Volume 36 - September 2025

Your September News & Updates

Sessions Have Been Announced:

  • Session 1: Powering Sovereignty: Tribal Clean Energy Case Studies
  • Session 2: What Remains of Federal and State Financing and Incentives?
  • Session 3: Deconstructing Community Solar in WA for Broader Adoption
  • Session 4: Dual-Use Solar in Washington: How Do You Like Them Apples?
  • Session 5: Microgrids--From Backup to Backbone
  • Session 6: Grid Pro Quo: Valuing Customer Solar on Utility System


Check out our event website for full schedule

There is Still Time To Support the Summit

Your support keeps this vital statewide conversation moving forward while showcasing your commitment to solar in Washington. This year’s theme, Advancing Solar in a Time of Uncertainty, will bring together leaders across the solar industry, government, tribes, nonprofits, utilities, and educators to shape the future of clean energy in our state.


Your sponsorship ensures that this important conversation—on policy, technology, workforce, and community engagement—continues to thrive in Washington State.


We are seeking a few final sponsors to help make this milestone event possible:


  • Evening Reception Sponsor — $3,000 Support the Summit’s networking reception and receive premier recognition throughout the event, on our website, and in outreach to hundreds of solar professionals.
  • Silver Sponsors — $2,500 Enjoy strong visibility with logo placement, program recognition, and the opportunity to connect directly with Washington’s solar leaders.
  • Bronze Sponsors — $1,500 Gain recognition as a supporter of Washington’s solar future and be part of an event that drives collaboration, innovation, and growth.


Sign up on our website or email for more information

Join Our Team — Volunteer at the 2025 Solar Summit!

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Are you passionate about solar energy, eager to support community engagement, or want to gain hands-on experience at a leading industry event?


We’d love for you to join us as a Volunteer at the 20th Annual Washington State Solar Summit, hosted by Solar Washington on October 24, 2025, at South Seattle Community College.


Why Volunteer?


  • Be part of a milestone event: The Summit, titled Advancing Solar in a Time of Uncertainty, offers an invaluable platform for discussion, collaboration, and innovation in Washington’s solar sector .
  • Gain meaningful experience: Assist with event logistics, attendee check-in, room coordination, speaker support, and more—perfect for building event planning or energy-sector resumes.
  • Connect and learn: Network with industry leaders—manufacturers, install teams, utilities, policymakers, tribes, nonprofits, and educators—while deepening your understanding of solar trends and policy landscapes .
  • Extra perks: Enjoy Summit access (subject to volunteer role and availability), breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and community recognition.

Featured Article: Community Solar Delivers Broad Financial and Environmental Benefits

The first community solar project in the US was in Washington state, and projects that have rolled out since then provide financial benefits to community members whether or not they have rooftop solar panels. While innovation has expanded the range of benefits, changes under consideration could change community solar significantly. 


Keep reading

Webinar: Homes with Solar

Photo by Jack Blueberry on Unsplash


This webinar by Solar WA Board Vice President Dever Haffner-Ratliffe goes over what you need to know whether you are shopping for your next home or thinking of selling your current solar equipped home.


Friday, September 26th, 12pm-1pm on Zoom


Learn about the basics of solar energy in Washington State and specific factors to keep in mind when selling or purchasing a home with an installed solar system, such as:


-How solar works in Washington

-Evaluating value

-Essential paperwork to review

-Potential encumbrances

-Maintenance and warranties


*While the webinar focuses on Washington State laws and examples, the information is relevant in other states.


Register Now

Solar in Action: MLK Family Outreach Center Resiliency Hub

Avista Utilities is partnering with the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center and the City of Spokane to build the first neighborhood community resiliency hub in the East Central District. The project is designed to back the existing year-round mission of providing food bank services, childcare services, and support for families that strengthen community connections and the ability to endure extreme weather events.


Keep reading

Member Spotlight: Dan LeFree, CPA

This month, Solar Washington interviewed Dan LeFree, President and CEO of Community 1st Credit Union and Solar Washington Board member.


Solar Washington: How did you become interested in solar? 


Dan LeFree: I became interested in solar about a dozen years ago. I was engaged to provide consulting services for a local credit union. Their new CEO wanted to build upon the credit union's green lending program to finance solar, energy storage and other green home improvements and to fight global warming. I helped him to develop fair and transparent lending products that fit the needs of homeowners. When I saw the success of that program I knew that we had developed something really special.


Keep reading

Solar Washington

Clean Energy Jobs



Visit the job page on the Solar Washington website for more information and the newest listings

Upcoming Events

  • 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 13-21 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.

(9/13) Vancouver: SunDay Third Act at the Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair

(9/21) Yakima: Sun Day Celebration of Solar Power and Electric Vehicles

(9/21) Port Angeles: Sun Day: A Celebration of Renewable Energy

(9/21) Tacoma: Sun Day Celebration at The Mountaineers

(9/21) Bremerton: Sun Day

(9/21) Bainbridge Island: Sun Day

Newsworthy:



Help Us Advance Solar Energy in Washington

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Become a member and help us move Washington towards our vision of 100% clean energy


We rely on the financial support from individuals and companies to help us provide solar educational resources to the public and industry personnel.

Your support goes directly to our ability to offer the programs and resources that are important to you as a homeowner, industry professional, business owner, and solar advocate.

Thank you to our Sponsors!
Gigawatt Sponsors:
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Kilowatt Sponsors: