What’s Next … Local Energy Convergence!

I get asked a lot what is next for Thurston Energy, since our big grant will be complete soon.  I’m happy to announce that Thurston Energy will continue on as the Local Energy Program of the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC), in collaboration with the Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT). To kick off 2012, Thurston Energy is collaborating with the Buy Local Program to hold the first “Local Energy Convergence” in downtown Olympia (at the Olympia Center) on January... Read More

3 Ways to Go Solar

This Saturday, go check out the South Sound Solar Tour!  19 sites filled with possibilities. As a Thurston Energy Saver, you have already taken steps to reduce your energy usage (right?!).  Now that you’re already eating your “energy efficiency vegetables”, it’s a good time to look at your “solar energy dessert”! Solar energy works in Western Washington for a couple of really important reasons, and it comes in several  packages. Why Solar Works in Western Washington Even... Read More

The Magic and Allure of Solar Power

I love solar panels.  They’re bright and shiny and make little rainbows of light glint off at angles when it’s sunny.  Photovoltaic (PV) panels turn sunlight directly into electricity … they change photons into electrons like some little microscopic version of Rumpelstiltskin weaving straw into gold.  The concept is simultaneously so simple and magical that it captures the imagination and cannot be denied.  Blowing shredded newspapers across your attic, on the other... Read More