State Officials OK Utility’s Community Solar Project

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — State officials have approved a utility company's application to build a solar power project southeast of Boise funded by customers who take out subscriptions.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission late last week approved Idaho Power's application for the 500-kilowatt solar project that would be the state's first utility-owned solar power production facility.

The so-called "community solar project" that can power about 730 homes aims to attract customers who can't install solar panels on their homes because they rent, live in communities with rules prohibiting solar panels or have houses shaded by trees.

Most of the project's $1.2 million construction cost would be paid by customers who take out subscriptions at $562 apiece. The project is expected to be completed in June.