Ethical Sourcing, Recycling and the Value Chain in the Solar Panel Industry
A 2016 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency found that, given an average solar panel life span of 30 years, it is likely that millions of metric tons of solar panels will be decommissioned by the early to mid-2030s and may end up in landfill. That forecast and the pressure to use more responsibly-produced materials for solar panels should incentivize everyone from materials suppliers and manufacturers to installers and utilities to source panels responsibly and seek means to recycle or reuse them. Unfortunately, the tools are not easily available.
Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) Executive Director Aimee Boulanger, FabTech Solar Solutions Director of Business Development Janette Freeman and Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) Supervisor Al Salvi were panelists at the Washington State Solar Summit in October, organized by Solar Washington, and discussed these trends as well as other developments in the solar industry.
Read moreLeast-Conflict Solar Siting Project
Where can utility-scale solar be developed in the Columbia Plateau region while also ensuring that important natural habitat, productive farmlands and ranchlands, and tribal rights and cultural resources are protected? The Washington State University Energy Program is leading a voluntary, collaborative, non-regulatory effort that engages relevant stakeholders, tribes, and key agencies in a conversation and process to identify least-conflict areas for utility-scale solar development.
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Farms in Central Washington boost their yield with solar energy
Crosscut recently reported that two greenhouse domes on the Colville Reservation will house the state’s first 'agrivoltaics' project, where food and electricity can grow in tandem on small acreage: Farms in Central Washington boost their yield with solar energy | Crosscut
Read morePetition to FERC to expand federal authority over state net metering policies
Update July 16, 2020: (From Green Tech Media, July 16, 2020): All four FERC commissioners voted to dismiss a petition to declare solar net metering policies illegal. Click to read story.
A recent petition from a group called the New England Ratepayers Association (NERA) asks the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to expand federal regulatory authority over state net metering policies and the customers that participate in them.
Read moreSolar Washington Presents at 2019 Farm & Food Expo in Spokane
Solar Washington gave a Solar 101 presentation and tabled that the 2019 Farm & Food Expo on October 26, 2019 presented by the Spokane Conservation District. Jay Larson of PCI Renewables (pictured) volunteered on behalf of Solar Washington to deliver a presentation to homeowners, landowners and gardeners covering the basics of solar, how solar works, the relative costs and applications. Jay also presided over an information table for Solar Washington.
Read moreSolar Washington Exhibits at 2019 Northwest SolarFest
Solar Washington joined dozens of other companies and organizations at Northwest SolarFest on Saturday, July 27 on the campus of Shoreline Community College. Several dozen homeowners, solar enthusiasts and others stopped by SW's booth to ask questions, get information about current incentives available, find out about installation examples, air their opinions and more.
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Solar Washington Presents at Penny Creek Elementary
Solar Washington volunteer Craig Olson along with SW Executive Director Patrick Nugent presented at Penny Creek Elementary School's annual Science Day in Everett on Thursday, May 30. Solar Washington was one of several other organizations and individuals who presented on various science related topics to elementary school kids throughout the day.
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