Northwest SEED Programs
Through our efforts, successful on-the-ground, community energy projects will build local economies, create jobs, and add to our region’s clean energy portfolio, creating widespread popular support for and investment in a sustainable energy system. In becoming self-reliant through energy efficiency and distributed local energy resources, the region will serve as a model for the nation and other countries. Northwest SEED provides assistance to communities that do not have the resources or capacity to design and implement local clean energy programs.
Project Development and Technical Assistance
We help communities move their clean energy projects forward, whether they are at the initial stages of concept development, or have accomplished preliminary phases and need assistance with implementation. Northwest SEED offers assistance with:
- Energy planning
- Project management
- Resource evaluation
- Feasibility analysis and economic modeling
Research and Advocacy
We draw on our project experience to identify areas that require further research, policy reform, and new models to address the barriers to the widespread deployment of community based clean energy. We provide: Analysis and evaluation of emerging project and financing models Reporting on best practices Advocacy for progressive state and national policies
Education and Outreach
We educate communities on clean energy through our projects, print materials, and workshops. We have effectively developed training curricula and materials for workshop series, seminars, and small group trainings. Our services include: Development of publications and web tools Workshop development & delivery Community outreach & organizing
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
In 2010, Northwest SEED launched our Solarize program to accelerate and maximize the installation of residential solar energy systems, mobilize residents and communities around the benefits of solar energy, and tackle the barriers to widespread solar adoption. Thus far, the program has proven to be a huge success, significantly transforming the local market for solar:
- 1,405 residents have received education on the benefits of solar energy through free workshops and webinars
- 154 homeowners have decided to install solar, totaling 695 kW of new solar energy capacity added to the electric grid
- Participants are realizing the lowest price for residential solar we have seen in Washington State
- The campaign participants have invested more than $4 million in our local solar economy
The success of the program has generated positive publicity for solar energy and interest from communities across the state. To date, more than 85 individuals, non-profit organizations, electric utilities, and municipal governments, representing both urban and rural communities across the state, have contacted Northwest SEED requesting that we bring Solarize to their communities.
Building on the success of our Solarize effort, Northwest SEED is seeking funding to expand the reach of Solarize through additional campaigns and a capacity building effort, Solarize U. Solarize U will assist local leaders, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, and electric utilities to implement Solarize programs in their respective communities, allowing us to scale-up the Solarize Seattle model exponentially.