Advancing Solar Energy in Washington State
Solar Washington is a non-profit organization comprised of people, companies, programs and organizations joining together to advance solar energy in Washington State. We are an association of solar energy equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, dealers, designers, installers, consultants, students, teachers, homeowners, and solar enthusiasts.
Through education and community involvement, we promote the development and effective use of solar energy and its contribution to the economic, environmental and social fabric of Washington State.
Here are a few of the many services, activities and programs offered by Solar Washington:
- Organize community outreach and educational activities
- Host periodic public meetings featuring presentations and lively discussion on all matters related to solar energy
- Provide helpful solar resources via our web site and social media channels
- Present the annual Washington State Solar Summit
A short history of Solar Washington:
The Solar Washington Association was officially formed as a Washington nonprofit corporation on June 20th, 2000. Originally intended to be a chapter of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a national trade alliance headquartered in Washington, DC., Solar Washington switched to become instead a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), a nonprofit established in 1954 to advocate for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy. To this day, Solar Washington has remained a chapter of ASES, while the Washington chapter of SEIA, WASEIA, was established as a separate 501(c)3 organization in 2013.
Like ASES, Solar Washington believes that knowledge and community are a powerful combination for change. Solar Washington endeavors to provide trusted, well-researched content and comprehensive, thoughtful perspectives, to nurture a transition to a more sustainable world. Solar Washington’s mission is to promote the sustainable development and equitable use of solar energy and its contribution to the economic, environmental and social fabric of Washington State through education and community involvement.
Solar Washington promotes:
• Clean energy to support resilient and sustainable communities in Washington
• Consumers making sound and informed decisions about solar
• An inclusive approach and access to research, development and new technologies
• The sharing of information, examples, and best practices to support a thriving industry
• A well-trained and diverse workforce providing fair services and products
Originally very focused on organizing gatherings of would-be solar consumers, giving talks, and displaying at fairs, Solar Washington has participated in the annual National Solar Tours since 2000 and is also the organizer since 2015 of the well-respected Solar Summit, the premier gathering place for anyone involved with solar in Washington. Solar Washington has trained industry personnel, helped in the development of educational curricula, and provided through different communication methods a wealth of information on funding, new technologies, and policies related to clean energy.
Over the years, the Solar Washington board has included the who’s who of solar energy in Washington. It has also diversified to include not only representatives of the solar industry, but also of other industries associated with solar, utilities, government, education, as well as solar consumers and solar enthusiasts.
While still mostly run by volunteers, the association employs an executive director who is responsible for the execution of the association’s business. Solar Washington is funded through sponsorships, memberships, donations, and the occasional grant.