Shoreline Solar Project was founded 1 April 2004 for the purpose of promoting the practical application of renewal energy and environmentally responsible practices to enhance the economic, ecological, and social environment of our community.

What We Do

• Monthly community meetings. Recent topics include:
  • Does solar really work here?
  • What is sustainability?
  • Green Score Card for choosing a car
  • Climate Project's slide show AIT
  • How to analyze your home energy use
  • Solar hot water
  • Sustainability and money
• Public Solar Installations
  • Meridian Park School
    First public photovoltaic installation in the City of Shoreline
    Demonstration project funded through Seattle City Light Green Power Program 2.1 kilowatts
  • 2nd system is installed at Parkwood Elementary School
• Energy Wise Holiday Lighting Contest
  contest highlighting energy savings through use of LED Lights
  
  
• Annual Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Fair

History

In the fall of 2003, acting on a longtime interest, Larry Owens took a course on solar electricity from Solar Energy International, www.solarenergy.org. Returning home, he realized that across the street from his home, at his daughter's school, was the perfect site for a solar installation. Larry spent months floating around the idea to interested parties. In discussions with Maryn Wynne, a founding member of SNOW, Shoreline Nonviolent Opponents of War, an understanding developed that energy issues were the fundamental basis of our current geopolitical conflicts. Being involved in the local community, both Larry and Maryn felt a pressing need to do something about it in a positive way. They also wanted to spearhead the first photovoltaic (PV) solar electric system on a public site through the Seattle City Light Green Power Program.

SSP's first public meeting was held at the Shoreline Library on April 8, 2004. The guest speaker was Mike Nelsen of North West Solar Center, who gave a overview on solar technologies and became the new organization's first member!

Larry and Maryn wanted to showcase renewable energy in the community and decided to start a Renewable Energy Fair. The 1st Annual Renewable Energy Fair was held on June 12, 2004 at Meridian Park School. The Fair was such a success that it has grown into the largest renewable energy event in the Puget Sound area.

In September 2004 the first public PV system came online, through collaboration and many generous grant funds from Seattle City Light's Green Power Program.