A&R does more than install solar panels on roof

Like the rest of the world, we all faced challenges over the past year. However, we recognize that we are fortunate to have great jobs in a growing and increasingly important industry. Our employees recognize that and have chosen to donate their time and talents to causes in Oregon and Washington that are important to them. Here are some of the ways A&R Solar employees have been giving back in the past few months.

Solar-powered trailer

The American Solar Energy Society reached out to us to see if we could help Moises Santos create a solar trailer to power his food truck, El Costeño, in Seattle’s Central District. We assisted in securing some materials and several of our team members helped install solar panels on Moises’ food truck. The 9.5kW solar trailer can be moved anywhere. It uses artificial intelligence to control and measure its energy generation and consumption. It completely offsets the food truck’s energy usage. Moises received a grant from ASES. Besides A&R, other companies and organizations stepped up to help, including Sense, Key Tech Labs, and Wyze. Beyond operating his food truck on 100% clean energy, Moises plans to share the trailer’s blueprint publicly so others can replicate his design and create their own solar trailers across the world. The system is currently sitting at 21st and E Union in the parking lot of the old Shell station next to the El Costeño food truck.

Quinault tribe installation

Members of our installation team volunteered to help Twende Solar and Bonneville Environmental Foundation to complete the Quinault Nation’s first solar installation. The 24kW solar energy system and Tesla Powerwall will provide the community a certain amount of resilience during power outages. The system was installed at the Queets Community Center. A&R Solar employees joined other volunteers from local solar companies, including Elemental Energy, South Sound Solar, and True South Solar.

Turning Washington green

A&R Solar CEO Reeves Clippard just wrapped up work as co-chair of an advisory committee to guide an update to Washington’s energy strategy. Reeves served with representatives of utilities, industry, local government, tribes, labor unions, civic organizations representing vulnerable populations, environmental organizations, government officials and legislators. Reeves is also board chair of the CleanTech Alliance and on the Shoreline Community College Clean Energy Program Advisory Board.

Donations

In Portland, our staff collected donations for the Portland Rescue Mission. In Washington, employees gathered items for Compass Affordable Housing and local food banks. A&R Solar also donated tools to new ANEW graduates (great program!).

Tiny homes

Staff have been volunteering on tiny home construction projects in the Puget Sound area. Those homes will be sent to Tacoma and Skyway.

Mentorship and board participation

We have employees who are mentors to students in college and the Big Brothers/Big Sister program. Others serve on the Board of Advisors for Construction Center of Excellence, WASEIA, OSSIA (former OSEIA). Others work as an  ambassador at Artemis and on the board of the Association of NW Steelheaders.