Long term energy savings
While the building itself was constructed in 1951, Trinity Lutheran Church has served the community of Vancouver, WA since 1940. Trinity Lutheran serves as a vital supply line for low-income families in Vancouver, having partnered with Lincoln Elementary, Discovery Middle School, and Hudson Bay High School since 1999. The energy savings generated by installing solar will directly support families whose basic needs are not being met.
The project includes 225 Washington-made Silfab solar panels across the church’s roof. Sunbridge Solar designed and installed the 99 kW system. This reduces the church’s energy bill by 94% and contributes to sustainable infrastructure and low-income support networks in Vancouver, WA.
Special thanks to Pastor Ruth Larson, Olympia Community Solar, Washington State University Energy Extension, and Sunbridge Solar.
The solar project will reduce the church’s energy burden by over $371,357 across the next 25 years, dollars which can support the church’s mission and ministry in Vancouver, WA and Clark County. The installation is projected to produce 96,421 kWhs per year of clean, renewable electricity.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas equivalencies, it will offset 154,031 pounds of CO2 emissions annually. That is equivalent to 177,922 miles not driven or 77,610 pounds of coal not burned.
Olympia Community Solar supported Trinity Lutheran by assisting with their request for proposal process and helping to select Sunbridge Solar as a trusted installer, as well as helping Trinity select Sustainable Energy Trust as a loan partner for the project. We secured a grant from the WSU Low-income Solar Fund to cover installation costs.
The system began operation on March 9th, 2026.
Our solar installer:
Sunbridge Solar is a Pacific Northwest solar energy contractor based in Washougal, Washington, with operations in both Washington and Oregon. Founded in 2010, the company specializes in residential and commercial solar panels, battery backups, and EV chargers. It is a Certified B Corporation recognized for its ethical practices.
Our funding source:
The Community Solar Expansion Program (CSEP) is a Washington state incentive administered by the WSU Energy Program. It dedicates $100 million over 10 years to encourage solar projects that directly lower utility costs for low-income households, tribal nations, and public agencies.
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