SOLAR NEIGHBORHOOD CHALLENGE
OUR 3 GOALS
SOLARIZE EVERYTHING
Empower youth to catalyze, track, and report the expansion of solar-powered homes beginning with our own families, classmates, and neighbors.
TEACH IT
Connect student-led community impact project design, management and communication skills to problem-based learning in the classroom.
PUSH THE RIGHT POLICIES
Practice participatory democracy by promoting clean energy and green jobs policy advances at every level of government.
THE CHALLENGE
Sustainability Ambassadors, in partnership with Sphere Solar Energy, is leading a neighborhood campaign to add solar panels to homes.
For every 10 homes that go solar with Sustainability Ambassadors, Sphere Solar Energy will set aside $500 to support Sustainability Ambassador student education and internship programs.
For every 30 homes that switch to solar energy, Sphere Solar Energy will donate 15% of the $30,000 fundraising goal toward a solar-powered water well for the Kenyan Maasai Community
Solar installations are tracked and reported in alignment with the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan, the King County Cities Climate Collaborative (K4C), and the strategic plans and capital project plansassociated with each individual city and school district. Student Ambassadors work with teachers in regular Problem-based Curriculum Design Labs to enhance career connected learning in solar engineering, science, civics, economics, and climate action.
BENEFITS
Energy Resilience:
Solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging stations strengthen energy independence, increasing your home’s resilience during outages or natural disasters.
Make Money, Save Money:
When your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, the utility will credit you at the retail billing rate under Washington State’s net metering program (RCW 80.60).
The Environment:
By investing in a solar array installation, you will reduce the carbon footprint of your home and advance the clean energy economy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are warrantied for 25-years, and backed by Sphere Solar Energy’s 10-year workmanship warranty. Operating a solar array 2-years in the Pacific Northwest is estimated to offset 100% of the embodied carbon required to manufacture the solar PV modules.
The Mission:
For every 30 homes that go solar, Sphere Solar Energy will donate $4,500 to the $30,000 fundraising goal for a solar water well installation for the Maasai community in Kenya. Advance local solar workforce training and student education while making an impact across the globe!
Ways to Participate:
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Solar panel installation
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Battery storage installation
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Electric vehicle charging installation
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Electrical work
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
PUERTO RICO
KENYA
WATER PUMP
Sphere Solar Energy installed solar panels and new energy-efficient appliances in Caguas Environmental school.
Sphere Solar Energy installed solar panels for the Maasai Tribe in Kenya. Now, their houses are lit at night and they can charge their cell phones to communicate with others.
For every 30 homes that participate, Sphere Solar Energy will donate a solar-powered water pump to the Maasai tribe, located in Kenya.
DISCOUNTS AND INCENTIVES
Challenge Discount
Sphere Solar Energy is offering a 5% discount for your total installation cost, in addition to other discounts and incentives.
Federal Tax Credit
Claim 26% of the total project cost under the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar during 2021 (steps down December 31st, 2022).
Zero Sales Tax
Solar installations are free of sales tax in Washington State -- saving you another 10%.
Net Metering
Save money on your electricity bill by paying only for what you need, and receive credit from the utility for your extra electricity at the retail utility billing rate. As utility electric rates continue to increase, so do your solar energy net metering benefits!
DISCOUNTS AND INCENTIVES
Federal Tax Credit
Claim 30% of the total project cost under the Federal Investment Tax Credit. Thank you Congress!
Zero Sales Tax
Solar installations are free of sales tax in Washington State -- saving you another 10%.
Net Metering
Save money on your electricity bill by paying only for what you need, and receive credit from the utility for your extra electricity at the retail utility billing rate. As utility electric rates continue to increase, so do your solar energy net metering benefits!
Project PV Watts Solar Potential in my Neighborhood
Anjana Punniamoorthy, Aarya Bhoite, and Maanit Goel
Class of 2024
The Solar Neighborhood Challenge is a project focused around increasing solar potential in communities. Through this template, students can easily assess their own neighborhood potential, then create a final report with the instructions and resources provided.
We hope to empower users to make visible change in their communities through this work!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:
Why are solar panels being used in Washington? It doesn’t seem sunny enough here.
A:
Seattle is ideal for solar panels because they’re more efficient in cooler temperatures. Germany, for example, is the country with the most solar panels in the world, but they have more overcast days.
Q:
What is the upkeep on solar panels?
A:
They are low-maintenance in the PNW due to heavy rainfall. We recommend cleaning once every 4-5 years.
Q:
How long can a solar system last?
A:
The solar panels carry a 25 year performance warranty and have a 30 year lifespan.
Q:
How do I save money from solar?
A:
Solar panels generate power and reduce electricity you buy from the grid. When you generate extra electricity, the utility will give you back energy credits.
CAREERS IN SOLAR ENERGY
In partnership with Sphere Solar Energy, Sustainability Ambassadors provides opportunities for students to explore careers in solar energy:
Shadow day on an installation project
Job path to journeyman electrician (Connect to CTE classes and Coordinators)
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
Sphere Solar Energy Representative
Visit the Sphere Solar Energy Website for more information and to schedule your free consultation!
