From perovskite panels to foldable as well as bifacial panels, innovation abounds in solar. Much of it is still nascent, though, so the key question for installers and consumers or businesses is whether to install panels now or wait for something better. The piece will look at innovations in solar, cost-benefit, and whether to wait for the innovations to be more readily available.

Note: This is an update to our January 2024 story.

Keep reading

Solar Washington’s mission is to educate people about the benefits of solar energy, including the general public, installers, manufacturers, non-profit organizations, and government entities. To accomplish this, we need a diverse group of volunteers to help us identify the topics that need to be shared and the individuals who can effectively convey them.

If you have an interest in spreading the word about solar in this way, we would love to have you join our Education and Communication Committee. Please email info@solarwa.org or let us know on our contact page.

Not a member yet? Sign up on our website

This month, Solar Washington interviewed Thomas Honles, Public Works Engineer with Island County, Washington and Solar Washington Board member.

Solar Washington: How did you become interested in solar? 

Thomas Honles: Solar energy has been an interest of mine since my youth. My early experiences seeing my Dad waiting in long lines to fill up the gasoline tank in the family car, on the assigned day of the week, at the gas station during the energy crisis in the late 1970s formed my awareness of over reliance on fossil fuels and got me thinking about "sustainability" before that term became common usage. I was eager to learn about the environment, energy sources, and solar energy, such as solar thermal systems used for hot water and also solar photovoltaics used for spacecraft. Incidentally, my amateur interest in astronomy heightened my awareness of the tremendous power of the Sun, and of solar energy. The energy from the sun seemed essentially limitless, and much kinder to the environment than burning fossil fuels like gasoline.

Keep reading

Clean Energy Jobs (go to the job page on the Solar Washington website for more information and the newest listings)

• Aerotek, Snohomish, Solar O2 Electrician
• Ambia, Seattle, Solar MPU Electrician
• Capstone Solutions, Lacey, Roof Tech - Solar Division
• City of Bellevue, Bellevue, Sustainability Coordinator
• Ecotech Solar, Bellingham:
• Business Development Lead
• Commercial Electrician
• PV Installation Professional
• Granite, Yakima, Project Manager 1 - Solar
• NextEra Energy, Olympia, PV Solar Field Technician Sr- ROI Solar Operations
• Purelight Power, Fife, Solar Repair Technician
• Reunion, Seattle, Account Executive, Business Development
• Silfab Solar, Burlington, 13 Open Positions
• Solterra, Seattle, Solar Installer with Roofing Experience

Upcoming Events

• Aug 16, The Burien Solar Punk Festival, empowers local community by showcasing local, eco-friendly businesses and connecting them to the community as potential employers
• Sept 15-19 National Clean Energy Week, an annual week-long celebration of clean energy innovation and help solve the world’s most pressing challenges in clean energy technologies. 
• Sept 21, Sun Day, a day of action celebrating solar and wind power. Build, rally, sing, and come together in the communities that we need to get laws changed and work done.
• Oct 3-5 ASES National Solar Tour, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the National Solar Tour centers around neighborhood discussions about solar.
• Oct 25, Solar Washington's 2025 Solar Summit to be held at South Seattle Community College. Register Now! Early bird registration pricing has been extended to August 15th.