We are excited to present the Hummingbird Project, a 100 kW solar energy system on the Hands On Children’s Museum. The project expands solar energy access to those who may rent or lease their home, have unsuitable roof space, or are unable to afford the upfront costs of a solar installation.
Community Solar is a model of solar energy development where a group of people owns a solar array together. Community solar expands solar access to those who don’t own their home, who don’t have suitable roof space or property, or who are unable to afford the upfront costs of a solar installation.
We think of them as community gardens but rather than carrots, you get energy.
Our mission at Olympia Community Solar is to steward an equitable and accessible transition to clean energy through community solar education, policy, and project development
As a volunteer, you can contribute to a growing nonprofit that works with community members and organizations around the state to build equitable solar projects, policy, and educational opportunities.
The Olympia Community Solar team is working with Tumwater High School’s FRESH program to install a small solar project on the high school’s greenhouse. We connected Kristen, the FRESH program coordinator, with South Sound Solar to ensure a successful system installation.
“Community” is the first and most important aspect of community solar. We want YOU in ours!
We have a number of ways that you may join in our endeavors. Please fill out this form to get connected, consider donating, or join our Hummingbird Project!
No, we develop community solar projects, enroll participants, and provide project administration.
We develop educational materials and curriculum and provide seminars at request.
Community solar overcomes barriers to solar energy. Those who cannot put solar on their own roof or afford solar individually can participate in and benefit from community solar. Renters, multifamily buildings, and shaded buildings are only a few of the many barriers to solar ownership.
Community solar accelerates the adoption of solar energy through collaborative investment. We are powerful together.
Community solar builds new economic opportunities and creates good paying jobs.
Community Solar reduces pollution. Each of our Hummingbird solar units will reduce 2,700 pounds of C02 over the term of participation.
No equipment will be installed at your home and no changes to your electric services.
Customers don’t have to worry about installing, maintaining, or cleaning equipment at their homes.
Benefits come in the form of an annual check or direct deposit.
There will be no change to your electrical service, though in the future we hope be able to provide credits to your electric bill.
Same equipment, different ownership models.
Community solar projects are group owned, are split into affordable units, and only take minutes to sign up for.
Your participation includes:
Olympia Community Solar will send you an annual newsletter about the project’s performance, and the production payment in an annual check or direct deposit.
Our Hummingbird project is located on the Hands On Children’s Museum.
We work with land and building owners around Washington State to create community solar projects.
Washington residents, businesses, and nonprofits can all participate in our community solar projects.
Anybody in the US can donate solar units to our non-profit partners.