SUN & WIND NEWSLETTER  
Renewable Energy News & Events on and around Whidbey Island
October, 2006

National Solar Tour
The annual National Solar Tour, October 7th, was a success. We had over a hundred visitors to my home and our adjacent office. Others on the Whidbey Tour reported a similar response. Thanks to those of you who generously opened your homes to show people your sustainable systems. Remember, the “Solar” homes and businesses on the tour demonstrate, passive solar, recycled building materials, low-water use and other sustainable living techniques, in addition to solar, wind and other renewable energy production. We hope to have many more more sites on Whidbey, Fidalgo, and Guemes Islands for next year’s Solar Tour on October 6th, 2007. The Solar Tour is sponsored nationally by the American Solar Energy Society and statewide by Solar Washington, www.solarwashington.org http://www.solarwashington.org .


We’re Hiring
Our Office Manager, Penny Gutzmer, has been a great asset since joining us almost a year ago. In that time Penny has guided us through incorporation, organized our accounting, and generally tamed the entropy here. Unfortunately, Penny is moving away L. We would love to clone Penny before she moves but, unfortunately, the technology isn’t ready, yet. We’re looking for a highly organized, energetic person who is passionate about helping to create a sustainable world and who can continue the excellent work that Penny has done in our office. The position, available immediately, will require 4 to 5 days per week, but could start at 3 days per week initially. We would love to bring someone on board as soon as possible to cross-train with Penny before she leaves the Island.
 
A full job description for the Office Manager position is available on our website, at http://www.whidbeysunwind.com/officemanager.html  Or, we will email you the description by request from info@whidbeysunwind.com.


Incentives for RE
Two new major financial incentives for renewable energy were approved last year.
The 30%Federal Tax Credits are  for solar electric and for solar water heating systems. The tax credits are capped at $2000 for each type of system for residences. There is no cap for commercial systems. The tax credits are currently authorized for systems installed in 2006 and 2007.
 
The Washington State renewable energy production incentives, the most progressive in the United States, are based on actual production of our electricity-grid-tied solar and wind power systems. For solar photovoltaic, wind, or anaerobic digester (methane) power production that is connected to the power grid the incentive, administered by our utility companies, is 15 cents/KWH, or about double what we pay to buy electric power. If the inverter used in the system is made in WA the payment is 18 cents/KWH. Customers with existing grid-connected solar and/or wind power systems will need to install, or swap out your existing “green tags” meter for, a (utility-owned) production meter to participate in the program.  Green-tag meters installed inside, or otherwise not to the utility standards, will need to be relocated.  
 
Other incentives include State sales tax exemption for solar and wind power, and solar water heating systems, rebate from PSE for solar power systems, and selling “green tags” are still available. However, green tags contracts may soon become no longer be available. You can see the full list of current incentives available on our website.


Events
There were many events showcasing renewable energy this year in our region. Because we’ve been so busy this year we weren’t able to let you know beforehand, directly. However, we’ll list upcoming events on our website in future.
 
Next year here are a few events you can look forward to:

• Solar Energy International offers renewable energy workshops on Guemes Island in April and October. April’s workshops include an off-grid wind power system, commercial hot water system, and a build-your-own wind turbine workshop. Find out more at www.solarenergy.org http://www.solarenergy.org .
• The annual Sound Waters one-day “University” will be held Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 in Coupeville. I will be giving a presentation on renewable energy systems appropriate for Northwest, with plenty of time for questions. There are many other great  classes available.  Find out more from the WSU Island County Extension office, www.island.wsu.edu.
• The Shoreline Renewable Energy Fair is a great, local (regional) event to check out the gear, ask questions and attend workshops. This year’s Fair had several thousand visitors. In mid-July. www.shorelinesolar.org http://www.shorelinesolar.org .
• The Northwest Renewable Energy Fair happens every year in Walla Walla, in September. A great opportunity to tour the huge Stateline Wind Farm.