Join Solar Washington in this presentation scheduled for Tuesday, February 2 at 12:00 noon (Pacific) and titled, Working in Solar: Job Types and Functions at a Utility. Solar Washington welcomes Bart Hansen of Clark PUD and Suzy Oversvee of Snohomish PUD (both of whom are Solar Washington Board members), who will talk about solar energy and how it applies when working at a utility. 

About the speakers: Bart Hansen & Suzy Oversvee

Bart Hansen is a Key Accounts Manager at Clark Public Utilities based in Vancouver, WA and has been with the utility for twenty years. He has spent the last six of those years managing the residential net metering programs hand been an advocate for solar in the community. Bart also sits on the Vancouver City Council.

Suzy Oversvee is the New Energy Initiatives Program Manager/Senior Program Manager at Snohomish County PUD based in Everett, WA. She has nearly 12 years of experience in designing and implementing conservation and renewable energy programs at Snohomish PUD.

Details & Resources

Presentation area of concentration: Workforce Development

Suggested audience for this presentation: This presentation is free and open to the public and will appeal to those interested in working in the solar industry, those already working with a utility, and others with a special interest in this topic.

How to attend? This presentation will last up to one hour, will take place online and is free to the public, but has a limited capacity. Those interested in attending must register by clicking the link below. Those who RSVP will receive a link prior to the presentation to view or listen in. This presentation will be recorded and made available on our website at a later date.

Additional resources: Click for utility resources on our website.

Please support Solar Washington!

Support from individuals and businesses allow our non-profit organization to keep offering presentations like these that make an impact upon the general public as well as the industry. Here are a couple of ways you can support our educational efforts. Thank you!

• Become an annual individual member of Solar Washington.
• Make a general donation of any amount. 

Thank you to our current annual company sponsors and members for their support! Time and other details subject to change. 

Join Solar Washington in this presentation scheduled for Tuesday, February 16 at 12:00 noon (Pacific) where we welcome Brad Burkhartzmeyer and Laura Walters to talk about their organization, Remote Energy, a Tacoma-based 501 (c)(3) for-impact organization formed in 2017 comprised of electricians, educators and innovators in the PV industry who share a vision to catalyze change in the developing world. Remote Energy is dedicated to sharing their experience, skills and expertise to empower individuals, communities, technicians and instructors in marginalized and developing communities worldwide. Remote Energy's unique skill-sets and shared passion for solar energy, social justice and education provide the foundation and the motivation for their work. Click to be taken to Remote Energy's website.

About the speakers: Brad Burkhartzmeyer & Laura Walters

Brad is an experienced solar system designer and installer. He founded Sun's Eye Power Company, a solar energy and electrical contracting company in 1993. Brad is a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified PV Installer, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) certified PV Master Trainer®, and licensed electrician who has spearheaded efforts to bring solar electric systems worldwide. He works with the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), Solar Energy International (SEI), and Rotary International. He trains installers and also teaches classes for community groups wishing to know more about solar possibilities for their own homes. He is fluent in Spanish and English.

Laura has over fourteen years of instructional design experience with the specific focus of how to design and install of solar electric systems. She has applied this expertise for Solar Energy International, We Share Solar, and the Solar Electric Light Fund developing curriculum packages, textbooks, and training programs for a wide variety of audiences. In addition to curriculum work, she has taught Indigenous trainings, Solar In the Schools installations, and online PV courses. Her passion lies in distilling complex information into a digestible and engaging format and creating graphics to convey ideas.

Details & Resources

Presentation areas of concentration: Solar industry practices, news & features; Workforce Education/Development

Suggested audience for this presentation: This presentation is free and open to the public and will appeal to those interested in learning more about other Washington-based organizations making an impact in the area of solar education, training, and development.

How to attend? This presentation will last up to one hour, will take place online and is free to the public, but has a limited capacity. Those interested in attending must register by clicking the link below. Those who RSVP will receive a link prior to the presentation to view or listen in. 

Additional resources: Visit Remote Energy's website.

Please support Solar Washington!

Support from individuals and businesses allow us to keep offering presentations like these that make an impact upon the general public as well as the industry. Here are a couple of ways you can support our educational efforts. Thank you!

• Become an annual individual member of Solar Washington.
• Make a general donation of any amount. 

Thank you to our current annual company sponsors and members for their support! Time and other details subject to change. 

Join Solar Washington in this presentation scheduled for Thursday, March 4 at 12:00 noon (Pacific) and titled, Homeowners Associations and Solar PV Installations. Solar Washington welcomes back Kathleen Kapla, principal of Kapla Law PLLC, who will address laws, guidance, and model resolutions for HOAs in Washington. Kathleen returns from her March 2015 presentation for Solar Washington to provide a refresher and any updates that have occurred in this area since then.

About the speaker: Kathleen Kapla

Kathleen Kapla has assisted owners, operators, and financing parties in connection with renewable energy project development and related transactions since 2005. As the principal of Kapla Law PLLC, Ms. Kapla’s practice focuses real estate, title, project development agreements, and transactions related to the development, acquisition, and sale of wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects. From 2004 until 2010, she was an associate at the law firm of Stoel Rives LLP where she was active in the firm’s Renewable Energy, Solar, and Wind initiatives. Ms. Kapla is a member of the Oregon and Washington State Bar Associations, and is a cum laude graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School, where she was Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Law.

