• Burlington Lutheran to Celebrate Installation of Solar Panels from PSE Grant

Burlington, WA – As a recipient of 2024 Puget Sound Energy Solar Grant program, Burlington Lutheran Church is pleased to announce the installation of 24 solar panels on the roof of their sanctuary. There will be a public celebration on Wednesday, June 4, at 4pm, at Burlington Lutheran (134 E Victoria Ave, Burlington, WA 98233). 

Burlington Lutheran Church (BLC), which started in 1904, has a rich history as a congregation that cares about the wider community. Partnering with multiple local non-profits, such as Family Promise, Underground Ministries, Pathways to Understanding, and providing volunteers for many more, BLC views the installation of twenty-four solar panels as another way to offer a positive impact on the wider community in Skagit and beyond.  

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is the Pacific Northwest’s largest utility producer of renewable electricity, and operates one of Washington’s largest renewable-power generating facilities, the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility. PSE’s Solar Grants are funding to increase equitable access to the benefits of solar. Over the past eight years, PSE has awarded over $5,900,000 in total grant funding to 80 local solar projects. 

These solar installations allow community-based organizations, government agencies and Tribal entities to save money through lower utility bills, increasing the funding available for them to support their communities. 

The solar installer for this project is Banner Power Solutions, a well-established Burlington-based company, which is headquartered on the other side of BLC’s parking lot. Banner Power is a locally owned and family-operated solar energy company, a PSE recommended installer, and has been in business since 2005 as a full service electrical and solar installer for residential and commercial projects.  

To make this project even more local, BLC’s solar panels are produced and manufactured right in Burlington by Silfab Solar, which is a North American manufacturing leader in the design and development of high-efficiency, premium-quality solar panels. 

The solar panels are expected to generate 12,850 kWh once they are fully operational. The solar array will offset 100% of BLC’s electricity consumption, leading to annual cost savings that will be reinvested in programming for the congregation on behalf of historically excluded populations. BLC’s application included a video of Upper Skagit Elders, addressing the hope that the church building can be used as a free or low-cost gathering place for Skagit County tribal groups. 

The celebration of the installation on June 4th at 4pm will include speakers such as Burlington’s Mayor, City Council members, representatives from PSE and Banner Power Solutions, the bishop of the NW WA Synod of the ELCA, as well as local ministry partners. All are welcome to attend in support of this hyper-local endeavor!