PSEJATC

Project Partners: PSEJATC, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), The Apollo Alliance and the Worker Center, AFL-CIO, The National Photovoltaic Construction Partnership, Burke Electric, IBEW and NECA Location: Renton, WA Capacity: 9 kW Type of Power: Solar Placed into Service: September 2004 Project Links: PSEJATC PSE green power program

The 9-kilowatt solar electric power system was installed on the Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee’s (PSEJATC) Training Center. It is the first phase of a proposed 50-kilowatt system, the largest solar power installation in Washington State (as of February 2005).

The PSEJATC annually provides training for 2,000 journey-level electricians and 600 state-certified apprentices. This solar project will substantially increase the number of electricians qualified to design and install solar power systems, removing a critical bottleneck to the regional expansion of this fast-growing technology. The new solar electric system will allow PSEJATC to expand its 16-hour Solar Power Continuing Education class, and will dramatically improves the program’s curriculum by offering hands-on installation training. PSEJATC is committed to expanding the system by 5 kilowatts each year as part of its training program.

The system was financed through a combination of PSEJATC funds and a substantial contribution from Puget Sound Energy (PSE). PSE’s funding for this project was made possible at no additional cost to its customers through a unique collaboration with the BEF and the use of the Conservation and Renewables Discount program offered by the Bonneville Power Administration.