Providing energy for the community since 2002 Western Solar serves commercial, residential, nonprofit customers

By Nathan Schumock Sports Editor

WHATCOM COUNTY — Western Solar has been a staple in the Whatcom solar industry, providing quality care to their customers since 2002.

Western Solar prides itself on customer satisfaction. Design Manage Trish Merriman said their mission is to be a resource for people looking into the solar market and helping them decide what the next best steps will be.

“We give them the most comprehensive information we can and find the best solution for them,” Merriman said. “We want them to really value their decision to go solar and especially go solar with us.”

Western Solar provides services for both commercial and residential customers and gives help to nonprofits looking for funding or donations.

Another one of their mission points is to provide knowledge and awareness of the positives of green power. Director of Sales and Business Development Evan Bush said, “On the environmental front and renewable energy front, we are here because we care about the impact we have on the world around us.”

The Western Solar website says, “We hope to elevate the case for renewable energy in our region and contribute to decreasing our country’s dependence on fossil fuels and its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.”

Along with the positives Western Solar provides on the environmental front, they also inform customers about financial benefits.

Merriman said they tailor their solar models to each customer and help them find the best way to save money in the long run.

“It is not just a one-size-fits-all,” Merriman said. “It is a custom design system.”

Although Washington is not the sunni- est state in the country, solar power still has its benefits. General Manager Eric Blatz explained that solar uses a net metering system that saves a lot of energy from the sunny period in Washington and then expels those credits during the winter and non-sunny periods of the year.

With net metering, there is also the potential to save money. According to the Western Solar website, any excess electricity will be sent back to your utility and you will gain full retail credit on your electric bill.

“We have our foot firmly planted in traditional technology with our eyes toward the future,” Bush said. “New technologies coming on the horizon like home battery storage and EV charging technologies that we will provide solutions for our customers. This has become viable technology that we can stand behind.

Visit Western Solar at the Whatcom County Home and Garden Show®, April 28-30.