In reference to a Peninsula Voices letter of Oct. 8 about Jim Waddell for his support to solar power in Clallam County, yes Jim lives in the county, and is well-informed about the untapped potential for solar power here.
A good example has been set by Germany, which is located some 200 miles north of us, similar to Calgary, Canada, and is certainly as cloudy and overcast.
With the rainshadow effect, Clallam likely has more sun.
Germany currently produces 10 percent to 12 percent of its energy from solar; we produce about 1 percent locally from solar.
That’s potential.
Local solar power systems provide inexpensive reliable energy to those who have them, and while the cost of this technology is steadily decreasing, its capability is increasing.
An important feature of locally produced power is the development of reliability and resiliency within our grid here on the Peninsula.
Clallam County is at the end of a long transmission line operated by the Bonneville Power Authority and the reliability in times of emergency or natural disaster is far from assured.
Individual and community solar power systems linked with micro grid technology offer the ability to provide locally sourced power to critical infrastructure and emergency response organizations such as medical, law enforcement, communications, search and rescue, etc.
The potential benefits for solar power are huge, and Jim Waddell has the vision and knowledge to promote its advantages for the benefit of PUD rate payers here on the Peninsula.
Paul V. Hansen,
Sequim