Sun-Powered Washington: How Many Solar Plants Light Up the Evergreen State?
(How Many Solar Power Plants Are In Washington State)
Washington State is famous for its evergreen forests, coffee culture, and yes, a lot of rain. But hidden beneath those cloudy skies is a growing network of solar power plants. You might wonder—how many of these sun-powered hubs actually exist here? Let’s dig in.
First, solar energy in Washington isn’t as rare as you’d think. The state ranks 24th in the U.S. for solar capacity. It’s not Arizona or California, but it’s climbing. As of 2023, Washington has over 30 solar power plants. These range from small community projects to larger utility-scale setups. The exact number shifts as new projects pop up.
Why build solar in a place known for rain? Washington gets about 200 sunny days a year. That’s more than Germany, a global solar leader. Panels here work efficiently even on cloudy days. Think of it like sunscreen—you still need it when it’s overcast. Plus, state incentives make solar attractive. Programs like the Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive help cut costs for builders and homeowners.
Most solar plants in Washington are modest. The majority produce under 5 megawatts (MW). For scale, a single megawatt can power around 160 homes. Bigger projects exist too. The Teanaway Solar Project in Cle Elum generates 28 MW. It’s one of the state’s largest, built on 36 acres. Another notable site is the Wild Horse Solar Facility near Ellensburg. It mixes solar with existing wind turbines, showing how renewables can team up.
Community solar is also booming. These projects let locals buy into shared solar arrays. No rooftop panels needed. Over 15 community solar gardens operate statewide. Seattle City Light, for example, runs several. Subscribers get credits on their bills. It’s like a solar co-op for cloudy days.
But challenges linger. Washington’s hydropower supplies 70% of its electricity. Solar’s role is smaller, but growing. Critics argue the climate isn’t ideal. Supporters counter that solar diversifies the energy mix. It also creates jobs. The solar workforce here grew 12% last year.
Geography plays a role too. Eastern Washington gets more sun than the rainy west. Most big solar farms cluster there. Counties like Yakima and Kittitas lead the pack. Urban areas focus on rooftop solar. Seattle’s Bullitt Center, a “living building,” runs entirely on its solar panels.
The state aims for 100% clean electricity by 2045. Solar will help hit that goal. New projects are in the works. A 150 MW plant is planned for Klickitat County. If approved, it’ll be Washington’s biggest.
(How Many Solar Power Plants Are In Washington State)
So, next time you’re sipping coffee under a gray sky, remember—Washington’s solar scene is brighter than it looks. Rain or shine, the Evergreen State is quietly harnessing the sun.
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