Details & Resources

Presentation area of concentration: Consumer Education, Engagement & Protection

Suggested audience for this presentation: This presentation is free and open to the public and will appeal to homeowners (especially those living with an HOA), property management representatives, and others with a special interest in this topic.

How to attend? This presentation will last up to one hour, will take place online and is free to the public, but has a limited capacity. Those interested in attending must register by clicking the link below. Those who RSVP will receive a link prior to the presentation to view or listen in. 

Additional resources: Click to review slides from the presentation provided by Kathleen for Solar Washington back in March 2015. (PDF file)  

Please support Solar Washington!

Support from individuals and businesses allow our non-profit organization to keep offering presentations like these that make an impact upon the general public as well as the industry. Here are a couple of ways you can support our educational efforts. Thank you!

• Become an annual individual member of Solar Washington.
• Make a general donation of any amount. 

Thank you to our current annual company sponsors and members for their support! Time and other details subject to change. 

Join Solar Washington in this presentation scheduled for Thursday, March 18 at 12:00 noon (Pacific) and titled, Explaining the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER) Program. Justifying the up-front cost of a new solar install is often difficult. Fortunately, the state of Washington has now enabled a new form of financing that allows commercial property owners to spread the cost over a long time horizon, effectively letting the energy savings service the expense. Known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER), this financing may be the difference between a solar dream and panels on the roof of your business.

About the speaker: Erik Makinson

Erik Makinson is the founder and owner of Resource Synergy, a Washington-based sustainability consultancy and project developer. For the last 13 years, he has helped organizations ranging from small local businesses to the world’s largest corporations realize financial and environmental savings through sustainability programs. His company excels at developing programs that reduce energy and water consumption, and waste generation without requiring clients to invest up-front capital. Erik has spoken at conferences or has written articles for numerous organizations including the National Restaurant Association, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, GreenBiz, Environmental Leader, and the California Resource Recovery Association. He holds a BA in Business Administration/ Marketing from Seattle University, a Certificate of Sustainable Business from Presidio University, Resource Recovery Manager Certification from the California Resource Recovery Association and Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation from the American Association of Energy Engineers.

Details & Resources

Presentation area of concentration: Consumer Education, Engagement & Protection

Suggested audience for this presentation: This presentation is free and open to the public and will appeal to commercial property owners, installers, and others with a special interest in this topic.

How to attend? This presentation will last up to one hour, will take place online and is free to the public, but has a limited capacity. Those interested in attending must register by clicking the link below. Those who RSVP will receive a link prior to the presentation to view or listen in. 

Additional resources: Link to HB 2405 - 2019-20 Concerning commercial property assessed clean energy and resilience, which passed the state legislature in 2020 and signed by the Governor. 

Please support Solar Washington!

Support from individuals and businesses allow our non-profit organization to keep offering presentations like these that make an impact upon the general public as well as the industry. Here are a couple of ways you can support our educational efforts. Thank you!

• Become an annual individual member of Solar Washington.
• Make a general donation of any amount. 

Thank you to our current annual company sponsors and members for their support! Time and other details subject to change. 

Join Solar Washington in this presentation scheduled for Thursday, April 8 at 12:00 noon (Pacific) and titled, Solar Financing 101. You’re ready, your roof is ready, the sun is out and the tax credit is waiting! So what’s holding you back? If trying to figure out how to pay for it is a hurdle this presentation is for you. Learn more about your options when it comes to paying for your solar system including why no interest may not always be the best option.

About the speaker: Shannon Ellis-Brock

Shannon is Chief Operating Officer, Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU). Shannon joined PSCCU in 2008. In 2009 she started an energy-efficiency lending program at the credit union. Through partnerships with local installers, she has expanded the credit union’s loan program to include solar, helping thousands of Washingtonians become solar citizens. In her quest to save the planet, she has continued to grow the loan programs through grants, and by building long-term relationships. Saving the planet is not a job anyone can do alone. Shannon attributes the credit union’s success to the amazing people that make up Team PSCCU. When she is not finding creative ways to help the environment Shannon can be found spending time with the love of her life on urban adventures near and far.

Details & Resources

Presentation area of concentration: Consumer Education, Engagement & Protection

Suggested audience for this presentation: This presentation is free and open to the public and will appeal to home and business owners, and others with a special interest in this topic.

How to attend? This presentation will last up to one hour, will take place online and is free to the public, but has a limited capacity. Those interested in attending must register by clicking the link below. Those who RSVP will receive a link prior to the presentation to view or listen in. 

Additional resources: forthcoming

Please support Solar Washington!

Support from individuals and businesses allow our non-profit organization to keep offering presentations like these that make an impact upon the general public as well as the industry. Here are a couple of ways you can support our educational efforts. Thank you!

• Become an annual individual member of Solar Washington.
• Make a general donation of any amount. 

Thank you to our current annual company sponsors and members for their support! Time and other details subject to change.