• The most common in the Puget Sound area is a directly grid-connected system. It provides power to the utility grid to be reallocated to points of need. The utility monitors the power produced by the system and buys the power from the producer at excellent rates on an annual basis.
• The second type of system stores the excess energy in batteries that can be used for specific critical loads in case of a blackout, This system tops off the batteries when there is sunlight and directs excess power to the utility grid, as in the first case.

In both systems, in the daytime, when excess power is being produced, the electric meter of the customer/producer actually runs in reverse, thereby lowering the cost of the power used throughout the year.

These systems may qualify for state sales tax relief, US tax credits and other subsidies.

Commercial

PV systems for commercial applications are generally larger and produce higher peak power (7-10kWh). Most are extensive roof-top arrays built for heavy use.

Rural

As the name indicates, these solar systems are designed to address agricultural needs, such as running farm machinery, charging tractors, supporting manufacturing/food processing equipment, etc.

There are two types of systems, both "grid-interactive": The most common, is a directly grid-connected system. It provides power to the utility grid to be reallocated to points of need. The utility monitors the power produced by the system and buys the power from the producer on an annual basis.

The second type of system stores the excess energy in batteries that can be used for specific critical loads in case of a blackout, This system tops off the batteries when there is sunlight and directs excess power to the utility grid, as in the first case.

Rural PV systems like these may qualify for subsidies from the US Department of Agriculture, state sales tax relief and other subsidies.

Community Solar Program

If you are interested in investing in the incentives and benefits of a photovoltaic electric system but you do not own a home or business where you can build a photovoltaic system call us and we can help to design an array that is designed for dual use such as the innovative solar picnic shelters for Seattle's first Community Solar installation at Jefferson Park.

We can show you using our industry leading licensed Ongrid.net analysis software to show you how the federal, state & local incentives for this type of community investment can work giving you the highest return on investment (ROI) in the nation.

One of the many utilities that participate in the Community Solar project is Seattle City Light. They have written a clear description of the way that the community solar system works by comparing it to the P-Patch program, go to Community Solar Project.

Download a pdf about this program from the State of Washington Department of Revenue web site.