It was a challenge putting together today's news story, on page A1, about the incentives offered to businesses or homeowners installing solar energy panels. A challenge because there's a good deal of variety and complexity among the federal and state incentives.

One very helpful website for those interested in all those incentives and options is www.dsireusa.org. The name stands for Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. Good site.

Some numbers that came from the research:

•    The state of Washington has 3,020 approved solar systems at present, which covers both homes, community projects and businesses. The state's incentives include rebates for amount of solar energy produced per year, plus a waiver on purchases of equipment if the goods are made in this state.
•    Avista Utilities has signed interconnect contracts with 121 customers in Eastern Washington, and 29 in its Idaho service area.  Of the 121, 98 are residential, 23 are business, according to spokesman Dan Kolbet.

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