Northwest SEED empowers community scale clean energy through technical support, community education and practical implementation to help communities achieve their sustainability and economic development goals.

Community Energy Projects

Northwest SEED helps communities move their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects forward, whether they are at the initial stages of concept development, or ready for assistance in securing financing or project implementation. While project technology, size, and financial structure can vary widely, our projects focus on the development of clean energy with substantial community ownership and involvement.

We are currently focused on advancing community-based energy projects that fall within the four categories:

1. ENERGY CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY: Energy conservation and energy efficiency are presently the most powerful tools in our transition to a clean energy future. In all of our projects we strongly encourage communities to first evaluate energy efficiency solutions before considering generation through renewable energy technologies.1
2. SOLAR ENERGY: It’s never been easier for communities to go solar together. From award winning community solar projects to our innovative Solarize Washington program, Northwest SEED is helping communities harness energy from the sun.2
3. WIND ENERGY: Northwest SEED offers technical expertise paired with educational workshops, outreach, and support to ensure that any community that wants to harvest the wind can make that a reality.3
4. RURAL RENEWABLES: Since our inception, Northwest SEED has helped agricultural producers and rural small businesses access the technical and financial resources needed to complete their clean energy projects. Our projects prove that clean, sustainable energy resources can meet local energy needs and create economic development opportunities.4

Specific projects can be found on each category’s page, but if you have an idea for a project and would like Northwest SEED’s help, please contact us for more information!

Community Energy Policy

Community Energy projects can only happen if we have strong policies reducing the barriers to implementation and encouraging development at the local level. Learn more about our advocacy efforts here.