Will PUD solar array project take 45 years for payback?

I read the recent article about the solar energy project and my skepticism kicked in when I read that the project will cost $668,000 and generate 145,000 kWh of energy annually (“Solar array in south Everett will have energy to power 40 homes,” The Herald, April 12).

The cost of power from the PUD is complicated a little by the imposition of a daily rate charge but after that the cost is 10.263 cents per kWh used per the PUD’s website. That works out to $14,881.35 for 145,000 kWh which calculates to a payback period of almost 45 years assuming no maintenance costs and no degradation of the panels’ output.

Surely there must be more to the story or a major mistake in the facts given?

Rob Relf

Bothell