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.

July 8, 2013 General Meeting 6 pm at REI

The History of Solar in Washington

Join Solar Washington at 6 PM July 8th at the Seattle REI as we take a trip back in time. Presenters will look at the history of solar in Washington State and the influence that Solar Washington has had. Come reminisce about the days when a PV module cost over a thousand dollars and thin film was still vaporware.

Connect with those courageous few that pushed for net metering and had the wherewithal to push Olympia for solar incentives.

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.

Project of the Month - June 2013

The Bullitt Center – 244 kW Solar System Installation

Project Description:

The Bullitt Center, the greenest commercial building in the world, uses a 244kW rooftop photovoltaic “PV” system to produce as much electricity as the building and its tenants will use each year. The project is pursuing the ambitious Living Building Challenge 2.0.

One of the most notable aspects of The Bullitt Center will be achieving the goals of the Living Building Challenge (version 2.0), as described by the International Living Building Institute. To be certified as a Living Building, a structure is required to be self-sufficient for energy and water for at least 12 continuous months and to meet rigorous standards for green materials and for the quality of its indoor environment.

The PV system is a key element supplying the Net Zero Energy design. Constructing a rooftop array large enough to supply all electricity for a six story commercial facility is an accomplishment. The building, or rooftop footprint alone, was not enough area to accommodate the needed power rating. As such, over 20’ cantilevers were built beyond the structure’s walls on three sides to increase the solar array’s square footage and offer the power density needed for a complete annual electricity offset. The solar array is an iconic part of the building which can be seen from all over the city and stands out in the Capitol Hill skyline.

NW Wind & Solar is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in a project of this caliber. By recognizing the installation challenges, we invested our company’s resources and partnerships for the project, planning many months in advance and managing the project to optimize project safety, installation efficiency, system quality and long term reliability for the owner. NW Wind & Solar welcomed the many new challenges of this project and embraced the opportunity to learn new installation techniques and strategies that now make us a more professional and capable solar developer.