Puget Sound Solar and Artisan Electric have installed a 4.4kW Itek Energy PV system on the Highland Park Improvement Club building, and it cost HPIC nothing.
The donated solar electric system serves as a community award for participation in Solarize Southwest, a project of Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED) and Seattle City Light that is designed to accelerate solar energy installations through a group purchase of solar electric systems at a discounted price. Participants in the project attend a free public workshop to learn how solar energy works in Seattle and to qualify for a free site assessment for their home or business.
The solar electric system was donated by Puget Sound Solar and Artisan Electric, the Solarize Southwest project’s competitively-selected solar installation team, when more than 50 project participants sign contracts to install solar. HPIC was selected by the Solarize Southwest Community Coalition, a volunteer group of individuals who led the award selection process. The competitive application process took into account the suitability of the facility to generate solar electricity on site and to serve as a public educational tool.
“A solar photovoltaic system would not only help HPIC to be more energy efficient,” says HPIC President Rhonda Smith, “but would also provide additional learning and teaching opportunities.”
The donated solar electric system includes all equipment and labor required for a rooftop installation, in addition to 10 years of maintenance service (the system itself has a life expectancy of at least 25 years). The award is approximately a $19,000 value and will provide the host organization with an additional value of up to $2,800 per year in electricity savings and Washington State production incentive payments.
The system went live and had produced 78 kWh as of yesterday (June 5) which was also World Environment Day. HPIC presented Puget Sound Solar with a certificate of appreciation for our contribution to the project at the club last night. Thanks to all the customers who went solar in the Solarize Southwest campaign and made this possible!
