Solar Washington

Welcome

Solar Washington is a nonprofit organization composed of people, companies, programs and organizations working to advance the solar industry in our state. We are an association of solar energy equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, dealers, designers, installers, consultants, students, teachers, and solar enthusiasts. Through education and networking, we promote the development and effective use of solar and renewable energy with concern for the economic, environmental and social fabric of Washington.

Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Use Tax Exemption Due to Expire

(May 10, 2013)-The Washington State Department of Revenue has recently issued a special notice regarding the expiration of the sales tax exemption on solar systems and labor charges to install qualified equipment. Click to read the full release from the DoR.

For machinery and equipment purchases to qualify, the machinery and equipment must be received by the buyer on or before June 30, 2013. For labor and service charges to qualify, the machinery and equipment must be installed by June 30, 2013.

WA State Solar PV Installations for First Quarter-2013

Data has been made available reflecting first quarter solar PV installations in the accompanying graph courtesy of Phil Lou, Solar Energy Specialist for the Washington State University Energy Program.

Project of the Month - May 2013

The Benny's Renewable Remodel

In late 2008 we realized the opportunity to remodel and move into a home that had been in our family since the late 1950's. We wanted to incorporate the latest energy conscious design elements into the home construction itself and add alternative energy to complement the home's design. The site for the home is situated on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound and is an ideal site for alternative energy, both solar electric and wind energy. Our interest in wind energy led us to meet with Keith Hughes of West Seattle Natural Energy, one of the few people at the time that was well versed on the wind technology available. Keith gave us good counsel on both solar and wind energy alternatives, Seattle City Light rebates, tax credits, etc.

As we progressed through the selection of an architect, we envisioned both solar electric panels and a wind turbine as the ways that we would implement alternative energy. These elements were incorporated into the design criteria of the house, guiding the design to take best advantage of the house site. Keith Hughes of West Seattle Natural Energy worked with us on the best facing of the roofs and provided prewiring specifications so that we could incorporate the appropriate wiring, production meter bases, etc., into the home during construction. Keith also provided information needed to prepare the site for a mast mounted wind turbine.

New Report Highlights Washington’s Solar Potential

Environment Washington

Environment Washington announced Thursday, April 11 the release of its new report illustrating how Washington could be doing more to develop solar energy in our state. The report calls for the equivalent of 150,000 solar homes by 2020 in order to create clean energy, cut carbon pollution and boost our economy.

During a press conference held Thursday, Environment Washington's Program Associate, Robb Krehbiel, explained how Washington receives 30% more sunlight than Germany and called on Governor Inslee to develop a set of smart solar policies that would enable 5.5% of Washington's electricity to come from the sun by 2025. Additionally, Howard Lamb, President of Sunergy Systems and Policy Chair for Solar Washington, expressed the need for all solar stakeholders to work together in developing good policy that will keep money and jobs in Washington. Finally, Seattle City Councilmember Mike O'Brien and Joe Deets of Community Energy Solutions made it clear that the people of Washington are ready for more solar, and will support good solar policy with their votes.

Link to full press release and full report