For decades local farmers and craftspeople have been selling their wares at the Olympia Farmers Market and in 2021, for the first time in the Market’s 46 year history, solar energy went on sale. 

Community solar is when a group of people join together to create a single solar project and share it’s benefits. Because the project is located at the Farmers Market, participants don’t need their own sunny roof. The public had the opportunity to purchase or donate “solar units”. Each solar unit represents a subscription to the energy from half a solar panel. Sunflower’s unique model uses clean energy to support broader social equity by allowing donations of solar units to local non-profit organizations. Donations are tax deductible, and the non-profit of your choice will receive the benefits from the Solar Unit’s production.

The Sunflower Project includes 198 Washington-made solar panels on the roof of the Olympia Farmers Market. Local solar installer South Sound Solar designed and installed the system which provides 100% of the Market’s electricity needs. 

“The Olympia Farmers Market is excited to incorporate solar energy into the daily function of our organization,” said Brett Warwick, Director of Operations at the Olympia Farmers Market. “We are constantly searching for opportunities to benefit our community, and this includes environmental consciousness. We hope to lead by example by taking steps to decrease our carbon footprint. I am confident Olympia Community Solar and South Sound Solar will provide the Market with a well-crafted array of panels for all to enjoy in the decades to come.”