This month, Solar Washington interviewed Dan LeFree, President and CEO of Community 1st Credit Union and Solar Washington Board member.

Solar Washington: How did you become interested in solar? 

Dan LeFree: I became interested in solar about a dozen years ago. I was engaged to provide consulting services for a local credit union. Their new CEO wanted to build upon the credit union's green lending program to finance solar, energy storage and other green home improvements and to fight global warming. I helped him to develop fair and transparent lending products that fit the needs of homeowners. When I saw the success of that program I knew that we had developed something really special.

SW: Why did you join Solar Washington and what do you expect from Solar Washington?
DL: Community 1st Credit Union, with our ezSolarLoan division, have been members of Solar Washington for quite some time. We want to learn and understand how solar and other green projects and products can benefit EVERYONE in the Evergreen State. We want to hear from all stakeholders, including federal, state and local governments, utilities and citizens - young and old. I believe that Solar Washington can be an excellent facilitator in those discussions.

SW: What is next for you regarding solar?
DL: Our green lending program caught the attention of several much larger credit unions who want to add what we do as a meaningful component to their missions, and we've chosen to merge with Harborstone Credit Union, headquartered in Lakewood, Washington.  This Fall, I'll be speaking at a national conference of credit union regulators in Texas on the topic of green lending, and then participating in a green lending panel discussion at an international financial institution conference in Montreal.

SW: Can you share any lessons you learned during your solar experience?
DL: Yes, for sure! I believe that most people really want to do good, and they want to be part of something really big that does good. Much like my friends in faith-based organizations, solar folks have a vibe and mission that inspires learning, optimism and working for a great future. In other words, there's lots of good folks in solar!