PORT TOWNSEND — A group that wants to build a solar array to power Jefferson County International Airport’s runway lights and beacon at no cost to the Port of Port Townsend received a warm and sunny reception from the port commissioners Wednesday.
Andy Cochrane, president of Port Townsend-based solar power company Power Trip Energy and a representative of Jefferson Solar Group, a consortium of solar energy interests on the North Olympic Peninsula, approached the port commissioners with a proposal to build a $100,000 array on the port-owned airport’s west side.
It would produce about 16,000 kilowatt-hours a year in what would be a public-private sector program.
The port commissioners directed staff members to write a proposed agreement with the group and bring it back to the commissioners as soon as possible.
The solar array would be located on a site of about 100 feet by 100 feet near the navigational beacon, where there are no trees to impede solar rays.
The project would cost the port nothing other than staff time to craft an agreement, Cochrane stressed.
Local green energy
“It’s a way for the port to demonstrate its commitment to local green energy,” Cochrane told the commissioners.
Cochrane was joined by Jefferson Solar Group members Crispin Hollinshead and Craig Weir.
Port Deputy Director Jim Pivarnik said the port would have to get Federal Aviation Administration approval.
Should the wheels of government turn without delays, construction of the solar array could begin as early as March.
“I’m impressed with the concept,” said port Commissioner John Collins.
Port Commissioner Herb Beck agreed.
One of first in state
Should the group secure port commissioner approval, it would install at the airport what could be one of the first community solar arrays in Washington state.
The project, made possible by state legislation passed in June, is 16 kilowatts in size and would primarily provide power to a new navigational beacon, which was recently installed, as well as runway landing lights and possibly other port facilities at the airport.
The solar array would be paid for by individual participants in the Jefferson Solar Group of 12, which as a business entity would contract with Power Trip Energy Corp. of Port Townsend to install the ground-mounted system.
Electricity from the array would be sold to the Port of Port Townsend at below the normal retail rate, Cochrane said.
Port gives group lease
In exchange for the savings on electricity, the port would extend a 10-year lease to the Jefferson Solar Group to operate the solar array.
At the end of the lease, the port would purchase the system for about one-third its original cost.
Cochrane estimated that would be about $35,000.
The array would be expected to continue producing power for another 20 or more years.
The lease-purchase option should return approximately $42,800 in electricity savings, Cochrane said.
“It’s really a win-win scenario for all parties involved,” Cochrane said.
“The Jefferson Solar Group members all receive a fair return on their investment. The port achieves savings on their utility bills, acquires renewable energy credits (carbon offsets) from the solar array, and demonstrates leadership as one of the first solar powered airports in the state.
“Finally, the community wins through increased generation of clean renewable energy and keeping more of their energy budget within the county.”
Port Executive Director Larry Crockett reminded the port commissioners that their strategic plan sets the goal for the port to take a leadership role in producing green energy in Jefferson County.
Crockett said the project would reduce the port’s carbon emissions, which is a stated goal of the Jefferson Climate Action Group, of which the port is a member.
Crockett also said he looks forward to having an airport with the first solar array in the state.
The project is structured to take advantage of all the available federal and state solar incentives.
The Jefferson Solar Group will qualify for a 30 percent federal income tax credit through the federal government.
If the Port of Port Townsend purchased the array outright, as a public entity it would be unable to use the tax credits.
The Jefferson Solar Group would also receive a state production incentive payment of 30 cents per kilowatt-hour each year for all the electricity generated by the system.
The group would receive 2 cents per kwh for selling the renewable energy credits from the array to the Port of Port Townsend so the airport can claim usage of “green electricity.”
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
