours of pollution-free electricity per year, and is the direct result of the success of CPU's green power program, Green Lights. The solar electric system was funded by revenues from this voluntary program, which allows utility customers to purchase non-polluting, renewable energy supplied by BEF. Designed to demonstrate the viability of renewable resources in urban areas of the Pacific Northwest, this installation is the third in a series of local reinvestment projects made possible by the generous support of Green Lights customers. The Green Tags created by the project will be included in CPU’s Green Lights product, and revenues from the sale of this renewable electricity will be used to purchase more renewable energy and to fund more demonstration projects.