Local residents turn out to harness solar energy

Citing motivations ranging from protecting the environment to electrical blackouts to reducing energy bills, a group of residents have been meeting during November to discuss bringing solar power to Point Roberts.

Shauna Sylvester, drawing from her knowledge of solar cooperatives, decided along with her husband, Steve Work, to take the initiative to see if the Point Roberts community would be interested in starting a cooperative. She organized weekly information meetings to gauge residents’ interest in the concept of a solar cooperative. Hoping to leverage the collective negotiating power of the community, they plan to lay the groundwork during winter months to prepare for spring initiatives, notably crafting a Request for Proposals to engage potential solar installers.

From the beginning, participants have expressed interest in solar power and storage that encompasses both residential and communal locations. According to Sylvester, “There’s a real interest in ensuring that as Point Roberts goes solar, our community buildings have solar and storage battery backup.”

“This is growing in momentum,” Sylvester said. The number of attendees has grown from 40 to 85 people, including 10 volunteers who have facilitated the sessions. The initiative has drawn interest from the Washington State Department of Commerce, prompting discussions concerning grant applications and feasibility studies for community solar and storage across various community buildings.

The next and final information session will be held at the community center on Wednesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. The meeting will feature Lauren Clemens, the climate action manager for Whatcom County.

For those interested in attending or who have questions or are seeking involvement, Sylvester can be reached at Shauna.Sylvester@gmail.com. Photos, page 8.