Why is OPALCO exploring this project?

The energy world is changing dramatically due to climate impacts, carbon reduction legislation, and the transition toward renewable power. The goal of our state and nation is to transition away from fossil fuels and heat our homes and fuel our cars, trucks and ferries using clean electricity. This lofty goal is proving to be highly challenging.

The hydropower systems that have historically supplied most of the Pacific Northwest’s electricity are at capacity, coal plants in the region are being shut down and natural gas generation comes with a carbon-based financial penalty. Our dilemma is figuring out how to satisfy increased demand for electricity while our supply of carbon-free firm power is shrinking. As more coal plants shut down and are replaced with intermittent resources (solar and wind), energy shortfalls are increasingly predicted. Given our remote location, our best bet for clean and affordable firm power is to build renewable generation projects locally.

The two submarine cables serving San Juan Islands are reaching their useful lives and are at capacity. While OPALCO can cover the current electrical demand, any load growth is going to be difficult to serve. Local generation will be essential to keep a safe and reliable grid.

OPALCO is looking at expanding its Community Solar on Decatur Island. In March 2025, OPALCO acquired 19-acres adjacent to its current property on Decatur Island. The project will expand the solar site with additional Community Solar shares that members can purchase and benefit from the solar energy. OPALCO will be able to utilize Department of Commerce grants funds to install solar that will directly benefit low-income community members throughout San Juan County.

OPALCO is not planning to overburden Decatur with solar generation needed for the rest of San Juan County. If we added up all the solar generation currently proposed for Decatur (existing, plus planned), the total kWh generation could offset Decatur’s projected increase in electric usage (>30%).

OPALCO is a non-profit cooperative, and we rely on the members to ensure we can fulfill our mission to provide reliable power to everyone in San Juan County. We abide by the 7 cooperative principles and remain committed to serving all of the membership.