Even with a reputation of gray skies in western Washington, solar energy works. More and more Puget Sound Energy (PSE) electric customers are turning to solar arrays to help generate clean, renewable energy at their homes, businesses and public buildings. As of this week, that number hit 3,000.

“Solar equipment has become increasingly affordable, and that’s a main reason we’re seeing a greater number of customers determining now’s a good time to make the investment,” said Jake Wade, manager of PSE’s solar program. “And the benefits can be seen immediately.”

In PSE’s service area, residential customers make up roughly 90 percent of those with solar arrays; the remaining 10 percent are commercial properties and municipal locations, such as a library or a city building.