The City of Olympia’s Fire Station #1 is now powered by clean, U.S.-made solar energy. Installed by South Sound Solar and developed in partnership with Olympia Community Solar, this project demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainability, community leadership, and fiscal responsibility.
Featuring 288 Silfab Commercial panels, the 152 kW system will generate approximately 140,000 kWh annually, offsetting nearly all the station’s electricity use. Supported by grant funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, the project was built with no upfront cost to the city and will save roughly $30,200 per year in energy expenses, totaling more than $750,000 over its lifetime.
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About the Solar Project
Designed with safety, efficiency, and education in mind, the solar array was installed on the rooftop of the Olympia Fire Department’s main station on Eastside Street. The system uses SolarEdge commercial inverters and SnapNrack Ultra Rail racking to maximize performance and ensure easy maintenance access around key rooftop equipment.
The array was completed in summer 2025, delivering a visible example of how public facilities can lead by example in Washington’s clean energy transition. The project also includes a public educational display inside the station, allowing visitors to explore real-time energy data, learn about solar technology, and understand how renewable energy supports emergency operations.
Full system components and specifications:
System Size: 152 kW
Installer: South Sound Solar
Panels: (288) Silfab Commercial panels
Inverters: SolarEdge
Racking: SnapNrack Ultra Rail
Distributor: Greentech Renewables
Community Impact
The solar installation at Fire Station #1 will reduce emissions, cut operational costs, and strengthen the city’s climate leadership. With no capital investment required, the system immediately begins generating savings, helping to redirect public funds toward vital emergency services and community programs.
“It’s been incredibly gratifying to see this project grow from an idea, to a plan, to a funding award, and now into a completed project. Clean energy is not only a climate solution, it’s also direct financial support for the emergency responders keeping our community safe.“
– Mason Rolph, Executive Director, Olympia Community Solar
The station’s solar array also serves as a powerful educational tool. Through the new display, residents can view live production data and explore how sunlight becomes electricity, linking local innovation with tangible community benefits.
Collaboration in Action
This project was made possible through the collective efforts of Olympia Community Solar, South Sound Solar, and the City of Olympia’s Climate Program, with funding from the Washington Department of Commerce via the Climate Commitment Act.
South Sound Solar’s installation team brought deep local experience, ensuring safety and precision while working on an active emergency services facility. Olympia Community Solar led project coordination and grant funding, guiding the effort from concept to completion.
“The Olympia Fire Department is proud and excited to be a partner in the community priority of protecting our climate through clean energy. We are consistently dedicated to finding collaborative solutions to reduce cost of emergency services.“
– Matthew Morris, Fire Chief, City of Olympia
Why Silfab Solar
Silfab Solar was selected for its locally manufactured, high-efficiency modules, designed and built in Burlington, WA. By using Silfab panels, the City of Olympia supports Washington’s clean energy economy while ensuring the highest quality and reliability for a critical public facility.
Made in America, Made in Washington
High-efficiency, durable design for maximum output
Backed by a 25-year product and 30-year linear performance warranty
Trusted by installers and municipalities nationwide
A Model for Washington’s Clean Energy Future
The Olympia Fire Station #1 solar installation sets a precedent for what’s possible when public agencies, local businesses, and community organizations collaborate toward shared sustainability goals.
With grant-funded solar now generating long-term savings and reducing emissions, the City of Olympia continues to lead by example, showing that clean energy investments can strengthen public safety, fiscal stewardship, and community resilience.
“The City of Olympia Public Works Department is very proud to have its first net zero facility. We are already working on our next partnership to hopefully install another solar array to add a second net zero facility in 2026.“
– Eli Cole, Facility Manager, City of Olympia
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About South Sound Solar
South Sound Solar is a locally owned solar energy provider based in Olympia, Washington. With over 15 years of experience, the company specializes in residential, commercial, and nonprofit installations throughout the region. Known for high-quality workmanship and local expertise, South Sound Solar is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions across Western Washington.
Olympia Community Solar is a nonprofit clean-energy developer guided by a mission to steward an equitable and accessible transition to renewable power. The organization works across Washington state, partnering with public agencies, Tribes, nonprofits, and local communities, to make solar projects happen by providing development support, grant writing and management services, and community-focused education.
Silfab Commercial panels are designed and engineered to meet the needs of commercial projects where maximum power density is required. Ongoing research into commercially viable innovations ensures that Silfab panels are manufactured using leading-edge technology that results in lower energy costs and increased financial viability. When American stakeholders want the best, they turn to Silfab Solar.
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