We're Hiring! Solar Warehouse Position

Become part of an exciting, growing industry! Western Solar has been a major player in the expansion of the solar industry in Washington State, and as the industry grows, so does our need for hard-working, passionate people to join our team. We are currently looking to fill an entry-level position with the potential to advance.

The solar warehouseman will be responsible for keeping the warehouse in a neat and orderly fashion. They will need to develop organization strategies to keep parts and equipment in a manner that will be easy to maintain and allow for flexible inventories. They will work with field personnel to help maintain company vehicles by cleaning, organizing, and stocking them. They will also work with office staff to run errands and perform other needed tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Clean and organize warehouse
• Check-in and stock parts and equipment shipments
• Perform regular vehicle inspections for proper tire pressures, oil level, working lights, etc...
• Maintain and dispose of recycled materials
• Maintain installation vehicle by cleaning, organizing, and stocking parts and equipment
• Pre-assembly of racking components
• Building of project parts orders
• Assisting with project installations in the field when needed

Qualifications:

• Ability to lift, pull and push materials and equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Highly organized
• Great attention to detail.
• Professional in appearance, with excellent customer service skills.
• Valid Driver's License and clean driving record required.
• Comfortable driving full size trucks and vans

To apply, send resume with cover letter by EMAIL ONLY to gosolar@westernsolarinc.com. Only candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted. No phone calls, walk-ins, or third parties, please.

Largest 100% Made-in-Washington Solar Array Installed in King County

This summer, Weyerhouser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way undertook a massive three-month project to undergo energy efficiency updates and other improvements. Western Solar was excited to support their effort to go green by installing the largest 100% made-in-Washington solar system to be installed in Washington State to date. Boasting 380 panels, the 104-kW solar array is also the eighth largest ever built in the state.

On August 25th, our crew began the process of installing the support clamps on the standing seam roof. Clamp installation was followed by the rails, while our electricians worked on getting the infrastructure in place for electrical wiring and connecting the 19 inverters needed for the massive system. The project was installed in two parts, with the right two arrays completed first, then the left.

The new array should produce about 104,500 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, helping to offset the facility’s electricity use by an estimated $9,400 each year. The system's 380 275-watt high-efficiency panels and 19 Eltek 4.4-kW inverters are all manufactured by itek Energy, located in Bellingham, Washington.

This project was made possible through a grant from the Washington Department of Commerce’s 2013-2015 Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants for Local Governments program, aimed at promoting the use of made-in-Washington solar panels and inverters on public buildings.

About Weyerhaeuser-King County Aquatic Center

The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center is a legacy venue of the 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games. This 2,500-seat facility maintains one of the most active competition schedules in the country, hosting more than 50 events annually. It has been the site of Olympic Trials, top national and international competitions, and the Pacific Northwest's premiere events. A recent economic study conducted for King County measured the financial impact of these events on the region in excess of $7.5 million annually.

Learn more about the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center

About Western Solar

Western Solar Inc is a leading installer of residential and commercial solar electric systems and electric vehicle charging stations in Washington State. They strive to design and install the most cost-effective energy-saving solutions for clients. In so doing, they hope to contribute to decreasing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn more about Western Solar

We're Hiring! Solar (PV) Installer

Join our great crew!

Are you interested in joining the Western Solar team? We're looking for an installer!

The installer will be responsible for photovoltaic system installation from beginning to end.  In this position, the installer will install all photovoltaic mounting system components, assist with electrical equipment, and ensure successful operation of complete photovoltaic system, while proficiently communicating and updating project status with staff.  This is an outdoor position requiring work on elevated roofs, in harness, in inclement weather, throughout the year.

Responsibilities:

• Complete projects within established policies and procedures.
• Complete projects within timeframes and budgets.
• Maintain high levels of quality assurance and quality control with an emphasis on crew safety.
• Ensure installation vehicle has all materials, tools, and equipment to perform job safely and efficiently.
• Assemble the solar array racking, properly seal all roof penetrations and install all relative equipment.
• Work exceptionally well with others.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot system malfunctions and operational issues.
• Communicate with customers in a professional, considerate, and respectful manner, answering all questions and complaints to the best of your ability.
• Work closely with electrician to ensure efficient installation of electrical components.
• Ensure that the jobsite is kept in clean and professional manner.
• Maintain all project documentation, permits, manuals, and warranty information while ensuring documents distributed to the proper departments.
• Maintain communication with project scheduler and prepare for upcoming projects ensuring all parts and equipment is available and ready for installation.
• Ensure project upon completion is ready for both electrical and structural inspection.

Qualifications:

• More than 1 year of previous installation experience desired.
• Must have electrical and roofing experience.
• Experience complying with OSHA safety requirements and regulations.
• Must have full range or mobility in upper and lower body; ability to work in various positions and environments.
• Ability to lift, pull and push materials and equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Professional in appearance, with excellent customer service skills.
• Great attention to detail.
• Valid WA Driver’s License and clean driving record required.
• Maintain either 01/02 electrical license or an electrical trainee card.

To apply, send resume with cover letter by EMAIL ONLY to gosolar@westernsolarinc.com

Only candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted. No phone calls, walk-ins, or third parties, please. 

We're Hiring! Solar (PV) Electrician

Join our great crew!

Are you interested in joining the Western Solar team? We're looking for an electrician!

