Examples of Sunergy Systems residential installations

We at The SunBreak are big proponents of solar energy, so we were excited to hear that Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED) is launching a drive to “solarize Seattle,” starting with the Queen Anne neighborhood and a partnership with Sustainable Queen Anne. (They have also partnered with the City of Seattle to win DOE funding for community solar–larger non-residential “co-op” installations that people can subscribe to receive power from.)

NW SEED hopes to roll out the Solarize program to two more neighborhoods in 2011, so let the online lobbying begin.

Solarize Queen Anne includes a registration process to determine which Queen Anne residents are interested in learning about solar power, workshops, and free site assessment from Ballard’s Sunergy Systems to see if solar power can light up your life effectively. Best case, you have a roof with tons of southern exposure, and that can handle a solar installation on top. 

What makes Solarize Queen Anne different than simply asking Sunergy Systems to install a few panels on your roof is that they’re leveraging community interest to make discounted bulk buys of materials. So in addition to a Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit, a Washington State Renewable Energy Production Incentive, and a Washington State sales tax exemption, participants will see bulk purchase savings.

You may have questions about solar energy in Seattle. It’s a little counterintuitive, but keep in mind that while there was actual sunshine this afternoon, in mid-December, where you might really send the meter spinning backwards (not that they do, anymore, it’s just an expression) is during our long summer days. And if you’re among the 500 people who have been without power all day, you might really appreciate the benefits to having your own power source.

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