The community being served is a rural, agricultural, and underserved area in Eastern Washington. There are local policies supporting solar energy implementation, including the USDA REAP grant and a statewide 100% sales tax exemption.
The primary challenge was to identify the optimal location for solar installation near a large service area capable of accommodating a substantial solar array and facilitating aggregation with other meters. The utility’s net-metering and aggregation policy required that all involved meters be situated on the same parcel and adhere to the same schedule rate. This stipulation had complicated the efforts to achieve optimal net-metering and aggregation, which were essential for justifying the investment in solar energy, particularly in Eastern Washington.
Another significant issue was locating suitable real estate within the farm to accommodate the large solar array while ensuring proximity to other services with the same schedule rate for aggregation. Most available spaces were either occupied by milk barns, which had unsuitable roofs for solar panels, or grass land that was used as pasture for livestock or for compost recycling. This situation made it challenging to find a solution that would be both cost-effective and efficient in terms of return on investment (ROI).
In addition to the financial and technical challenges, we also had to manage the environmental considerations, ensuring that our installation process not only adhered to local guidelines, but preserved that natural habitat. As mentioned earlier, most of the open land is used as pasture, feeding ground for livestock and compost recycling that needed to be preserved. This involved implementing measures to minimize disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. By taking these proactive steps, we were able to maintain a balance between advancing renewable energy goals and preserving the natural landscape.
In 2023, with the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act under the Biden administration, provided a timely financial incentive, making the project more feasible. The USDA REAP grant not only reduced the financial burden but also allowed for a comprehensive approach to the installation.
The entire process, from securing the necessary approvals to justifying the return on investment, spanned almost four years. The actual installation, however, was completed in a little over four months.
Ultimately, the project’s success can be attributed to a combination of innovative engineering, rigorous planning, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. This approach not only met the client’s immediate energy needs but also positioned them for future growth and adaptation in an evolving energy landscape.
The successful completion of this project hinged not only on technical expertise but also on strong collaboration and clear communication with all stakeholders. Our team worked closely with the client, local authority and utility company to ensure that each phase of the installation was meticulously coordinated. This level of cooperation was essential in overcoming the logistical and regulatory hurdles that inevitably arise in large-scale solar projects.
Collaborating with Kinter Electric (installer) & Ranch Owner on the megawatt-scale solar project was an immensely fulfilling endeavor, highlighting our proficiency in executing large-scale solar installations.”
Syed Mujtaba, Solora Solar
Environmental effect: System Production ~1.4GWh/year (NREL)
Washington’s farming industry, despite facing unique climatic challenges, particularly during the winter season with only 5-6 hours of sunlight, finds solar energy to be a highly viable option. Contrary to the misconception that Washington lacks sufficient sunlight, Summer daylight can extend up to 16 hours, providing ample solar exposure. Remarkably, Washington receives more sunlight than some European countries, making solar energy a practical and efficient solution.
- Project location: Mabton, WA
- EPC: Solora Solar
- Installer: Kinter Electric
- Commission date: 12/27/2024
- System specification:
| Product | Brand | Model | Quantity | Total Power |
| Inverter | GoodWe, USA & Solis, USA | |||
| Solar panels | Axitec AXI550 | 550W, Bi-facial | 1850 | 1018kW (DC) |
| Racking | Unirac, | Ground Mount ULA, GFT |
About Solora Solar:
Solora Solar was established in 2005 in Yakima, WA to serve rural communities. The company specializes in solar energy systems for residential, commercial, on-grid, hybrid, and off-grid applications. It also has experience in obtaining USDA REAP grants and community solar grants.