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.