Miller Community Center to pilot solar microgrid

The Miller Community Center will host a $3.3 million solar microgrid demonstration project, according to an announcement by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on Friday.

The microgrid is being funded by $1.8 million from Seattle City Light and $1.5 million from the Washington Department of Commerce’s Clean Energy Fund.

A news release states the microgrid should reduce the amount of electricity Seattle Parks and Recreation purchases from City Light by $4,000 annually, or about $70,000 over the 14-year life of the project. Installation is expected to start next year, after City Light establishes an engineering, procurement and construction contract.

The microgrid uses photovoltaic solar panels to capture and store energy in a large onsite commercial battery, according to the news release. City Light will test features and find new applications for the technology throughout the project.

“Seattle is a leader in climate change, and with this project, we are adding sustainable, emission-free energy to the community," Durkan said in a news release. “Protecting our environment and lowering operating costs of our facilities makes good economic sense and is an important step as we move towards becoming a green economy.”