Quick Fact – Decatur Island Solar Expansion
On May 8, 2026:
- San Juan County Hearing Examiner Gary N. McLean officially approved the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the project, finding that all requirements were found to be met.
- McLean approval was based on his extensive review of the site plan, critical area and wetland delineation, National Environmental Policy Act, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), a stormwater plan, Cultural Resources Assessment, clearing and grading checklist, land use checklist, native landscaping plan and public comments from environmental groups and others in opposition and support of the project.
- McLean also reviewed two SEPA appeals that had been filed against the project by some Decatur islanders opposed to the project. McLean denied both appeals, noting that the appellants failed to meet their legal burden on every single issue.
- OPALCO looks forward to working with the community as the project proceeds.
Why Local, Renewable Energy
- The two submarine cables serving the San Juan Islands are reaching the end of their useful lives and are at capacity. Any load growth will be extremely difficult to serve from the mainland.
- Hydropower that historically supplied most of the Pacific Northwest’s electricity is at capacity. Coal plants are shutting down. Natural gas comes with a carbon penalty.
- Washington State law mandates cleaner electricity — the grid is changing whether or not we build local generation.
- OPALCO can lock in lower solar rates now, while mainland power costs continue to climb.
- Given our remote island location, local renewable generation is the best available path to clean, affordable, reliable power.
- The region cannot simultaneously:
- Increase demand
- Restrict mainland imports
- Oppose local generation
- And still expect reliable, affordable power
What is the project:
In March 2025, OPALCO acquired 19 acres adjacent to its existing substation on Decatur Island to expand its Community Solar program. Project stats include:
- 2.5 MW DC (~1.8 MW AC) solar array
- 8.2 acres
- 2,840 MWh/year production
- 4,100 panels (580W Qcell)
- Total solar proposed will not exceed the projected increase in electricity demand from Decatur’s own growth (20–30% more homes over the next decade).
- OPALCO is not burdening Decatur with generation intended for the rest of the county.
Why this site:
- OPALCO has maintained a substation on Decatur for decades. Expanding adjacent to existing infrastructure minimizes both environmental impact and cost.
- The property OPALCO acquired had already been logged multiple times. Many trees are young or moderate in size, with areas of wind damage, tree root disease, and thick underbrush that increases wildfire risk.
- Much of the parcel was previously used for industrial storage.
- As part of the project, OPALCO committed to removing 16 derelict vehicles, boats, and appliances from the property.
- Power generated on Decatur flows first to Decatur — serving the community that hosts the project.
OPALCO must provide power:
- San Juan County keeps issuing new building permits. OPALCO is legally obligated to provide reliable power — and has zero authority to stop permits from being issued.
- Every new permit typically means tree clearing for roads, driveways, and septic systems.
- The County continues approving growth while simultaneously making local energy generation harder to permit.
- San Juan County’s own Comprehensive Plan projects ~24% population growth by 2045 — meaning more homes, more electricity demand, and more need for the infrastructure OPALCO is obligated to provide. There’s no new hydro from the mainland. And the Comp Plan calls for reducing our dependence on the mainland and increasing local renewable energy.
Community Commitments:
- Site evaluations of alternate areas on Decatur Island
- Landscaping around the Decatur Substation and proposed construction areas on the road front
- Removal of Derelict Vehicles – 16 vehicles total include 3 boats and further site cleanup
- Water access for fire suppression and miscellaneous site purposes and continued use by the Decatur Fire Brigade of the structures on property.
- Removal of County Parcel Proposed Solar from Plans
- Provide environmental, permit, and mitigation plans:
-
- Site design
- Critical Area and Wetland Delineation Report
- NEPA Compliance Documentation
- SEPA Checklist
- Clearing and Grading Plan
- Landscaping Plan
- Forest Health Report
- Stormwater Plan
- Construction plan & timeline
- Fire Mitigation Plan
-
- Cover the 30% Load Growth for Decatur Island
Renewable Energy Survey Results:
- 82% support expanding renewable generation
- 71% support solar projects with reasonable environmental and aesthetic measures
- 60% support flexible land-use policies for renewable projects
- Full survey results
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