Greenbank solar project unveiling set

Published 12:39 pm Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Lawmakers and community leaders are slated to celebrate the Greenbank Farm’s latest project.

A ribbon cutting event is scheduled Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. at the Greenbank Farm, which is owned by the Port of Coupeville.

Jim Patton, executive director for the port, said Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard, State Rep. Norma Smith, commissioners for the Port of Coupeville, Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson and a delegation from Puget Sound Energy are scheduled to attend the celebration of the array.

Construction recently finished on solar panels that will produce 25.1 kilowatt hours. Those panels are located in the field between the farm buildings and the animal pastures.

Island Community Solar raised $250,000, a $25,000 grant came from Puget Sound Energy, and land and infrastructure was provided by the Port of Coupeville.

The installation of the panels is complete and it was connected to the power grid June 29.

Officials are already pleased with its performance.

“Even when it was cloudy, it was pumping out a lot of juice,” Patton said.

He said workers are almost finished installing the educational kiosk that will detail aspects of the solar project.

Following the ribbon cutting, the commissioners for the Port of Coupeville will hold its monthly meeting.