The library is located at 500 College Street SE, Lacey WA 98503.

In this meeting, we will introduce attendees to the Solarize method – a proven process for getting communities, neighborhoods and groups together to make getting solar panels on their homes and business affordable, easy and fun!

Thurston Energy is bringing Northwest SEED to town to explain a proven process for Attend the Solarize Thurston Interest Meeting at the Olympia Timberland Library, Saturday April 7th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The library is located at 313 8th Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501-1307

This meeting is free with no commitments required. We encourage you to bring a guest. We also ask that you you to share this information with your neighborhood association, faith community, community group, business association or other group that you think might be interested.

Call to RSVP: Annette Roth, 360.754.6320 or email: annette@thurstonenergy.org .

For more information about Solarize Thurston, please visit: www.solarizethurston.org

Over the two years that Thurston Energy operated under the WSU Energy Program grant from the federal stimulus bill, we performed 640 comprehensive energy evaluations in Thurston County homes, representing over 1.2 million square feet of residential space.  Further, we performed 103 commercial walk-throughs representing an additional 1.6 million square feet.  Based on customer surveys we know that at least 276 of those families went on to make energy improvements in their homes including air sealing, insulation, heating upgrades, windows and the like.  We also know that at least 40 businesses made lighting upgrades, HVAC tune-ups and other energy improvements.  That’s a total conversion rate of around 43% from evaluation to follow through, which is a lot stronger than the typical national rate of around 20-25%.

Before the program started, the retail price of a comprehensive home energy evaluation was around $450 or so.  Using our federal funds, we were able to buy the price down to $195 or $95, or even all the way down to free, based on what special promotions we were running.  Now that the federal funds are used up for Thurston County, the prices have gone back up … but not all the way back up!  Private contractors are now offering the HomePLUS Energy Evaluation for prices varying between $315 and $395.  Further, the City of Lacey funds are still available, and we’re offering a $200 rebate to Lacey residents that get HomePLUS Energy Evaluations.

The step BEYOND energy efficiency is (of course) producing your own power by using a PV system.  We always encourage eating our energy efficiency vegetables first before getting the PV dessert, but we’re excited that the dessert bar is open!  Our credit union partners Generations Credit Union and O Bee Credit Union are both offering exclusive 3% financing for PV systems.  Combined with federal tax incentives and utility generation payments, the 3% financing makes PV the best investment today that it has ever been.

So by the numbers, we’ve had a great two years, and we’re poised to generate a lot of new energy!

Attend the Solarize Thurston Interest Meeting at the Olympia Timberland Library, Saturday April 7th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The library is located at 313 8th Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501-1307

This meeting is free with no commitments required. See if this is something you’d like to share with your neighborhood association, faith community, community group, business association or other group so that your members can work together to get the best prices and practical solutions for solar.

Call to RSVP: Annette Roth, 360.754.6320 or email: annette@thurstonenergy.org .

For more information about Solarize Thurston, please visit: www.solarizethurston.org

The HomePLUS, currently retailing for $195 in Thurston County, is a comprehensive, building science-based inspection of a home from an energy-efficiency perspective. Using high-tech diagnostic tools, a BPI-certified assessor can find air leakage, missing insulation, water damage, and more. You will also receive a customized report describing the findings, and a prioritized list of upgrades, a goody bag with tons of local resources for efficiency and sustainability practices, and more!

We have only a few spots left on the schedule before the change in our service offering happens – so sign up today before it’s too late! You can also contact Mark Rentfrow, Energy Services Specialist directly, at 360-528-2112.

Here is a half-sheet flyer that has all the info about becoming a volunteer and when the trainings are held.  All Green Tour volunteers are required to take this training, and are also invited to the Ambassadors Wine and Chocolate Party, Thursday April 12, 6-9 pm.

If you’re interested in helping members of our community learn more about sustainable building practices and ways to become more green at home or work, please email them directly at olyecobuilders@gmail.com, call the Northwest Ecobuilding Guild Office at 754-6152. You can also sign up to volunteer here.

The HomePLUS, currently retailing for $195 in Thurston County, is a comprehensive, building science-based inspection of a home from an energy-efficiency perspective. Using high-tech diagnostic tools, a BPI-certified assessor can find air leakage, missing insulation, water damage, and more. You will also receive a customized report describing the findings, and a prioritized list of upgrades, a goody bag with tons of local resources for efficiency and sustainability practices, and more!

We have only 8 spots left on the schedule before the change in our service offering happens -  so sign up today before it’s too late! You can also contact Mark Rentfrow, Energy Services Specialist directly, at 360-528-2112.