Thanks to an $82,470 grant from the state’s Clean Energy Fund, the Deming Library on Mt. Baker Highway will have solar panels installed on its roof next month.
Friends of the Deming Library applied for the grant, which is supported by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Board member and Deming resident Leaf Schumann said the nonprofit is thrilled to see the project come to life and is grateful for the support from the Clean Energy Fund.
“For a rural area that generally lacks so many services that feed a sense of community, our library is so pivotal, bringing people together over programs, music, children’s events, discussion groups, volunteering and, of course, the usual stable of library fare,” Schumann said. “I assess a community by its library — often the first place I go.”
Locally owned solar provider Ecotech Solar is set to begin installation on March 4. The 80 panels should help the library reduce its energy costs by around $5,000 per year.
Those utility savings will be redirected toward library offerings, with a focus on programs for the Nooksack Tribe, coordinated through the Whatcom County Library System’s Nooksack Cultural Liaison. Some of those programs include the Tribal Elders Book Club, indigenous film screenings, job skills training and workshops centered on indigenous traditions.
While some may wonder about the efficacy of solar power in the famously dreary Pacific Northwest, Ecotech Solar confirms it’s a realistic choice here, thanks to long, sunny summer days. That summer sun can be stored in the form of “net metering” — billing credit with the utility company for excess power generated.
People who are interested in learning more about the future of electricity in Whatcom County can participate in a conversation at the Deming Library from 6–7 p.m. on March 28.
At the event, Jack Pflueger, an energy consultant at Ecotech Solar, will discuss practical topics like power outages, rising utility rates, changes to net metering and new incentives for energy backup systems. Dessert and coffee will be provided by Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine, courtesy of Ecotech Solar. The event is free but an RSVP is requested.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
