Sammamish to join regional 'Solarize' campaign; staff to coordinate public events and vendor outreach

Sammamish staff told the commission they will add a Solarize Eastside campaign to the city’s 2025 sustainability work plan, partnering with a nonprofit facilitator and local solar vendors to deliver education, negotiate group pricing and connect residents with rebates.

Rose, a city staff member, described the program as a facilitator‑led outreach model: a nonprofit (Olympia Community Solar) would provide education and help consolidate resident interest; installers would bid on participating households and staff would host community events in city facilities. “It’s really just, you know, staff timing,” Rose said, noting the program is low‑cost for the city and largely relies on vendor and nonprofit work.

Commissioners asked several practical questions about feasibility. One commissioner noted sticker shock from a prior individual bid and asked whether bulk buying would require a minimum number of signups; staff said the model centers on concentrated outreach and negotiated pricing, not a strict signup threshold. Commissioners also discussed the solar–tree tension: large tree cover and HOA design rules can limit rooftop suitability, and staff flagged a legal change that prevents HOA bans on rooftop solar while noting HOAs may still restrict roof styles.

Staff also said the campaign will enable metrics tracking — a measurable uptick in solar permit activity would show whether the program increases local installations. The commission supported pursuing the pilot and asked staff to return with more detail on timing and how the city would coordinate events and marketing materials.