The electrician will be responsible for the photovoltaic electrical system installation from beginning to end. In this position, the electrician will install all necessary parts and equipment using the industry’s best practices and complete knowledge of the NEC codes and standards. They will ensure successful operation of the complete photovoltaic system, while proficiently communicating and updating project status with management. This is an outdoor position that may require work on elevated roofs, in harness, in inclement weather, throughout the year.

Job sites are in Whatcom, Skagit, King, Snohomish, and Island Counties.  Home office in Bellingham.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead PV electrical installation team
• Provide technical expertise
• Complete pre-installation job site review
• Create job parts list
• Communicate job status to management
• Ensure successful operation of finished systems
• Lead efforts for safe working practices for entire team

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Journeyman Residential or Commercial Electrical License • Knowledge of NEC and City building codes
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident leader who has the ability to work independently
• Disciplined, self-motivated working style
• Team player, who actively listens, learns, TEACHES, and communicates effectively
• Experienced with general construction, power tools and working on the roof
• Desire to be on the cutting edge of the solar industry
• Capable of lifting 50 lbs
• Valid WA Driver’s License with clean driving record
• Must provide references
• NABCEP certification (desired)
• OSHA 10 certified (desired)

To apply, send resume with cover letter by EMAIL ONLY to gosolar@westernsolarinc.com Only candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.

No phone calls, walk-ins, or third parties, please.

"Our House" Goes Solar!

This month, Western Solar and Bellingham-based solar panel manufacturer Itek Energy teamed up to help Interfaith Coalition reach their goal of going solar on their new Our House triplex in Ferndale. Once construction was complete, our team got to work to help make their dream of going solar come true.

On the morning of August 22nd, the Western Solar crew loaded up the truck and headed up to Ferndale to start the job. Installers Zeke, Craig, and Brenden donned their safety harnesses and got to work getting the racking mounted to the roof, while electricians Kelly and Brad ran the wiring and mounted the housing for the new production meter.

Once the racking was installed on the roof, the crew enjoyed an unexpected mid-morning coffee break, when Interfaith campaign chair Rev. Bobbi Virta showed up with coffee and snacks.

After the guys finished refueling on caffeine and sugar, the panels went up and in short order were secured down and ready to generate power!

The new 2.545 kW solar electric system consists of ten Itek Energy solar modules, five of which were donated by Itek Energy, the rest purchased at cost by Saint James Presbyterian Church and Interfaith Coalition. Western Solar covered the cost of labor, permitting, and racking materials. The new system is expected to produce 2,545 kWh/year and provide over $1,100 of bill savings and incentives annually.

About Interfaith Coalition

Thank-you note we received from
Interfaith Coalition. Click to view larger.

Interfaith Coalition's housing is a community effort supported by 44 diverse congregations. The Coalition manages eleven single-family homes for emergency and transitional housing, offering options to all families and enabling them to stay together, where they would otherwise be split up in a shelter. With three months of Interfaith Coalition housing and support, 90% of families find stable housing.

Two years ago, Interfaith Coalition started the process of converting a single-family home in Ferndale into a triplex, which would be able to house up to ten families in need every year. The community came together and over 600 individual donors, businesses, foundations, and congregations contributed to help make Our House a reality. Our House will now house three homeless families at any one time, they move toward self-sufficiency. Learn more about the Our House project.

Fun in the Sun at NW SolarFest!

11^th Annual NW SolarFest: Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Fair

Shoreline, WA (July 2014) – On Saturday, July 26^th at Shoreline Community College from 10am to 5 pm head to NW SolarFest to learn about and celebrate renewable energy and sustainable living. You'll find fun activities such as:

·         KIDZone; music circle, drumming, yoga, art & craft activities, take an energy pledge and get a mini solar car (first 300 kids get their own for free), Bubbleman (noon), Professor Phillip Photon (1pm), Solar Powered Kidz Rock Concert (4pm)

·         NW EcoBuilding workshops, hourly from 11am-4pm

·         Seattle City Light Solar Powered “Green Up” speaker and music stage featuring sounds from The Hollers, the Highlife Band, and Ayron Jones (noon-2)

·         Trash Fashion Show where dogs will model fashionable outfits created from recycled garbage sponsored by ShoreDOG (2pm)      

·         Barter Fair, bring your home grown or homemade items to trade (2-4pm)

·         “Momenta” documentary film screening about coal exports in the Pacific Northwest (2:30pm)

·         Urban County Fair: Sustainability displays and competition – Backyard Floral Arrangement, Container Garden, Restyled Clothing/Wearables, Recycle/Upcycle Idea, Food Art

·         Enter to win Little Library

·         Transportation Zone features 100% electric vehicles; Nissan Leaf and Tesla S Model

·         Exhibits, Presentations, Urban Farm, Transportation Zone, Solar Cooking Demonstrations, Live Music, and Food.

           
NW SolarFest is an outdoor annual regional event supported by the City of Shoreline, Shoreline Community College, Seattle City Light, and many others and is organized by Shoreline Solar Project. The free event will run from 10 am to 5 pm at Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Avenue North.

Metro Route 5, 331 and 345 serve the college on Saturdays.

More information is available at www.shorelinesolar.org

Itek Breaks Record!

June was a Record Breaking Month for Itek! 

The busy Itek crew built and shipped over 1 megawatt of locally built solar modules in June!  They celebrated with root beer floats and lunch and got ready to break the record again in July.  They opened the month by starting the night shift and are on track to build over 15 megawatts within the next year!

Congratulations Itek!