Community Solar & Renewable Energy Options
Avista has been focused on environmentally sustainable practices for the majority of its 130-year history. Community Solar and Solar Select are two of many Avista projects dedicated to renewable energy. Renewable energy options are a perfect solution for people who don’t have homes suitable for solar panels (including renters) or those who don't want the burden of owning and maintaining a system.
Interested in participating in future community solar programs? Send us an email.
What is Community Solar?
When Avista's Community Solar project was launched in 2015 in the Spokane Valley, the 423 solar array was the largest of its kind, producing enough electricity to power 68 homes annually. Community solar allows people to own a small stake in a large solar array while saving money on utility bills. During the program, it’s estimated more than 4.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide will be offset, which equates to 6,408 trees grown for 10 years. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the program is sold out.
How does Community Solar work?
Community solar arrays don’t physically power individual homes and businesses. Rather, the energy goes to the Avista electric grid on behalf of program participants, appearing as a monthly energy (kWh) credit on their utility bill.
What is Solar Select?
The Solar Select® program provides commercial and industrial electric customers in Washington the opportunity to acquire solar electricity and the associated Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) with no additional costs. The array is located in central Washington, in the heart of Adam's county, and includes more than 80,000 panels across 200 acres, estimating to generate 48,500,000 kWh’s of electricity annually – that’s enough to power up to 4,000 homes.
The project was built and developed as a part of growing demand from large business customers and both state and federal incentives were used to bring down the cost for the 60 customer participants. The project was so successful, it sold out in less than a day and is currently on a waitlist.
Solar Select Reservation Request
The Solar Select® program is currently fully subscribed. If you are interested in requesting your business be added to the waitlist, please send an email to solar@avistacorp.com.
Customer participants include a mix of businesses across Washington state, including:
- City of Spokane
- Huckleberry’s
- Inland Imaging
- Hotstart
- Gonzaga University
Look for the Solar Select window cling to identify other local business participants.